"Just met him tonight. His name is Rick Manos. He was in the coffee shop I hit after classes every day." Her gaze met Zeke's. "Why?"
My boyfriend rubbed the top of his head, clearly reluctant to speak up but knowing he had to. "He's not the kind of person you should hang out with."
Valerie's jaw dropped. I glanced up and down the hall, looking for eavesdroppers. "Why don't you come in?"
With a nod, she did. I motioned toward the bed. We both took a seat. Zeke sort of propped himself on the dresser.
"So you know him?" she asked.
"Rick's a loser, Valerie. He's been in jail several times, and he's currently living with two guys who aren't any nicer than he is."
She pressed her hands to her lips, which drew my attention to her French manicure. "Oh my God."
Zeke nodded. "Yeah. I don't know if he's asked you out or what. I just thought I should warn you."
"I can't believe this. Thank goodness you told me."
"Has he?" I said. "Asked you out, I mean."
"Yes, and I said I'd go. I won't now, of course." She dug into her hobo bag and pulled out her phone. Mouthing another thanks, she left the room. I heard her outside the door. "Rick? Glad I caught you. I've checked my calendar, and I won't be able to see you this week…" A door down the hall opened and shut, cutting off what she said next.
"Why did he do that? Why?"
"Don't freak, okay?" said Zeke, sitting beside me. "I'll get to the bottom of this."
"How? I don't want you going over there again."
"I won't have to. Rick will come to me."
Not thirty minutes later, heavy boots tramped down the hall. Someone banged on Zeke's door. I jumped a foot, whirling away from the microwave we'd plugged in minutes before. Savory steam emanated from the bag of popcorn I held.
Zeke jumped up and answered the door, opening it about six inches. I tried to see who'd come to call. My boyfriend kept me behind him, which could only mean one thing: his prediction had come true.
"You need to mind your own business, asshole." Yep, Rick, and he was pissed.
"And you need to stay away from me, my girlfriend, this house, and the people in it. I don't want you near my school or either of Skylar's parents, either. In fact, why don't you guys leave town? I don't understand why you're here, anyway. Pick another city with mountains in it. This is my territory."
"Just so you know, this is my territory, as well. In fact, I've got more family here than you do, bro. As for Valerie, I'm just trying to get myself a rich bitch, too. And if you interfere again, I'll tell Bateman where you are. I heard he's pretty pissed at the gang members who mutinied; I could use some extra cash."
The air left my lungs in a whoosh. I poked my head out so I could see our visitor. "The Corteggio's got him." I glanced at Zeke for confirmation. "Right?"
Rick laughed. "Like that means anything. Don't think for a minute he's not still running the show." He looked me dead in the eye, a smirk on his face, and spoke as if talking to me though his words revealed that he wasn't. "And if Bateman's not interested, well, maybe I'll take care of you anyway. I know how to hit you where it hurts. Don't forget it."
Zeke lunged forward and grabbed the guy by the neck. They began to struggle, bouncing from one wall across to the other of the narrow passageway. Valerie's door flew open, as did the door of Zeke's boss. Rex stepped into the hall, clearly intending to help Zeke. Charlee poked her head out the door to watch. Rick broke free from Zeke and staggered back. Shooting murderous looks at both men, he smoothed his Hawaiian shirt and swaggered down the hall to the stairs. I heard him pound down them. The door slammed. Rex immediately followed. I heard him checking the lock. Moments later, he joined us again. "How'd he get in here? That door locks automatically."
"When it shuts, yeah. I've noticed it hangs up sometimes."
"I am so sorry, Rex," said Valerie. "This is all my fault. He just seemed so nice. I never dreamed--"
Zeke stopped her. "If this is anyone's fault, it's mine. Rick and I go way back, and it isn't pretty." He shifted his attention to Rex. "I'll work on the door tomorrow. If that's okay with you, that is." Rex nodded. "Don't worry. I'll make sure he doesn't come back."
"How?" I asked.
Zeke didn't answer. With a shake of his head, Rex gathered up Valerie and Charlee, escorting both women to their doors. Once Zeke and I were alone, he herded me into his room.
"How?" I asked again.
"I have my ways."
Just what I wanted to hear…not. Rattled and unwilling to give him anything else to worry about, I didn't mention the complaint call Dad had gotten. That on top of what had just happened might make him do something drastic, like move to Cheyenne to keep us all safe.
That night I dreamed of my werewolf again. This time found him faced off against Rick, Germain and Rourke-wolf. At least I assumed that's who and what the animal with the ex-Weres was. How could I really know? Rourk-wolf snarled fiercely, and judging from my werewolf's injuries, they'd been tormenting him for a while. I tried to run and help, but someone held me back. I looked to see who. Melita. Behind her stood Sally Withers.
Reality abruptly intruded on fantasy, jolting me awake. It didn't take a genius to figure out why I'd dreamed such a crazy dream. I'd simply lumped Zeke's enemies together. Though foolish, the nightmare haunted me until I fell asleep again.
