When I go out to the living room, nobody’s there. From the sound of the music upstairs, I’m guessing Trystan’s in his room. Braden is probably still with Brock in his office.
Hurrying to the kitchen, I grab a pen and the notepad Ana uses to make grocery lists and scribble down a note.
Out taking a walk. Be back later.
I leave it on the counter where they’ll see it, then head to the door, tiptoeing so I don’t make any noise.
“Where are you going?” Trystan asks from the stairs.
“On a walk. I thought you were leaving.”
“I am, but not for an hour. I thought you were studying.”
“I was, but I needed a break. I need some fresh air.”
“I’ll come with you,” he says, running down the stairs.
Is he serious? He’s never offered to walk with me, and now suddenly he wants to?
“You can’t,” I blurt out as he meets me at the door.
“Why not?”
“Because your dad needs you to stay here. In case they need to question you.”
“They don’t need to question me. They already know everything from what I told them before. And Dad said the cops wouldn’t be sending anyone over today.”
“Really? Why?”
“Something about them needing more time with the evidence.”
“They still need you to stay here.” I open the door. “I’ll see you later.”
“Who told you I need to stay here? My dad?”
“Yeah. Bye!” I hurry out the door, hoping I can get away before he finds out I lied. I text Jackson.
On my way.
When I reach his car, which is parked on a side street, I jump in, and he takes off.
“What’d you tell them?” he asks.
“That I was going on a walk. I told Trystan. Brock and Braden weren’t around. Trystan wanted to come with, so I had to get rid of him.”
“Why’d he want to come with?”
“I don’t know. I think he was bored. Or maybe he didn’t believe I was going on a walk. He doesn’t believe anything I say. He always thinks I’m lying. I’m surprised he doesn’t follow me everywhere I go.”
Jackson glances at his rearview mirror. “I don’t see him.”
“I told him Brock wanted him home, in case he needed to be questioned. He’s probably already found out I lied, which will make him trust me even less.” I let out a breath. “I hate this. I hate everything that’s going on. I hate living there. The only thing that’s good right now is you.”
Jackson reaches over and takes my hand. “I feel the same way.” He glances at me. “Like I’ve told you before, come over whenever you want. Even if I’m not home, you can stay there and hang out to get away from them.”
“I can’t. You’re the enemy, remember?”
“Maybe not for long,” he says with a smile.
