Page 110

Mom’s expression shifts slightly. Not shock exactly. Just careful attention.

“He’s a hitman.”

For a moment she simply blinks at me. Then she nods slowly, like I just told her he has an unusual hobby.

“Oh,” she says gently.

The reality of it crashes over me all over again. My throat tightens.

“And now Dad’s thrown me out,” I say, my voice cracking a little. “I don’t have my phone, my cards, or anywhere to go. I genuinely don’t know what I’m supposed to do next.”

Mom doesn’t even hesitate.

“You’ll stay here with me,” she says, squeezing my hand. “For as long as you need. Until you figure out what you want.”

The relief that floods through me is so strong it almost makes me dizzy. I won’t be homeless. That’s something. A small, fragile lifeline in the middle of this absolute disaster.

“And I hate to sound like your father,” she adds, shaking her head, “but you’re not dating that man. Absolutely not.”

“Obviously,” I say quickly, managing a weak smile.

I glance around the small, shabby kitchen again.

“Are you sure you don’t want a penthouse?” I ask.

Mom lets out a bright, genuine laugh, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I laugh with her.

35

DREW

Things are completely fucked.

It’s been five days since I put two bullets in Levi, and I still don’t know if he’s alive. Ray is definitely hunting me. I had to leave everything—my apartment, my phone, my car, my whole goddamn life. Most of my cash is still stashed in a hiding spot I can’t get back to. Right now I’m holed up in a shitty roadside motel two towns over, trying to stay invisible while I figure out how the hell to find Grace.

I rub the stubble growing thick along my jaw.

I’m alone, wired tight, and every creak in the hallway or car door slamming outside makes my hand twitch toward the gun on the nightstand.

I don’t know where she is.

I don’t know if she’s safe.

For all I know, she’s sleeping on the streets somewhere.

I can’t bear that thought.

During the day I drive around in the beat-up sedan I traded my car for. Ray’s got ties everywhere. I can’t even ask around without exposing myself. I need to leave the country. But I won’t leave without her.

I drag a hand down my face and stare at the water-stained ceiling.

I’ve never felt this helpless in my life.

Grace is out there somewhere, and I have no idea how to reach her.

There’s only one asshole I can think of who might know where she is.

Finn.