Chapter Fifteen
As soon as I got out of Zeke's Charger in the school parking lot Tuesday morning, I sensed that something wasn't right. Seconds later, my Skyntuition proved true. At least ten people promptly descended on us, some with notepads. Others had hand-held recorders or mics, and a couple had cameras.
It took a moment for me to realize what was going down. Then a vivacious blond woman stuck a microphone under Zeke's nose. "Are you Zeke Sterling?"
My guy just looked at them, clearly uncertain what to say. I slipped my arm through his and tried to direct him toward the building. If we could just get to Dad, everything would be okay.
"It's Zeke, all right," said another woman to her cameraman. "I recognize him from his pictures."
As if on cue, they crowded in, blocking our way. "You went missing over a year ago. Where have you been?"
"Was Ace Kensett really behind your disappearance?"
"Why hasn't your father announced your homecoming? Wasn't he glad to see you?"
"Sam Sterling has garnered a lot of sympathy votes during the last year. Do you think your return will negatively impact his campaign? Or did you even go missing?"
"Yeah. Were you really kidnapped, Zeke? Or did you run away?"
"You're attending Walker Academy, right? Why? Did your father kick you out of the house? Is that why you're living in a one-room apartment over a dry cleaner's?"
Oh. My. God.
"Excuse me. Step aside, please. What's going on here?"
Dad. And not a moment too soon.
"Who are you?" asked the pushy blonde.
"Thorn Walker, owner of Walker Academy. And you are?"
"Kelly Persia, feature writer for the Cheyenne Daily News."
"Why are you here, Ms. Persia?"
"A concerned parent called the media last night about Zeke Sterling, son of Sam Sterling, gubernatorial candidate. She said he was obviously unstable and a bad influence on the other students, many of whom are afraid of him. Would you like to comment on that?"
"I talked to that parent last night and assured her that Zeke is not only an excellent student, but a threat to no one. That's all I have to say on the matter."
Zeke tensed and looked at me in disbelief. Did I wish I'd mentioned the call? Oh yeah. But I hadn't, and now I owed him an explanation.
"Zeke, Skylar," said Dad. "The first bell is about to ring. Why don't you head to class?"
I pulled on my guy's arm, pretty much dragging him indoors. We stopped just inside, watching to see what happened. Though I couldn't hear what Dad said, I knew it would be something succinct and firm. Not for nothing was he in charg
e of Walker. The crowd of people outside soon broke up and returned to their cars and vans.
"Why didn't you say something?" Zeke did not look happy.
"Rick scared it right out of me."
"Hmph." He shook his head, clearly disgusted. "I never wanted this to happen."
"It's okay. Dad's a pro when it comes to defusing tense situations."
The bell rang. I pushed Zeke toward his first class, stealing a kiss before I left him at the door and dashed to mine. At lunch I secretly asked Maggie how Mr. C treated Zeke that day. She said he'd cleaned up his act a little, but it was obvious Zeke still rubbed him the wrong way.
After school, Zeke drove me home as usual. Since we were running a little late, he didn't linger in the driveway. I cooperated by jumping out of the car. Just as I reached to close the passenger side door, Zeke's phone rang. He looked at the number, grimaced, and answered it.
"Hello, Melita."
I froze. Not for anything was I going to let Zeke leave now.
"What?" Pause. "I had nothing to do with that, okay?" Pause. "Do you think I'm totally stupid? I'd never set him up. I hate pushy reporters as much as he does."
I ducked my head to check out Zeke's expression and wasn't surprised to see a spot of color on each cheekbone. His brown eyes flashed; he tapped his heel on the floorboard.
"What dinner? He hasn't said anything to me about dinner." Pause. "Well, I can't do it. I work late every night." Zeke glanced at me and shook his head, clearly fuming. "I won't lie to my dad, if that's what you're wanting. I mean, why would I say living in Ridge Rock was my idea when I only moved here because of you?" Pause. "Is that so? Well, maybe we should put him to the test and find out for sure who he believes." Pause. "Why don’t you do that? And I'll see if I can leave an hour early tomorrow night. If I can't, we'll just have to eat late." Zeke ended the call and tossed his iPhone into the passenger seat, a look of disgust on his face.
"What was that all about?" I asked, though I had a good idea.
"Melita says if I don't go along with her version of things, she'll tell Dad I called the media in hopes of derailing his campaign."
"Why would he ever believe you don't want him to win?"
"Because if he isn't elected, the blame will fall on Melita, his campaign manager."
"That's a stretch, don't you think?"
"To someone with a clear head, yeah. Dad has never had a clear head when it comes to that woman."
"Let me get this straight. Melita's going to try to convince your dad that you want him to lose so she'll look bad?"
"Exactly."
"I don't even know what to say."
"It gets better. Dad's still expecting me to apologize to Melita. In fact, he promised her that I would."
"Great. The perfect ending to a perfect day." I crawled into the car and halfway across the console so I could give him a big fat kiss on the lips. "Dinner's tomorrow night?"
"Yeah."
"Mind if I tag along?"
"You thought I'd go without you?"
