Page 7

Interesting. She’s lying. But why?

“Max, come sit on the bench,” she says to the boy, who definitely isn’t her nephew.

The boy complies, silently crawling out from under the table and taking a seat next to me. He shoves the straw in his mouth and starts slurping down the strawberry milkshake like someone’s going to take it away from him. He’s keeping an eye on me, but he seems more curious than scared.

I turn my attention back to Julia. I’m not leaving until she tells me exactly what the hell is going on. This is my bar. I’ll put up with a few scumbags here and there, but if this kid’s in trouble, she’s going to be in some serious shit. The fact that she’s a woman doesn’t change anything. Jonathan had female friends who were just as bad as he was. Maybe worse because they made me feel like I could trust them. Only I couldn’t. And I didn’t realize it until it was too late.

Julia’s suddenly obsessed with her chocolate milkshake. She’s pretending I don’t exist, but I’m sure she’s fully aware of the fact that I haven’t left. The longer I study her, the harder she blushes. I wonder if she’s blushing everywhere. My gaze slides down to where her breasts press against the buttons on her cardigan. I look away before I become mesmerized.

“Who is he really?” I ask casually.

“That’s none of your business.” She sits straight and folds her arms under her chest, pushing her breasts higher and enticing me even more.

Focus. This isn’t about me. It’s about making sure the boy’s safe. She might look prim and proper, but predators are masters of deception. She could be human trafficking the kid. Or she could be doing something equally despicable. I need to know her plans for him.

Drawing inward, I tap into the darkest part of my mind. I open myself to her energy and search her mind, looking for her plan. I can’t see everyone’s thoughts, but I can see most people’s plans. If she’s plotting something nefarious, I’ll be able to see it. Well, I’m able to most of the time. My gift isn’t foolproof, but it’s saved my ass more than once.

Her mind is chaotic. I can’t seem to grasp even the slightest thread of a plan. Usually, looking into someone’s mind isn’t this hard. It’s rare that someone can block my ability, so I don’t think that’s what’s happening. It would take a very skillful telepath to be able to stop me from seeing what they’re plotting. She doesn’t have that vibe. If anything, she seems scared.

I redouble my effort. Most people have plans. Even the simplest plan, like what they’re having for dinner. But I can’t find anything. Maybe it’s because she doesn’t have a plan.

“Don’t make me ask Max,” I warn.

“It’s complicated, and we’re leaving as soon as he eats his burger.” She nods toward Holly, who’s carrying our food on a large tray.

After Holly leaves, I dig into my bowl of Sugar Bear. This cereal is exactly what I need right now. I’ve been in a mood all day, and having to deal with Rick only made it worse. Now, this chick thinks she’s getting out of here without telling me what’s going on. Well, that’s not going to happen.

Reaper walks in from the kitchen, his boots clanking against the wood-planked floor and leaving a trail of mud behind him. His expressionless face turns toward mine. He nods slightly before walking over.

“Is it done?” I ask.

“All the way.”

“And you took care of it better than last time?” I ask, referring to the Hamilton fuck up.

“Not a trace.”

“Good.”

“Need anything else?” Reaper asks.

“No. But stay close.” I glance at the woman, so Reaper knows who to keep an eye on.

“Hum,” he grunts before crossing to the bar. He takes the last stool closest to me. Although he’s facing the mirror behind the bar, I know he’s got eyes on us. At the first sign of trouble, he’ll have my back.

Speaking of trouble … Two sheriff’s deputies pull into the parking lot. When they get out of their trucks, Julia jerks back against the booth. She pales and starts to tremble. Something’s terribly wrong.

“What is it?” I demand.

“You can’t let them find us,” she whispers.

“Why not?”

“Because … just, please help us.”

“Give me a reason to protect you. Right fucking now.” When she doesn’t immediately respond, I get out of the booth and stand, blocking the deputies’ view. “Last chance.”

“It’s too hard to explain, but I’m trying to help Max.” She glances past me before hunching down in the booth. Her green eyes widen. “If you protect us, I’ll tell you everything. I don’t know what else to do.”