“And he left them here, knowing it put us in a different form of danger.”
Catalina shook her head. “What do you mean? The cops wouldn’t hurt us—”
Punc sat down next to Cat. “There’s no way to know that for sure, but Children and Family Services would have been calledin if they thought Savannah was an accomplice or complicit in your dad’s activities.”
Catalina slouched down in the couch. “Didn’t he think about that?”
Savannah shrugged. “If he really went to jail when he said—”
“No, Savannah,” Punc said. “He didn’t care if your mom was found with the merchandise either, which means he put her in a bad spot, too.”
“Can we hand the merchandise over to the cops?” Catalina asked.
“Punc and his friends took care of it,” Savannah said.
Catalina straightened in the sofa. “We go to the clubhouse, and then what happens?”
Savannah shook her head. “You go, I’ll be there later.”
“How about I go to Muriel’s?” Cat asked.
“Muriel’s? You hardly know her.” Savannah said.
A knowing gleam hit Catalina’s eyes. “She had clothes delivered to me at the hospital - from an upscale San Marco boutique. We bonded.”
Savannah and Punc were silent.
Catalina pressed the issue. “Her place is gated, and Dad has no clue about her.”
Savannah shot him a questioning look. “It’s a decent idea - especially since she thought your buddy from the Navy was hot. This will keep her from crushing on someone else who’s too old for her.”
Punc thought about it, and then jerked his chin up. “Give her a call. See what she says.”
Twenty minutes later, Catalina bounded back into the room. “I spoke to Muriel. She suggested I spend the night.”
Savannah nodded. “I don’t have an issue with that. Are you sure you’re okay about Dad? Before he left, I told him he’s deadto me. If you want to keep a line open to him, I won’t stop you, but—”
“No. I’m angry as hell. For now, I don’t mind cutting him out. I’ll be happy when you don’t have to strip to pay this jerk for a loan that never should have been our problem.”
“Yeah, it’ll be nice not to worry about that anymore,” Savannah said.
18
Five to One
Savannah
“I’mgladyouloveMuriel’s house so much. Tell her I said hello and thank you,” I said to my sister.
“Trust me, I’ll make sure she knows we appreciate her help. This place rocks. Even though I know Ted’s gonna keep you safe, please be careful, Savannah.”
I nodded. “I will. See you in the morning. I love you.”
“Love you, too, sis.”
My phone battery was low, so I connected it to the charger and set it on the kitchen counter.
Punc pulled a beer from the fridge and shut the door. “Everything good?”
