“That’s a very good question,” he says. “One I can assure you the other inmates are asking. Rumor has it he was placed here temporarily. For his own protection.”
“Yes, well rumors aren’t always true.” It’s why I refuse to believe Luke was here. Dad must be getting this wrong.
“I promise you sweetheart,” Dad says. “I saw this Luke person with my very own eyes.”
“He would have told me.” I’m certain that’s true. “If he came here and saw you, he’d have mentioned it.”
“I don’t think he knew I was here. He seemed focused on his conversation with this Matador character.” Dad leans back in his chair, looking thoughtful. “This was yesterday morning. Maybe nine, ten a.m.”
My cheeks feel hot and my eyes start to sting. “I don’t believe you.”
“Ask the guards to show you the guest log,” he insists. “And I’m not surprised Luke wouldn’t mention it. If he promised to keep his nose clean, he’d hardly tell you about meeting up with a dangerous criminal.” Dad gives a humorless chuckle. “Take it from a guy who got pretty good at covering his tracks.”
My mind begins racing, filled with the echo of Luke’s words on the phone last night.
I didn’t do much. Ran errands mostly. Went to Salem to try on twin baby slings at that new baby store.
He would have told me if he’d come to a prison. If he’d crossed paths with my dad.
Except as far as he knows, my dad’s still at the federal prison.
“His real name is Enzo,” my father continues. “The man Luke came to visit? El Matador recently had his sentence extended for assault on another inmate.”
“This isn’t about Enzo or El Matador or whatever his name is.” I know my dad doesn’t care about that. “You don’t think Luke is right for me.”
“That’s true,” my father agrees. “You deserve better than a man with a criminal record. A man who’d lie to your face.”
I want to point out that Dad did those things. His lies led him here and earned him a criminal record of his own. “How do I know you’re not lying now? It would hardly be the first time.”
My father stares at me, stone-faced. “I deserved that.”
“Dad, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean?—”
“He was wearing a shirt that said ‘I create clones.’ Does that sound familiar?”
There’s a roar in my ears and a sickening swoop in my belly. “No,” I whisper, willing it not to be true. “No, it can’t be.”
“Sweetheart?” Dad looks concerned. “You’re really pale. Should I call someone over to?—”
“I have to go.” Bolting up from my chair, I feel the floor swooping beneath me. Gripping the table, I steady myself. “Enjoy the book.”
Dad looks down at his copy of Numr Ne Randpa. When he looks up again, there are tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry, honey. For everything.”
“Me, too.” Choking back sobs, I hold on to the table for dear life. “Me, too.”
Chapter 15
Luke
I unlock Hazel’s front door, feeling weird about having my very own key to a mansion.
But Hazel’s not home, so there’s no point in knocking. Her spa date with Erika should last at least four more hours. The appointment was scheduled sometime after lunch, so they won’t be home until dinnertime.
It’s the perfect chance to surprise her with the mobile my mom and sister made just for Hazel’s place. My mom brought it over last weekend.
“It’s the same as the one in your nursery.” Mom smiled as she straightened a small felt elephant. “But I’ll admit I’m hoping you won’t need two nurseries for long. That you and Hazel will move in together for good once the babies are here.”
“One thing at a time, Mom.”
