“Remember, I just said that my mom is Mason’s uncle’s attorney? I was in charge of printing out some evidence she needed for a murder trial. Someone who owed Enzo Morelli money went missing. He was found weeks later by a group of tourists doing a scuba diving course off the old marina. Ever heard of concrete boots? And that was a lucky guy. I heard two of the younger associates, who were second chairs on the case that Enzo’s nickname is the West Coast Beast. Usually his victims are found in so many pieces that it’s impossible for the police to recover more than a few scraps.”
A shiver works its way down my spine. “Ok, then we have to race. If paying him up isn’t going to work, maybe we can find another way. We just need to bide our time and figure out what it is.”
Chance considers my words. “You’re right. Maybe there’s something Morelli wants more than the money.”
“No.” Ares decides. “You got into this mess because you started wagering with him. I don’t think Morelli is going to let you go until he wants to. My mind is made up. I’m going to speak to the sheriff and we’re going to stop this insanity once and for all.”
I don’t understand. “But what about Chance and Lev? You just said that no NHL team will touch them if they have a criminal record.”
“Sheriff Pullin has known us since we were born. I’m going to explain the situation and hopefully I can work out a deal for you guys. No charges in exchange for your testimony.”
Lev doesn’t look convinced. “Do you really think that snitching on Morelli is going to be any better than racing for him? What part of his family makes people disappear and puts them in concrete boots as a warning to anyone who feels brave and wants to go against them don’t you understand?”
“We’re the mayor’s family. We’re too well known in town. Enzo Morelli thrives on keeping a clean, legit front. If he hurts you, his cover is gone.” Ares argues.
“What about Dad?” Chance worries.
“We can find that video and destroy it once we have the Fox brothers and Mason in custody, and Dad will be none the wiser. Or we can say that you had to complete your initiation task, but then you came to me about it. Dad was a Gamma Delta Tau, he knows how hard it is to say no to whatever they ask you to do to prove your loyalty.”
Chance and Lev seem on board with Ares’s idea.
“If you think that it’ll work…”
Before I can object to the plan, my phone pings with a text message.
“Shit.” I hiss. “It’s my mom. She’s waiting for me at home to go to the Country Club for a charity event.”
“Let’s go then.” Lev rises from his chair. “I have to attend that event, and so does Chance. The hockey team has been invited, and Coach has made it clear that if we don’t show up, there’s gonna be hell to pay. I can drive you.”
I look at his old t-shirt. “It’s a fancy afternoon tea to fundraise for the protection of Star Cove’s endangered subspecies of Olive Ridley sea turtle that can only be found in this area. My mom asked me to go early to help her hand out some information packets the volunteers had prepared. I don’t have enough time to go home, and I can’t show up in a t-shirt or in my racing suit.”
Lev has the perfect solution. “I’m sure my mom has something you can borrow in her closet. Come on, Zee. We’ve got you.”
Chance groans, frustrated. “You take care of Zara, Lev. I had totally forgotten about this thing, and I don’t have a suit here. I have no choice but to go home.”
“Don’t worry, brother.” Lev gives him a sympathetic slap on the back. “I’ll run interference with Coach until you show up.”
Zara
Luckily, not only does Lev’s mom wear my same size clothes but we also have the same shoe size.
When I arrive at the Star Cove Country Club in a little black dress and a pair of shiny black pumps that were still brand new, my mom gives me a pleased nod of approval.
Lev is by my side in a navy blue suit, his arm wrapped protectively around my waist.
My boyfriend is the best and sticks by my side as I help in handing out the promotional material that explains what the donations are for. The colorful bags also contain adorable stationery with a sea turtle theme, a baby turtle plushie and a turtle-shaped pin that says, “Save Star Cove’s Turtles.”
The room is crowded with the Zetas in attendance and the hockey team. The only time Lev leaves my side is to greet Coach Harrison and his team captain, Luke Harper.
Once the room is at capacity, Mom walks behind the podium set up next to a big screen and encourages everyone to find their assigned seats.
One of the waiters walks us to our table, and I’m not surprised to see Heather. What is surprising is whom she brought as her date.
“Zara,” Dave Fox’s wide smile doesn’t reach his brown eyes, a dead ringer for his older brother. “How nice to see you again. You clean up very nicely.”
“You too, Dave.” I return the compliment because we’re in a room full of people who support the mayor, and I can’t make a scene. But I can’t help but let the little dig on the tip of my tongue slip out. “At least one of the Fox brothers knows how to mix with polite company.”
The smile on his face widens, and Dave leans closer, lowering his voice. “I know you and Cal didn’t exactly end things amicably, but you might want to leave the bitchy comments at the door. He’s here tonight, and he’s pretty pissed at the fact that you embarrassed him every time you raced against him. You might want to play nice if you want to avoid a scene.”
