Page 117 of One Bad Idea

Without breaking stride, I yelled, "What's going on?"

Jaden didn't even look, but the other guy's head snapped in my direction. When he spotted me, he called out, "Hey, it's me, remember?" He gave me a desperate smile. "I came to say hi, like you asked."

I stopped in my tracks. I'd asked him no such thing. I looked to Jaden, who still hadn't looked in my direction. Rather, all of his attention was focused on my unwanted visitor.

With a muttered curse, I started moving again, striding forward until I was standing directly beside them. I still hadn't replied to the guy's ludicrous claim that I'd invited him here.

He gave a nervous laugh. "So, how's it goin'?"

I had no idea what to say. I looked from the stranger to Jaden.

Finally, Jaden turned his head to meet my gaze. He said nothing, but his look said it all.I told you so.

Well, that was nice.

The stranger – or rather Derek – looked back to Jaden and gave a nervous chuckle. "So, are we cool?"

The statement was beyond ridiculous. Jaden was still holding the guy in place. His car window was still open. I was still watching in horrified silence.

And I wasn't the only one.

On neighboring porches, people had come out to look, not that I could blame them.

I muttered, "You can't be serious."

I wasn't even sure who I was talking to – Derek for making such a ludicrous claim or Jaden for acting like, well, a psycho, I guess.

Or who knows, maybe I was talking to myself. After all, Iwasfeeling a little crazy.

In reply to my statement, Derek turned back to me and said, "Uh, yeah. You asked me to swing by." He gave me a pleading look. "Remember?"

Okay, this is where it got a little tricky. I didn’t want to lie for the guy, but I sure as heck didn't want any trouble.

Correction – anymoretrouble.

I glanced around. Already, way too many people were watching. No doubt, someone had already called the police.

I looked back to Derek and said, "You should go."

I wasn't concerned forhim. Mostly, I was concerned for Jaden. And yeah, maybe me, too.

The guy swallowed and gave a single nod. "Good idea."

I looked to Jaden, who still hadn't budged. Through gritted teeth, I said, "He can't go if you're still holding onto him."

Still gripping the guy's lapels, Jaden leaned forward and said something very close to the guy's ear. Whatever it was, the guy didn't enjoy it.

He gave another swallow, followed by a nod so hard, it was a wonder that his head didn't pop off.

Finally, Jaden released him.

Derek didn't waste any time. He turned and practically sprinted toward the front of his car.

What on Earth was he doing?

Running away on foot?

No. Apparently not.