We’re approaching the highway exit. ‘I volunteer in an old folks’ nursing home. They showed us his picture, asking if we’d seen him. They had patrol cars and a helicopter out, and they were combing the yard. When I went to put the trash out, I found him behind a dumpster. He had a cut on his head and his lip. I’m not sure how long he’d been running.’
As we turn onto the highway and light floods the car, I get my first good look at Hollie Palmer. I was right about the hair, but her blonder roots are showing just a fraction. And she does look different without glasses.
Dang. When did Hollie Palmer get hot?
I clear my throat. ‘Why they looking for him?’
‘Something about stolen cars.’
I blow out my cheeks. I knew this would happen one day. He’s got two priors. Misdemeanors, but stealing cars is serious shit. ‘Why didn’t you turn him in?’
She doesn’t look my way. ‘I… don’t really know. I felt sorry for him. I also have a brother named Noah.’
‘I didn’t know that.’
‘He’s older. When I came to America with my dad, he went to university in London. Anyway, I drove Noah…yourNoah back to my apartment. I left him asleep. When I asked him who I should call, I wasn’t expecting him to say your name. I mean… that I would know who he was talking about.’
She bites her lip. At least I know she hasn’t completely forgotten about me. ‘He’s my half-brother,’ I tell her. ‘Same mom, different father.’
‘I see,’ she says, in that slightly prissy way of hers. ‘Does your mum live in Rapture?’
It’s weird how she says ‘mum’. ‘Uh-huh.’
‘And you… still live there?’
‘That guy who kicked you out the bar? That’s Echo. I work in his garage fixing up motorcycles all day. He’s my boss. I live in the attic space above Scotch & Smoke.’
Her eyes meet mine. I can tell she’s nervous. ‘Well, I don’t think your boss likes me very much.’
‘He’s mostly doesn’t like anyone, especially if you’re not from Rapture. Don’t take it personal. His beef is with your stepmom. And all the rest of ’em.’
‘It’s fine. I know she’s… controversial.’
I practically snort. ‘That’s one way of putting it.’
‘I try my best to keep out of it.’
I don’t reply. We’re not on the highway for long before she’s taking the turn marked for Eastvale, due north of Electric Hills.
‘How come you’re back in Canyon?’ I ask.
‘I, um, finished my degree in England last summer. I didn’t have any plans, so I came back here to see my dad for a while. I started volunteering for something to do, and… somehow, almost a year later, I’m still volunteering.’
‘Why don’t you just get a real job?’
She shrugs, keeping her eyes on the road. ‘No green card. And if I want to get a green card, it costs a lot in legal fees.’ She laughs, but it comes off as awkward. ‘Basically, I need to go back to England and get a paid job.’
‘So, what do you do for money?’
She signals left and we turn. I recognize the area, even at night. We’re near the site of our former high school.
‘My dad helps me out,’ she mumbles. ‘I live in his old apartment, and I get free meals where I volunteer, so mostly I eat there.’
‘At the old folks’ home?’
She nods her head.
‘Do you like old people?’ I ask.
