Under the Stars

I only nod. “It’s something she’ll have to tell you when she’s ready.”

“I know. She’s told me a little. Not much, but I’m fine with waiting.”

My lips press into a smile, and I really like this friendly guy who picked us out on a crowded street one Friday night. I hope he’s able to break through to her, to touch her heart.

I touch his hand again. “You’re pretty brave, you know that?”

A chuckle breaks from his lips, and his smile shows off his straight white teeth. “Yeah, but I’m stupid when it comes to pretty girls.”

The guy at the counter calls my name, and I hold up a finger before hopping off my stool to grab the waiting bag. It smells delicious—no Everything Poboy, but not bad.

“What’s going on, Josh? She was only with us in the apartment for a few minutes before her phone pinged and she left in a hurry. We need her help, but it seems something’s more important…”

His eyes flicker away, and he leans up, taking a sip of his coffee. I can tell he’s trying to evade my questioning, but I’m not about to let him. Reaching out, I grasp his forearm.

“Please tell me what she’s doing.” Our eyes meet, and he studies my face a moment before standing as well.

“She’ll be mad at me if I tell you anything.” He sets the cup on the table, his eyes fixed on the lid.

“I’m not going to try and stop her. I just need to know, and we actually do need her help.”

He doesn’t answer right away. He seems to be thinking, weighing the options.

“Let’s walk while we talk.”

Outside, it’s growing darker and the breeze is stronger. I hold the bag to my chest and sip my hot drink, doing my best to stave off the chill.

Joshua’s hands are in the pockets of his gray slacks. “She’s been going out with Candi for the last two weeks.”

My chest plunges. “Candi… the hooker? Doing what?”

“Watching out for her. Making sure she isn’t hurt.” He lifts his chin. “I told her I didn’t like it. She told me she’s being careful.”

It’s the best he can hope for. I know from personal experience.

“Does Candi know Molly is there?”

“Yeah, I think she likes having Molly there, even though she acts like she doesn’t.”

I remember Candi, the young girl we met at the Redwood. She acted like a ditzy blonde, an act I’ve seen Molly use to lure her victims, make them believe they’re safe. But when pushed in a corner, Candi turned stabby… another trick I’ve seen Molly use.

“Gavin has a new kid, a girl named Brittanie.” The muscle in his jaw moves, and I can tell this is where things are getting bad. “She’s only thirteen, but she looks older. She needs to go home, but she won’t.”

“Where is her home?”

“I don’t know. Foster care, probably. She’s like a lot of the kids around here, a runaway. Maybe her parents are into drugs. Maybe she’s a lesbian, and they kicked her out. Either way, she’s on the street.”

We keep walking, and I see the men’s clothing store up ahead. “Do you have to go back to work?”

“Yeah, but I can tell you things are getting close. I’m worried.”

A knot tightens my throat, and I try to swallow it away. “Why are you worried?”

“They’ve been going out more. Molly gave Brit her phone number, and every time it goes off, she leaves. She won’t tell me where they go, but I think I know.”

“Will you tell me?”

His lips press together, and he ducks his head before leaning in close to my ear. “It’s a private club. It floats—meets at different places, tattoo parlors, hotels. I don’t know all the spots. It’s dangerous. The men pay money to have… experiences.”