Cutting the engine, I wipe the back of my hand over my forehead and try to ignore the fact that I’m still shaking. I need to get myself cleaned up, and then maybe I can walk back into town and buy myself a drink.
The sun is setting, stealing the natural light. It doesn’t bother me too much. Darkness is a runaway’s best friend most of the time.
Gently pulling off my shirt, I throw the bloodstained cotton into the back and take another look at the haphazard bandage covering the wound. The gauze had trouble sticking, so in the end I wound a long bandage around my entire middle to hold the other two in place. Put pressure on the wound, isn’t that what they always say?
Well, I’ve definitely done that. The bandage is digging in and uncomfortable, but I don’t want to mess with it.
There’s a bright red patch that’s soaked through both the gauze and the strapping, but I think the blood has clotted. My stomach convulses, the red making me see things I don’t want to remember. I gently tap the bandage to feel if it’s dry. My finger doesn’t come away wet, so I figure it’ll have to do. I don’t want the bleeding to start all over again if I pull it off and try to put a fresh one on.
With a hiss, I lean forward and check my back. That seems dry as well.
Grabbing Johnny’s leather jacket off the passenger seat, I zip it up, hoping no one will notice that I’ve got nothing on underneath. He’ll be pissed that I took off with it still in the car. This is his favorite jacket. Black leather that’s so beat up it’s actually gray in patches. He loves this thing.
My gut churns as I run my hand over the cool leather and pocket my lighter.
Johnny won’t get why I left.
I glance at the backpack of money, holding my breath while I unzip it and pull out a wad of cash. Stealing the top two bills, I shove them in my pocket, then try to figure out where I can hide this thing.
I don’t feel right about leaving this much money stashed in the car. Although I doubt anyone will find it this evening, I don’t want to take the risk.
A black backpack is inconspicuous enough, right?
That’s why Sloan uses them.
Shouldering the door open, I grab the bag strap and slither out through the narrow gap, hissing when I scrape my side. Branches catch in my hair, and I wrestle myself free from nature’s chamber, huffing around to the back of the car. Cradling the wound, I take a minute to catch my breath before pulling down the jacket so it covers the blood coating the top of my waistband. I hitch the bag onto my shoulder and start the slow trek back to Buckland Springs.
I sure as hell hope I’ll find what I need there.
A little sustenance should give me enough energy to keep going.
I tell myself that until the words are circling in my head and driving my lead feet toward a cozy-looking restaurant filled with light and a cute blonde.
6
A Dancing Devil
I tuck a strand of my disobedient hair back into its ponytail and blow a few wisps off my face. I wish I had thick hair like Franks. You could tie her curls in a knot and they’d stay put. But I’ve got hair like Mama’s. Fine and silky. Impossible to keep tied up.
“Annie, Franks just got here.” Nadine breezes past me with a genial smile.
She never seems to get frazzled by this place the way I do. It kind of bugs me. This diner belongs to my family, and I should be the one loving it. But the early evening rush is always so insane.
Tonight, there’s been a baby who won’t stop crying and managed to spill an entire plate of spaghetti on the floor. I was kind about it and kept my smile in place, even when her red sauce hands ran through my hair. They gave me an extra big tip, which was real nice of them and made up for the fact that I spent ten minutes in the bathroom cleaning my hair. I also had a regular who complained about his meal. Big surprise. Mateo’s working the evening shift because Danny called in sick. He was super pissed about it, and the customers are paying the price.
Dammit. I had such a nice time hanging out with Jackson this afternoon. He had a pretty good day at school, breezed through his homework, and I was happily watching The Amazing Race when Dean barked at me to get downstairs and start prepping for dinner.
He’s in a foul mood for some reason, but hopefully the bar scene will kill that black vibe of his. He always loves working the bar, hanging out with his friends and acting like he’s some big shot in this little town.
“Idiot,” I mutter under my breath as I make my way out to Booth Three to greet my friends. “Hey, lovebirds.”
Billy gives me a dopey grin, swinging his big arm around Franks’s shoulders and kissing the side of her face.
Her cheeks glow pink and I shake my head, launching into one of my regular greetings. “I can’t believe you’re still datin’ a jock, Franks. This is a new low for you.”
Billy chuckles when I wink at him. He’s been pretty good about my teasing. When Franks first told me she’d started dating the offensive lineman for the Lincoln High Rams, I threw up in my mouth a little bit. We didn’t fall for sporty guys we had nothing in common with. But Franks broke the rules… and I’ve never seen her happier.
Much to my annoyance, I warmed to Billy instantly. It’s kind of hard not to. He’s sweet, and so freaking in love with my best friend. I swear he’d do anything for her. And how can I not love a guy like that?
They’ve been together nearly a year now, and the fact that he hasn’t changed in that time tells me a lot of things. He’s true blue through and through. Franks deserves a guy just like him, and I hope they stay together forever.
Franks grins up at me, her expression warning me that something big is coming.
“It’s worse than that, Annie.” She cringes.
My eyebrows dip. “Oh yeah?”
“He’s stealing me away.”
“He’s…” My dipping eyebrows shoot high as a gasp rushes out of me. “You guys got in? Both of you?”
“Yes! There was a letter waitin’ for me when I got home.” Franks screams her delight, jumping up to wrap me in a hug. I squeeze tight, for a second wondering how I’m gonna let go.
She got in.
My girl got into college. Just like she wanted. She’s goin’ off with the man she loves.
She pulls out of the hug, squeezing my shoulders and giving me a sad smile. “I just hate that I’m leavin’ you.”
“No. No. Don’t.” I point at her and shake my head. “You’re not allowed to be sad. This is good. This is happy.” I swallow, pulling my lips into a smile while I gently guide her back into the booth.
Great. Now Billy’s got his sappy eyes on too.
I give him a pointed scowl, but his smile just gets sadder and more heartfelt.
“I’ve got my exit plan, you guys. It’s gonna be okay. I’m fine.”
“How’s that going?” Billy asks.
“Oh, you know.” I hitch my shoulder. “He screams at me for not bringing in enough tips.” I wiggle my eyebrows at them, hoping to hide the fact that he does more than scream sometimes. I’ve never told a living soul what Dean can be like. Not even my best friend.
Billy picks up his menu. “You still pocketing half?”