Page 67 of Room to Breathe

“Because rule number two needs to remain in effect for longer.”

I pressed my lips to his. “I agree.”

Chapter 28

Then

It was another morning ofwaking up to my parents fighting. My mom was accusing my dad of being oblivious, not paying attention to what was happening in his own firm. My dad was saying that they all had their own cases to work and worry about—they didn’t spy on each other. Maybe you should’ve, she said. They were still fighting as I got ready for school. They were still fighting when I came down.

“Can you at least wait to fight until I’m at school? It’s getting old,” I said, opening the fridge and grabbing a bottle of orange juice.

That made them both go instantly quiet.

Dad looked tired as he met my stare. I could only hold his gaze for a couple of seconds before I dropped my eyes and went to the cupboard for a glass.

“Do you have questions for me, Indy?” he asked.

“Did you do it?” I blurted out. “Steal money from your clients? From the government?”

“Excuse me?” he asked, his voice immediately at a ten.

“Is that why you were so worried about that document that you thought I lost in your office? It was incriminating? You needed to shred it?”

“You think I did this?” His voice was even louder.

“Marcus, don’t yell at her. You asked her if she had any questions. She asked.”

“Did you tell her to ask me that? You both think I’m some con man? Nice. If you must know, that document you lost was something that would’ve helped clear me.” With those words he left out the front door.

My heart dropped. I set both the glass and juice on the counter and turned to face my mom. “He thinks this ismyfault?” Was it? Had I not been in the office that day, would this all be cleared up by now?

“No, of course not. He didn’t mean that. He’s feeling defensive because I asked him similar questions yesterday.”

My heart felt like it was beating in my ears. “You think he did it?”

“He told me he didn’t. I want to believe him, but why is this taking so long? Shouldn’t they have been able to prove he didn’t by now?”

“Maybe they’re being thorough,” I said.

“Yes, you’re right. I’m stressed.”

I looked at the time on my phone. Ava would be here in five. But for the first time since this started my mom was actually talking to me. I shot the group a text:Sorry, woke up late. I’ll drive myself today.

Ava gave my message a thumbs-up. Nobody else responded.They were probably all still mad at me for not going back to the party that night after leaving the school. For not having the sleepover we had planned. Cody and I hadn’t gotten caught after running through the halls in a panic and out the doors. We just climbed in my car and left. Once we were clear of the school, we both busted into laughter even though my heart had still been racing a million miles a minute.

I turned back to the counter and poured myself half a glass of juice.

“I’m taking the longer shifts at work this week, so I won’t be home as early as I normally am.”

“Okay.” I swirled the juice in my glass. “Was Dad pissed we got a car?”

“Dad is pissed about everything right now.”

“Right.”

“You deserve it, Indy. You’re a hard worker and keep amazing grades. We’re proud of you.”

I took a drink instead of answering. If she had seen me running out of the chemistry classroom and into the parking lot with Cody the other night, would she still be proud?