"Oh yeah," I said. "I had to beg over and over for the chance to go through them on my own. And he only agreed to thatafterI assured him that Brody was on the other side of the country."
I gave the paperwork another glance. "Jason's picking them up later on tonight. And get this. I had to swear up and down that I wouldn't make a copy of anything either."
Cami's brow wrinkled. "Well, that's weird."
"I know," I said. "But it's not Jason's fault. You should see him. He's terrified. He was even afraid to stop by, or call me or anything. In fact, he onlydidstop by in the end, because I was the only one around."
On the couch, Cami was looking more concerned with every passing moment.
I waited, wondering what she'd say next. And when she said nothing, I asked, "So…what are you thinking?"
She winced. "I'm almost afraid to tell you."
"Why?"
"Because you're not gonna like it."
I sighed. "Is this where you tell me that I was stupid for trusting Brody in the first place?"
Cami shook her head. "No, I'd never say that. But Iwillsay this. I think you should call him."
My jaw dropped. "What? Why?"
"To give him the chance to explain."
"You're kidding, right?"
"Just hear me out," she said. "He obviously cares for you. And Iknowyou care for him—"
"I do not." I hesitated. "Or at least, I shouldn't." And yet, I did,so very much.
How pathetic was that?
Cami reached out and gave my hand an encouraging squeeze. "Look, I know you're mad, but for your sake, just do it, alright? And if he doesn't come clean, you can say, 'I told you so.'" She smiled. "Deal?"
After a long, tense moment, I felt myself nod. "Okay. Deal."
Chapter 54
Brody
I was standing in the charred remains of the California kitchen when my new cell phone rang. I picked it up and glanced at the display.
It was Arden.
Knowing what the call was about, I answered with a smile. "Hey."
After a long pause, her voice – sounding cold and distant – replied, "Hey."
My smile faded. "Is something wrong?"
"No. Well, maybe." She sighed. "First, IguessI should thank you, huh?"
I frowned. I hadn't expected her to kiss my ass, but Ihadthought she'd be happier than she was now.
Had something gone wrong with my surprise?
I said, "So, Cami got there alright?"
