M1: We’re set up in the slip across from you at the yacht club.
ME: Any activity?
M1: No.
Neither of us expected any. TheKyodainahad installed the secret compartment in the cabin of theAda Maewhile it had been on the cargo ship bringing it to the U.S. from Italy. They could have installed any tracking and listening devices they wanted at the same time, so there was no need for them to get too close now. The money wasn’t being delivered until the next day, and they only wanted me there in case something went wrong. That way, I’d be the one to take the fall.
I rubbed a hand over my face.
Too many balls. Too many white lies. Too many lives at stake.
I was trying valiantly to do the right thing.
I slid the screen on my personal phone open. A picture of Carlos and me before the accident in Clover Lake was set as my home screen. It was a constant reminder. I had todobetter. I had tobebetter.
No one would ever lose another body part?or worse?because of me again.
Violet
SECRETS
“This time don't need another perfect lie.”
Performed by OneRepublic
Written by Ryan Tedder
After my encounter in the kitchenwith Dawson, I’d still been unable to sleep. I’d gone back to Jada’s room and pulled a blanket with me onto the settee instead of the bed because I didn’t want my tossing and turning to wake her.
When my phone said five, I finally gave up and went in search of my room and the bag I’d placed there. As I passed the top of the stairs, I saw Dawson leaving, closing the door quietly behind him so as not to make a sound.
It gave me little pleasure knowing he’d had as little sleep as me.
I was frustrated in more ways than one. By the cloak and dagger. By Jada’s secrets. By Dawson almost kissing me and not following through.
I showered and changed and then opened up my cloud documents to the data from the lab. I lost myself in writing additional notes and changing formulas. When my phone chimed, I was surprised to realize it was already nine in the morning.
RAISA: Silas is back, stomping around the lab and telling everyone you’ve lost your sanity. Why have I not heard from you?
A teeny tiny bit of guilt flew through me. I hit the call button.
“Morning,” I said. I wasn’t surprised that she was up so early. It was only six in California, but Raisa was a morning person by nature. I thought she might actually live in the lab if they let her bring a bed in there.
“Morning back,” Raisa said, her accent barely audible. “Now tell me what has happened.”
“Honestly, I think Silas is just upset because I ruined his plans by breaking up with him,” I told her.
“You did? Thank goodness!” she exclaimed.
“What do you mean?” I asked, taken aback by the smile I heard in her voice.
“He was not the right man for you,” she told me.
“You’re just telling me this now? Some friend you are,” I teased.
“You know the right man for you. Silas says he’s there with you now.”
I shook my head in astonishment. I couldn’t believe Silas had spouted off about me so much since returning. “What else has Silas said?”
