RAINDROPS FALL AGAINST THE window of the plane as we land in Washington. Of all the days, today is not the one I want to see rain. My already somber mood is only getting worse as I stare at the gray sky with no hint of sun.
I yawn and stretch as the plane taxis and rouse Nate who is sleeping next to me. Ryley and Evan flew back to San Diego to get EJ right after the funeral, while we stayed behind for a few more days. Rask, Cara, and River are across the aisle and he, too, is looking outside. Cara has been glued to him since we found him in the woods; of course she did the same thing to me, especially when we had to fly. Cara is good like that—making sure we’re getting justice the fair way. Technically, Rask, River, and myself should be handcuffed, but Cara didn’t bother with that shit this time.
I have a feeling she’s making River testify against Lawson, which isn’t a bad idea. I don’t care what he does after he spills his guts about his wife. He needs to give us something. He needs to prove that we can trust him again.
Leaving Penny and Claire was not my idea, but hers and one I had to accept. I could push for a relationship with Claire, but my gut tells me that I’ll only damage the foundation. She lost the only father she remembers and if I come in all guns blazing I’ll look like a damn fool. Even though it killed me to leave them behind, I did so knowing there’s a security detail in place until after Lawson’s trial is over.
While we were in Vermont, Cara got word that his trial date was being moved up. She didn’t know why, but had a feeling that it had to do with Frannie’s death. Without her to testify against him, even though we know she would’ve never done that, the defense feels like the Feds’ case is weak. The only problem with their theory is that they don’t know we have River, which again leads me to believe he knows more than he’s telling.
The plane comes to a stop and everyone rushes to stand up and push open the overhead storage, then they proceed to stand there and huff while the people in front of them do the same thing. So many people lack plane etiquette.
Nate finally stands and stretches, his head not far from the top of the plane. He leans down and says something to Cara, causing me to turn away. They’re sweet to each other and it sends a pang of longing into my heart. Penny and I were once like that and I can only hope we get back there someday. And if not, I suppose I can try to find it with someone else.
Once we’re off the plane, a car is waiting to take us back to Evan’s. I don’t know how long I plan to stay; this rainy weather isn’t for me and I miss the beach. Plus, Lawson is in California and that is where I want to be. I plan to keep my eye on that piece of shit and watch every move he makes. And I want him to know I’m there. Being in Washington doesn’t afford me the ability to scare the shit out of him.
As soon as we pull into Evan and Ryley’s, EJ comes running out. He stops dead in his tracks when he sees River. An expression of confusion takes over his features as he stands there and stares at a ghost. It’s about a full minute before he turns and runs back into the house yelling for Ryley.
“Yeah I’d run, too, buddy,” I mumble under my breath. I don’t care if River can hear me; right now I’m not his friend.
I’m the last one to walk into the house and in time to see Cara direct River to sit down. If I didn’t know better I’d say he’s under arrest, but he didn’t exactly do anything, unless marrying a psycho bitch is a felony.
“Tucker, before you take your stuff downstairs, can you sit please?” Cara asks as she motions to a chair across from River. I choose the one farthest from him for fear that I might develop a nervous tic and beat the shit out of him.
Cara stays standing after Rask, Ryley, Evan, and Nate take seats around the table. It’s like she’s the teacher and about to school us on some random subject we’re being forced to take.
“I know the last thing you guys want to discuss is Frannie, but River has something to say and I think you guys should hear him out,” Cara states, standing behind River. I’m not sure how I feel about her solidarity toward him and maybe that’s why she’s a good agent—she’s impartial where I’m quick to judge. I think my judgment is warranted, though, considering his connection to all of this.