What do you want?
She’d never let herself answer that question, because she’d always said she had no choice. But she did. She was all alone now. No-one could demand anything from her. She wasn’t working for anyone. She was her own boss and if she really thought about it, she probably had everything she needed to succeed. Shorty had taught her the art of conning. As much as she hated working for him, he’d gifted her the ability to survive…and Marlin had believed in her.
“You can keep going.” Her raspy voice grew with confidence. “You just need a plan.”
She’d been too exhausted to form one, but damn it, it was her 18th birthday and she needed a freaking plan!
She rubbed a dirty finger over her bottom lip as her brain ignited for the first time in weeks.
What did she want?
An education. A college degree. The chance to earn money the honest way. She wanted to start afresh somewhere. Somewhere safe. She wanted a life where no one around her would be in danger…which meant she had to get out of California.
“Mexico.” Isn’t that where criminals always escaped to? She just needed to make it to the border and she’d be home free. She could find some little bungalow on a gorgeous beach. She imagined waking up in the morning to the sound of the ocean, the taste of salt on her tongue. She imagined running through the surf. Maybe she’d finally overcome her fear of water and learn how to surf.
“You need to start swimming again. Give yourself options, Lucy.”
She tipped her head, picking up a loose stick at her feet and digging it into the ground beside her.
“You need money to get to Mexico.”
She could do one last con, score herself enough money to hit the road and never look back. She’d have to be careful. If the killer was still looking for her, he could track her at a school, but she could give herself a new name.
The idea of wearing a wig and going totally hidden made her wrinkle her nose. No, she needed to think of a con where she could be as close to herself as possible, although she’d have to have at least one spare disguise. She had to have options…an out if necessary. She’d need a wealthy school. The pool for deceit was so much bigger in those. Not San Fran though. She needed to go small town. She needed to find a wealthy little pocket nearby that was ripe for the picking.
Pushing herself up, she brushed her pants off and straightened her sweater. She needed to get organized. A plan started forming in her head as she stepped over the pine needles and made her way to the road. She needed to get to a computer and do a little research, but first…she headed towards the main campground, she needed some new clothes.
Chapter 33
ZACH
May 2014
“I just don’t know what’s wrong with him. He’s been moping for days now. I’ve never seen him so depressed. Maybe we shouldn’t be going to Europe.”
I rolled my eyes at Mom’s whispered words and stepped into the room.
“Mom, you guys are going to Europe. You’ve been planning it for months.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” I walked to the toaster and fished out two slices of brown bread from the bag beside it.
“We’re just worried about you, Zach. That’s all.” My dad shoved his hands in his pockets, the way he always does when he’s nervous. He hates any form of conflict. “Jaeda called again. I told her you were sleeping in.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled. I hadn’t really spoken to my friends since going off at Elliot. I knew we had to make amends at some point, but like hell I was initiating. I didn’t have it in me.
“Is this…?” Mom flicked a glance at Dad. ‘This isn’t about that girl, is it? Dani?”
I sighed, leaning back against the counter. “I just miss her and I wish she’d stuck around to say goodbye.”
“Well, maybe she’ll be in touch once she’s settled. You did say her father’s job was very erratic. She must be so tired of moving around, the poor girl.”
“Yeah.” I ran my tongue over my bottom teeth and turned to deal with my toast.
Mom was hovering behind me, waiting to offer me any kind of assistance. It was an effort not to spin and tell her to get lost.
“Hey-ho!” Uncle Alex’s loud greeting was a pleasant relief. Mom spun to the door as Dad’s face bloomed into a wide grin.
“Well, hello there. What brings you to Danville?”
Uncle Alex lightly punched his older brother in the arm. “Just wondering if I can hang out with the Zach-man for a little while.”
I glanced over my shoulder and saw a manilla file in his hands. The day Dani left, I called him and told him to stop looking. He was disappointed with my decision, but I was adamant. Dani had gone. I couldn’t help her, so what was the point of looking into her past.