Bridget scurried around to pack, and I shut myself into my bedroom to do the same, ringing Dad while I did.
“Little Bean! I was just sittin’ here pondering the damnedest thing.”I smiled, yanking my suitcase out of the bottom of my closet.
“Yeah? Let’s hear it.”
“So, I think the Batmobile is a Transformer.”I stopped dead, swallowing.
“What?”
“Well, you said you’re not greasin’ the wheels, so I figured I’d double check everything and make sure it didn’tneed some work on it, and get this…not only is there fresh mud on the tires…the mileage also went up. Could only mean one thing. It’s alive.”
“Dad, I—”
“Did you really think I’d be mad at you for driving a car, Beans? You know I’d give you anything I’ve got. It’s just…why do I feel like I should be worried about you? You never used to keep secrets like that from us.”
I turned and slowly sat down on the edge of my bed, sighing. “I know. But I should have asked, and I just didn’t want the twenty questions about why. I promise, Dad…you don’t have to worry. I’m fine. I’m great, actually. That’s why I’m calling.”
“Oh? Do tell.”
“I need a few days off. And can you handle my guests? You’re the only one I trust with my sanctuary down there. Otherwise, I’ll have to put off a much-needed vacation.”
I heard chewing and could almost hear the wheels turning in his head, trying to figure me out.“I’ll consider that. Romantic getaway with the delivery boy?”
“Dad…don’t do it.” He chuckled through whatever he was eating.
“I’ve got you covered. Just promise me you’re being careful. And that you’re gonna actually go have some fun. I’ll keep your mother and Greg off your trail. Take as long as you need. I’m proud of you.”
“For what?”
“For finally coming out of the basement, Beans. You’re smiling more. And I’ve heard you singing. It’s been a long time since I felt like things were turning around for my little girl. Just take care of yourself, baby.”
I smiled to myself. “I love you.”
“Love you most. I’ll expect a car wash when you get back, yeah?”
“I’m sorry, Daddy.”
“It’s alright. Go have fun.”
I pulled onto some state road that wasn’t even on the GPS, with absolutely no asphalt and sketchy as hell, about to say fuck this and turn around, when I spotted Malek’s car parked in the shade of the wood line. He stood, leaning on the hood and my stomach flipped when I got closer, realizing he was covered in fucking blood. I know he’s a killer. I’ve seen his bodies. I saw him circle poor Conor’s chair while he played with his victim, but…I haven’t seen him like this yet. For some reason…I didn’t expect it. Bridget leaned forward, narrowing her eyes as we came to a stop and Malek ended up waiting close by her window. I rolled it down.
“Jesus. You look glorious,” she said, almost surprising me…almost. I sometimes forget that I’m besties with two very unstable individuals. Maybe Dad was right to worry. “Tell me it was Jonas.”
“Kendall.”
Bridget crossed her arms and leaned back against the seat. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen her especially bratty since I met her. “Not that I’m complaining, but…he wasn’t the bigger issue, stupid.”
“Thank you, Bridget. I wasn’t aware. But he is the artillery I’m not gonna have to deal with later when I go after Jonas and Zane. Work smarter, not harder. Which you know nothing about…on either end.”
“Screw you, prick.”
Malek shrugged. “You’re welcome.” He shifted his head, and his attention past Bridget and locked onto me, smirking.“Afternoon, precious.” He must have noticed whatever look I had on my face at the sight of him. His expression fell pretty quickly. “I’m sorry if I ruined your play date. But thanks for coming.”
I cleared my throat and put the car in park. “Where is it?” He tipped his head over his shoulder.
“The other side of these woods. There’s a warehouse tucked into a back lot. I left him sittin’ in the driver’s seat. Got any ideas on how you’re cleanin’ this one?”
I shut the car off and nodded, both of us climbing out to follow him through the shallow wood line. “Having his car makes it a little easier, at least. We need to get it to the vacation house in Rockport. There’s a drop-off by our place where Greg and I used to swim. It’s a decent spot to run the car off with the body in it. The water’s at least fifty feet deep there. That’s the best I’ve got.” We trudged through the woods and Malek smiled at me. It’s more unnerving than I want it to be with all that blood caked to his face.
