He reaches for me, and I step back, holding up a palm. “But it doesn’t mean I forget or forgive. It means I’m giving you a chance to make it up to me, and if you fuck up, if you keep shit from me again, that is it for our friendship. It will be as dead as my father will be once we’re through with him.”
“Youarestaying in the car,” I hiss, glaring at Drew. “She’ll probably clam up if she sees you.”
“It’s not safe to hang around outside here by yourself.”
I roll my eyes. Honestly, it’s like talking to a brick wall. “You will be right out here watching, and there’s no one around at this hour of night.” I flap my hands in the air, gesturing toward the quiet street outside. “And Sylvia will not hurt me.”
“You don’t know that.”
“She was one of Mom’s best friends.” I level him with a “get real” look. “She won’t do anything to me.” I stretch my hand out to him. “But if it makes you feel better, give me your gun.” All the elite have a weapon in close possession, at all times. It was probably part of lesson one-oh-one at Parkhurst. Drilled into them from the time they were ten, when they first started going there.
He fishes a gun out of the glove box and hands it to me. I check that the safety is on before tucking it in the back of my black pants and opening the car door.
Drew tugs on my elbow. “Be careful.”
I glance over my shoulder at him. “Sylvia is as harmless as a fly.”
“I’ve learned to underestimate no one. You shouldn’t either.”
It’s sage advice. “Duly noted. Now let me go before I miss her.”
“I’ll shadow you, but if there are any issues, text me.”
“Got it.” I press a kiss to his cheek. “Stop worrying.”
He pulls my hand, lacing his fingers in mine. “You’re all I have left, Abby. I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you.”
“Nothing will happen to me. I know how to take care of myself, but I appreciate your concern.” I kiss his cheek again. “Now chill out. I’ll see you in a while.”
I climb out of the car, shutting the door and watching as Drew moves it further along the road, pulling into the curb up ahead, where it’s less conspicuous. I don’t want to spook Trent’s mom before I’ve explained, because I need to pump her for intel.
I wait outside the shrink’s office for ten minutes before she shows. She spots me instantly. “Abigail?” Her voice sounds clear, which is unusual because she’s usually strung out from drugs or booze or a concoction of both. I’m guessing she likes to show up for her therapy sessions looking like she’s got a handle on things.
But I’ve been around her enough, heard Trent complain about her enough, to know it’s not the norm.
“Hi, Mrs. Montgomery,” I say, smiling as I approach her.
“I prefer Sylvia,” she says, and that doesn’t warrant an explanation.
“I was hoping you had a few minutes to go for a coffee,” I say. “There are some things I’d like to ask you.”
Her eyes dart around the area, her gaze turning suspicious. “The elite don’t know I’m here,” I say, answering her unspoken question. “Except for Drew.” Her eyes widen in alarm. “He won’t tell anyone about our meeting,” I rush to reassure her. “He’s trailing me purely to ensure I’m safe, and he means you no trouble.”
“Is that the truth?”
I don’t blame her for her caution. “Yes.” I step closer, relieved when her shoulders relax. “You were one of my mother’s best friends so that leads me to believe I can trust you. Can I trust you, Sylvia? Can I ask you about my mother and how she met my father and know that you won’t relay that back to your husband or your son or my father?”
Fire dances in her eyes. “I would never betray any female in that way. And I avoid conversing with those men whenever I can help it.” She presses her key fob, lifting her shoulder. “Come on. There’s a coffee place off the beaten track a few minutes away. Let’s talk there.”
I thought I’d have to blackmail her into talking to me, but I can see that won’t be necessary. Perhaps it’s because she’s sober, or maybe she’s lonely, or she’s waited for me to approach her about my mother, but whatever the reason, I’m grateful she seems willing to open up.
“I’ve overheard my husband and son discussing elite business,” she says when we’re in the car and en route to the coffee shop. “And I’m surprised Drew is here supporting you.” She glances at me briefly. “Pleasantly surprised,” she adds. “But surprised none the less.”
“He has my back, and he wants to protect me.” For the first time, I say it with conviction.
She squeezes my knee, smiling. “I’m glad you two are still close, and I’m glad he hasn’t forgotten who he is. That he’s looking out for you.”
“We both want to know about our mother. We know she was planning to escape with Atticus Anderson and that our father killed her for it.”
