Lucy kept the thought to herself, hating that she’d even earned it in the first place. If Tori ever found out what she was planning, she’d die of humiliation. Tori adored her Daddy, probably because he gave her everything. Her sweet nature stopped her from turning into a spoiled brat. If only she knew what he was really like.
Theodore Derwin’s creepy side was hidden beneath a veil of smiles and do-gooder deeds. Lucy hadn’t even meant to unearth his darkness, but she’d caught a whiff of it when she’d been studying at Tori’s house. The leering smile he gave her, the way his sweaty hand held hers for a beat too long upon introduction. Oh yeah, she’d seen it and Shorty had made her play on it. It hadn’t been his original plan. She was supposed to pull another Balboa High job. Pretend she desperately needed wads of cash from her rich tutor. Play on the girl’s generous spirit and then flee the scene.
The day she’d got home with a disgusted frown and told them Mr Derwin’s creep-factor, she knew she’d made a mistake. Shorty’s eyes had sparked and Lucy’s heart had sunk with the click of his fingers. “That’s our in. Forget Balboa, we’re gonna pull a paparazzi scam.”
And that’s what they were doing on Friday night.
“You’ve dropped the hints, you’ve arranged a sleep over, you’ll go in there on Friday and once Tori’s asleep, you’ll make your move.”
Lucy swallowed.
“We know his routine is a late night cap in the den. You bump into him with the water works already running, he tries to comfort you and we all know he’ll take it too far. Click, click, click and blackmail’s your uncle.” Shorty clapped his hands together with a chuckle and all Lucy could do was cringe.
“Hey.” Marlin rose from the couch and moved to stand beside her. Kneading her shoulders, he told her to relax. “We’ve worked out the security, we’ll be in position. The photos will be taken before things get too far. He’ll be so mortified at being caught with a minor, those pictures won’t see the light of day.” Crouching down at her feet, Marlin looked up at her, his grey eyes determined. “I won’t let him hurt you, Cy. I promise.”
“I know.” She squeezed his shoulder, forcing a grin. It still didn’t stop the shudder. Marlin may take the pictures before things got too far, but she still had to have that man’s grimy hands on her skin. Have his foul tongue in her mouth. Shorty had asked her to at least show a little flesh, she was thinking two buttons, tops. She’d maybe let the guy kiss her neck and then she was out of there.
She closed her eyes, her insides quaking.
“Hey, it’s gonna be okay.” Marlin squeezed her thigh. “You’re gonna do great. We’ll show him the photos on Saturday and by Sunday we’ll be in hiding while Shorty scouts out the next school.”
“I’ve already got a few in mind.” Shorty winked.
“Can we just deal with this one first please,” she spat, trying to rise from her chair. She was ready to storm out of the room, but Marlin stopped her. Pushing her back down into her seat. “Once this is done, we’ll get out of town for a few months, pull some different cons, then come back fresh for the new year. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
She couldn’t bring herself to smile and tried to rise from her chair again. Marlin stopped her, keeping his hand on her shoulder. “Hey, you’ve got an essay to finish.” His wink and smile warmed her insides.
With a sigh, she gave into a small grin before swiveling in her chair and focusing her energy into dissecting To Kill A Mockingbird. She may not be around to get her marks, but she was damn well gonna try for an A.
Chapter 19
ZACH
May 2014
My cousin Luke texted me just as I was leaving the house. Miles Filmore had a younger brother, James. He was a sophomore this year. I texted Luke back, asking if he knew where he hung out and we went back and forth a few times. Luke was getting pretty curious by the end so I cut the conversation short, saying I was running late.
I had no idea if Dani would show up tonight. I was guessing no. My behavior today had hardly been stellar. She’d probably hole up with her dad all night. Man, he must be a piece of work. I wondered if it was him making her live a double life. Maybe he was some sort of criminal or something.
Clenching the wheel, I turned into Presidio Court and tried to push the thought aside. I didn’t want my friends dissecting me tonight. I just wanted to act like nothing was wrong. I pulled up next to Elliot’s Camaro and jumped out. Liesl’s silver Prius was parked to the left, which meant Jaeda and AJ were already here too.
It would be good to hang with them tonight. I needed to switch off before my world got turned upside down tomorrow. I know, slightly dramatic, but Dani meant a lot to me, more than I wanted her to and finding out the truth was freaking me out a little.
“Why didn’t you tell me she was coming?” I hadn’t even closed the door behind me before Elliot lightly punched my shoulder.
Okay, so Dani was here then. My heart rate tripled.
“I thought I did.” I pushed up my shirt-sleeves, wishing I actually had.
Elliot’s dark glare made me clear my throat and apologize. I threw my hands wide. “I can’t exactly ask her to leave now.”