Page 27 of Their Wicked Secrets: Untouched, Vol 5 of 6

Emma hadn’t been sleeping since the attack

She asked me to stay so she could sleep

I didn’t touch her

I run a hand through my hair. Fuck, I hope she believes me.

Harper:

If you had, they wouldn’t have sent this shot

My chest loosens, and I take a breath. I love her fucking brain, and I’m so glad she didn’t jump to conclusions like some others might.

“This is just an introduction to what they plan to do with Sidney.” Eli nods to his phone and looks at Luke. “They want to put cracks in our foundation.”

“Sidney’s not getting near my bed.” Luke finishes tying his shoe and straightens. His gaze goes to everyone. “She’s not stepping foot in my room.”

Eli meets my eyes. “You good?”

“Yeah, as long as Harper isn’t mad at me. I told her that I touched Emma’s shoulder and gave her a hug. Didn’t think I’d need to tell her I laid down beside Emma to talk and let Emma sleep.”

“We don’t know who’s watching us and where.” Eli sighs. “We need to be alert to every situation and every conversation. Including in here.”

I glance around at the mostly empty locker room. Lockers shut a few rows over. Not trusting people sucks. We didn’t have to worry about this before, but maybe we should have. Somewhere along the way, we made some enemies that want us crushed. I meet Caden’s eyes. “How’s Harper doing?”

Caden grunts. “She had some nightmares last night.”

It’s been a while since that happened. But it’s understandable. Her home has been invaded multiple times, and now her mom is gone.

“Did you find out anything about Jennifer?” Luke asks, looking at both Eli and me.

“If she has a digital footprint, someone’s hiding it.” I tie my shoes. “And well.”

“If she has help, it’s not someone we know.” Eli glances at Jack. “Did you have a chance to contact our friend?”

I shake my head. They might be the one helping Jennifer. “Plan to tonight.”

We’re still not sure what we can share with them, but they might know where Jennifer is and if she’s coming back. I can’t imagine her staying away too long. Not when Harper is in danger.

“Jennifer called in to work last night.” Eli blows out a breath. “But not tonight. Yet.”

I grab my bag and shut my locker as the others get ready to go. We’re planning on heading over to Nico’s and hanging out for a little while before returning home. I still need to ask my dad about Sean Davidson.

I’m a little scared to find out he set Sean up that night. But I can’t even ask about that because I’m not supposed to know. What I can check is to see if my dad was paid hush money after the fact or even right before to set up Sean.

My hope is that my dad is innocent in all this, but what horseman is actually innocent?

We leave the school and drive over separately to Nico’s. I get there first.

Mrs. Lee greets me at the door. “Jack. It’s good to see you again. He’s in his bedroom. Upstairs, first door on the right. Tell him I’ll be up with more snacks.”

“Thank you.” I rub my suddenly clammy hands on my pants. What if Harper is actually mad at me? She didn’t seem that way in the text, but you can’t tell tone in texts for the most part.

I head upstairs and follow the sound of laughter. When I stop in the doorway, Harper sits beside Nico on the bed, a smile on her lips. Her gaze lifts to mine, and she holds out a hand to me.

Fuck. Relief pours through me. I didn’t realize how tense I’d been waiting for her response.

When I put my hand in hers, she lifts it to her lips and kisses my knuckles.