“But we just got here.” I glance at the beds. We didn’t even stay the night. What the hell.
“Just do it.”
“Not until you tell me what’s going on.”
“The less you know, the better.”
“You don’t trust me.”
“Correct.”
“Fine.” I search for my clothes, sniff them, and moan. Skipping underpants seems like my best option. I turn my shirt inside-out, so the stains don’t show, put on my coat, and stuff my wet hair into my hat.
Back at his car, I cross my arms and refuse to enter. There’s a fancy shindig going on and lots of people in the parking lot. If I scream, the police are sure to come.
“Just tell me what you know.”
“The doll’s fentanyl is unique. We’re not sure how, but our chemist said it’s worth a small fortune.”
I have no idea how much the regular drug costs, but the way he says it, my heart races. “Because of that, you think I’m in trouble?”
“I think the doll was a sample and someone thinks you’re a buyer. You’ll be expected to pay for the product and buy more. If you can’t, they will kill you.”
Chapter 15
Wheels
Face pale, she jumps in the car without giving me any more bullshit. Maybe, I finally got through her thick skull and won’t need to cuff her.
The miles go by, and we don’t talk. It’s not like when we first met, and I miss it. My hand itches to settle on her knee. I want her to smile up at me and her eyes to sparkle again.
Fuck. I was certain she had a phone in the bathroom, but I searched high and low. Unless it was a microscopic communicator, she was telling the truth and talking to herself.
Some of what she said hit me in the nuts. Especially the part of wanting to matter. What kind of asshole treats his wife so badly? She tried to hide it, but I heard her sobbing. I almost picked the lock to console her but what good would come of it?
There’s one thing we agree upon. We’re no good for each other.
She sleeps while I drive north. The chalets near the ski slopes are a perfect place to disappear. The staff won’t think twice at the lovers who choose the bedroom over the moguls.
A small moan emits from her chest, but her eyes remain closed. A few seconds later, they open with her breathing so hard, she steams the front mirror.
“Bad dream?”
Her eyes dart about and she bites her lower lip. “Evergreen.” I’m sure of it. Then, he said a university, NYU, and some numbers, like a zip code.
I hand Rose my phone. “Push the pink icon and tell it everything you just told me.”
Hopefully, Jasonelle can unravel the mystery before we end up dead. I’ve stayed off the main roads and used cash for gas and food. Still, I’m worried. All it takes is one mistake and our bodies won’t be found until spring.
“Good morning. How can I help you today?” The AI app connects to Bluetooth and sounds out of the SUV’s speakers.
“Oh, I love your meme!” Rose turns to me but the Jasonelle answers.
“Thank you. Does my appearance give you confidence in my abilities?”
“Hmm. Why not try a black outfit, and darker rimmed glasses? Also, a suit jacket always exudes professionalism, even with jeans… Oh yes, that’s much better.”
I roll my eyes. “Rose. It isn’t a BFF. It’s an expensive AI unit who charges by the minute. If you wouldn’t mind, tell the nice meme everything you told me.”