That made me smile. "You're dad's going to come around, Zeke. I know he will."
"Just the way he did the last time I tried to tell him the truth about Melita?"
I winced. "Maybe he'll have a change of heart."
"How can he with her filling his ears with lies?"
****
I worried about Zeke long after he left me. Though I'd have loved to talk to Dad about what had happened at school, he didn't come home for dinner. As for Mom, she had her mind on a professional conference she planned to attend the following weekend in Portland. She really, really wanted Dad to go, but he really, really didn't want to even though one of the guest speakers was none other than Sam Sterling, who was apparently outlining a mental health proposal he hoped to push through if elected. So far, I couldn't tell who was going to win my parents' battle of wills.
Around ten-thirty, my cell lit up and rang. I saw that Zeke was calling and grabbed it from the side table. "Hey." I settled back on my pillows.
"Hey. I need help with my phone. Rex just got wireless, and he gave me the password, but I can't figure out where to enter it."
Yeah. Great at cracking safes, not so hot with cell phones. I talked my boyfriend through the process of connecting to his landlord's wifi to speed up his internet connection.
"Got it!"
"Anything else I can do for you?"
He laughed. "Nothing I'd feel comfortable saying over the phone."
I liked the sound of that answer and his laughter, which I hadn't heard much lately. "You love me."
"And you love me."
He ended the call shortly after. I stole a moment to assign him a ringtone and then played with my phone in the dark, deleting old text messages, checking email, updating apps that needed it. In the process, I realized I'd recorded almost ten minutes of something. Of course I checked to see what and heard a couple of voices I knew well. I'm sure my eyes grew as big as saucers as I listened.
****
Wednesday night around eight-thirty, Zeke picked me up and drove to Casa del Taco, a Mexican restaurant in town. The owner, a distinguished-looking Hispanic man, greeted us warmly, hugging Melita, who he'd apparently known since she was little. As a result of that connection, we were ushered into a private area I didn't know existed. Once we were seated, the waiter delivered the customary salsa and chips and left with our drink orders. Melita turned to my very tense boyfriend with a smile.
"You look so tired, Zeke. Are you sure this job isn't going to be too much for you?"
"Yeah." Sam gave his son a quick appraisal. "There's no need for it. I can deposit money in your checking account every month if you're wanting to save the cash you got from the insurance company."
"All I do is stand behind a counter," Zeke told them. "I believe I can handle the job." He sounded a little surly, and though I didn't blame him, I wished he was as good an actor as Melita. I slipped my hand into his under the table, hoping he'd relax a little.
"But the hours are so long." Melita appeared very sympathetic. "Especially after a hard day at school. We don't want your grades to suffer."
We? I suddenly wanted to douse her in salsa.
Sam ate up her solicitous words, draping his arm across the back of her chair so he could give her a quick hug. Then he leaned forward slightly, both elbows now on the table, as he looked Zeke in the eye. "Melita really cares about you, Zeke, and wants you to be happy. I hope that you'll give her a chance. I think a great first step toward that would be an apology for the things you said the day you came to Cheyenne. That will wipe the slate clean so we can all move forward."
Zeke just looked at him.
"Please, son. This means everything to me."
"Dad, you don't understa--"
"Please."
Zeke closed his eyes. Tension radiated from him like rays from the sun. Could I let him humiliate himself and make an apology that didn't make sense? Could I let Melita win?
No.
My hand shook as I eased my fingers free of Zeke's and got my purse, the strap of which I'd draped over the back of my chair. Zeke glanced to see what I was doing and seemed surprised that I'd chosen that moment to dig out my phone. I touched a couple of icons and set it in the center of the table. Loud and clear, the butt recording revealed just how much Melita cared for Zeke.
"…as a result, Ace's popularity plummeted, and he lost chair on the Council. He'd love to make Sam pay by exposing the truth. Or maybe he'll get to him another way. Ace is still a very powerful man. You might turn up missing again and never come back."
"I'm not afraid of Kensett, and neither is Dad. As for what people will think, Dad's record speaks for itself."
"Are you referring to his fifteen years as a small-time county sheriff? Hardly. We've built this campaign on charisma and the myth that right conquers might. Your appearance will cast a shadow of doubt over everything."
"You act like my dad doesn't have a brain in his head."
&nbs
p; "I think we both know whose brains run this show. So right now I need you to call him on that shiny new phone and say that you won't be available on Saturday after all."
"Can't do it. I've never lied to my dad and don't plan to start now."
"Zeke, listen to me--"
"No, you listen to me. I'm done with being pushed around by you or anybody else. Just like my dad, I can think for myself. So I suggest you get the hell out of here and stop interfering."
"I don't think you understand your position."
"I'm positive you don't understand yours. Wonder what Dad would say if I told him how you really feel about him."
"You'll never learn, will you? When it comes down to a choice between you and me, Sam Sterling will always pick me."
"You can leave now."
"You'll regret this."
"Is that a threat?"
"Let's just say where you're concerned, I've always been a very dangerous woman."
I stopped it there.
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