Overture (North Security 1)

“I’m not being silly. You guys are my best friends. If he needs to talk, I should be there.” A thought occurs to me, and my cheeks heat. “Unless you’d rather be alone.”

Shock widens her eyes. “Nothing like that is going to happen.”

“Okay,” I say, keeping my tone mild.

“I’m serious. Now you have to come.”

She slips outside, and I start to follow. At the threshold of the house I pause, remembering the strange sounds and shadows in the antique shop. Probably my imagination.

“Come on,” she says, and I take another step forward.

And then stop.

Your father had enemies. If they think you know something—

No, I won’t leave without telling anyone where I’m going. Liam was right about that—it’s not the grown-up decision to make people worry.

I find Liam outside, shaking his head as Josh and Elijah fight across the grass, tumbling outside the makeshift white boundary, using moves that I’m pretty sure aren’t allowed in even the most underground boxing ring.

“I’m going on a drive with Laney and Cody.”

“No,” he says, almost absently, his eyes still on the fight.

“I’m not asking permission,” I tell him gently. “I’m eighteen now. Remember?”

He glances at me, his green eyes filled with humor and melancholy. “Would you have asked permission if I agreed to be pen pals when you left?”

I shake my head slowly, not breaking eye contact.

“Christ,” he says. “All right. Go. I won’t try to stop you, but I’m still responsible for your safety as long as I—as long as you’re here. I’ll follow at a discreet distance.”

I make a face. “Are you serious?”

“Hey,” he says gently. “I know how to tail someone without them knowing.”

“That’s weirdly reassuring.”

That earns me a small smile.

Outside I find Cody and Laney waiting by the beat-up white truck, Cody looking miserable, his shoulders slumped as if perpetually protecting himself. He actually looks better than Elijah—no black eyes or visible bruises. I think they’re all on his ribs. His father hits him where it can’t be seen.

I move to hug him, but he takes a reflexive step back.

My face falls, but I struggle to act casual. “I heard we’re going for a drive.”

“Happy birthday,” he says, apology in his voice. “I got you a present, but it’s… I lost it.”

More likely his father found it, whatever it was, and beat him for it. Acid rises in my throat. I hate not being able to do anything about it.

Maybe on the drive I can convince him Liam can help.

“The only thing I want for my birthday is hanging out with you,” I say, climbing into the truck. I don’t know how much a normal high school experience really helped me. The endless classes and exams when all I really wanted to do was play the violin. Having Laney and Cody as friends is different. If this is what normal means, I understand why it’s so important.

I know without asking that we’re heading to the lake, where trails lead to a rocky swimming hole. We go there a lot to hang out. Except we barely get ten minutes from home before headlights appear behind us, way too close to the truck. Cody swears in surprise. “What the hell?”

“Oh my God,” I moan. “He said he would be discreet.”

Laney turns in her seat. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that’s not anyone from North Security. It’s a Crown Victoria, late nineties model.”