Page 81 of Stone Coast

He tried to hide his disappointment, but it wasn’t unexpected. Xzavier was the kind of guy who thought of all the angles.

“I’ll get your bail money,” I said. “I don’t know how, but I will.”

“I told you that was a gift.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t like owing anybody money or favors.”

“What are you going to do? Rob a bank?”

“I’ll think of something.”

Xzavier smiled. “Mr. Prescott will see to it you get home safely. You know how to get in touch. But in case you’ve misplaced my number…” He handed me another card.

I gave a last look around the group, then Prescott escorted me out.

“I knew she wouldn’t bite,” TJ said. He held out his hand, waiting for a pay day.

“It ain’t over yet,” Coop said with an optimistic smile.

I looked over my shoulder and glared at them before stepping outside.

Prescott called for the driver.

The Florida sun warmed my face.

“It’s okay to be unsure,” he said. “Sometimes our greatest growth comes from pushing through fear.”

“I’m not afraid, and you can spare me the soft sell.”

He smiled and raised his hands in surrender.

The car pulled into the lot, gleaming in the sun. Prescott pulled open the door, and I slid across the bench seat.

“Where to?” Prescott asked when he joined me.

41

More news crews waited at the marina. They sprang into action as the Town Car pulled into the parking lot.

Dread twisted my stomach. “What do I do about them?”

“Keep your mouth shut,” Prescott said.

The horde rushed the car as we pulled to a stop.

“How long will they keep at this?”

Preston shrugged.

It wasn’t reassuring.

“They’ll move on when something bigger comes along.”

I cringed as I looked out the window at the vultures.

“Good luck,” Prescott said with a smile.

I took a deep breath, grabbed the handle, and pushed out of the vehicle. The mob surged as I climbed out of the car.