Page 111 of The Five Year Lie

“Sure, let’s play some music,” Tara says, getting up from the table. “I’m down.”

After they head for the living room, Larri covers my hand. “Are you okay? You look rattled.”

“Iamrattled. This doesn’t feel like an ordinary break-in. And I need to call Zain.”

Larri gives me a pat. “You are really bringing the drama tonight.”

“No kidding. Bet you’re sorry about that speech you gave me a week ago—that I needed to learn how to ask for help. I’ll do the dishes right after I call him.”

“Go,” she says, waving me off. “He needs to hear what happened.”

I slip out the kitchen door and lean against the wood cladding of Larri’s little old house. My phone is clutched in my hand, but I need a moment to just calm down.

At home, I called 911. But my mother called Ray, who immediately phoned the police on my behalf.

Less than ten minutes later, two detectives pulled up outside, at the same time as Ray. I was treated to VIP service by Portland’s finest, all while Buzz stayed glued toMoanain his grandma’s den.

I showed the cops around my little apartment. I pointed out the missing laptop, and the mess.

But I didn’t mention the army uniform, because I wasn’t about to explain it to Ray. And I wasn’t forthcoming about the files on my laptop, either. Not until I can do some more thinking. And maybe talk to Zain.

After taking some photos, they allowed me to pack a few things I need for an overnight escape to Larri’s house and for the picnic tomorrow.

“I’d rather you stay with us,” Ray argued. He looked worried, too—the kind of worry that looked real.

“We already had this plan for tonight,” I told him. “I’ll see youin the morning. Actually—I might come in late. I’ll need to clean my place up while Buzz is at school.”

“I’ll help,” he said. “Your mother and I will work on it tonight.”

“That’s okay, I’d rather do it myself.” The idea of even more people in my space made me shiver with dread.

He gave me a tight hug, and then I called an Uber to get us to Larri’s.

I dial Zain, half expecting that he won’t answer. But he does. “Hey,” I squeak. “I thought you were coming for tacos.”

“Oh, shit,” he says with a laugh. “I got distracted. You didn’t seem all that into it, either.”

“I changed my mind after something happened at home. Are you sitting down? And don’t freak out...”

“Great opener. I’m fucking terrified already.”

“You should be. My apartment was searched and my laptop stolen.”

“Holyfuck,” he says before lapsing into a deep silence. And then, “Holy. Fuck.”

“I know. This is bad, right?”

“They’re gonna crack your laptop open in about seven seconds, Ariel. How much did you have on there? The warrants, right?Fuck fuck fuck.”

“But Zain, who’sthey?”

And a voice inside my head adds:Is it you?I think of that night after the renfaire when I handed him my keys to unlock my door. Could he have made an imprint of my key?

I can’t tell if this idea is sharp or paranoid. I don’t trustanyoneright now. “If you think you know who did this, you need to level with me.”

“We’re making somebody uncomfortable, but I don’t know who.A Lowden cop? A Chime Co. employee? Someone is pissed at us. I just hope it’s not your uncle.”

That shuts me up for a second. But the mess in my bedroom—the torn uniform. It felt like an emotional cavity search. “I just don’t think Ray did this. Not to my apartment. The destruction was...” I picture Buzz’s toys scattered on the floor and shiver. “It was gross. If Ray wanted my laptop, he wouldn’t trash his nephew’s bedroom. He’d just steal it.”