Speak Easy (Speak Easy 1)

“Ha.” He turned the car so abruptly I had to grab the dash to stay upright.

“It is! He let me speak with Daddy on the telephone. Then I asked him if he would intervene for me with his father, ask for more time.”

“Why would he do that?”

I bristled. “Maybe he likes me.”

Joey snorted. “Sure he does. So will he do it? Intervene, I mean?”

I turned my face to the window.

“That’s what I thought.”

Somehow I was as angry with Joey for saying that as I was with Enzo for denying my request. I tried to think up a sharp remark but failed.

Joey turned onto my street. “Did you talk to Blaise?”

“Yes. Twelve cases, after dark tomorrow night.”

“And you’ve got the money?”

“Yes. It’s everything I’ve made this summer so far.” The words tasted bi

tter in my mouth.

“I’ll meet you at the docks at nine thirty.” He pulled into my driveway, and I faced him.

“I don’t need you, you know. I can do this myself.”

“I said, I’ll meet you at nine.” He stared straight ahead.

“Fine.”

“Fine!”

“Good night, then!” I opened the door and slid out. I was about to slam it shut when he looked over at me.

“Tiny.”

“What.”

“You can’t trust him.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “This from the boy who stole my underwear for profit.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“Yeah, well, I have a good memory.”

Joey focused his attention out the front window again.

I slammed the car door and went inside.

After checking on the girls, I undressed and washed off my makeup. When I was in my nightgown and under the covers, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Angel’s deadline loomed above me like the blade of a guillotine. And Enzo’s refusal to intervene on my behalf cut deep, especially after what had happened between us.

Don’t trust him, Joey said. And I didn’t, not one bit. But I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

I didn’t even try.