Leaving me alone and still in shock.
God, Ash... No matter what, it was his dad, the only parent he has left, and to be accused of his murder...
Just then my cell rings. Hoping it’s Ash, I pull it out of my purse.
It’s Zane. “Audrey, have you heard from Ash?”
Jesus. “No, I hoped you had.”
“The fucker left, forgot his cell, and now the cops are calling on it, asking for him. Any idea why? They won’t say.”
“His dad is dead,” I say, the words painful.
“What the fuck? Since when?”
“No idea. I just went to his house and the police were there. They were asking me where Ash is. Told them I don’t know.?
?
“Fuck.” Zane sighs. “Tessa said you were spending more time with Ash. You really don’t know where to find him? No clue?”
“He’s been getting into fights. He talked about having to take care of something. It sounded iffy.”
“Fighting?” Zane sounds as shocked as Tessa has. “Ash? He hasn’t started a single fight since the accident.”
“He’s all bruised and stuff. You’re wrong, Zane.”
“Damn. Did he mention any place where he’s been hanging out? Anything at all?”
I try to think. “He mentioned a club. The Bulldog. Do you know it?”
“No, but the police will know. I’ll let you know what they say.”
“Sure.”
He disconnects and I’m left staring at the blank screen of my cell. I’ve reached the bus stop. Snowflakes swirl on the air.
God, I hope Ash is okay.
***
“The Bulldog,” Zane says, his voice strained, “is an illegal fight club. The cops are heading there now.”
“Illegal fight club.” I’m numb. I sit down on my sofa, the phone heavy in my hands.
“They think Ash might be fighting for money. He doesn’t fit the profile of people going there to lay bets.”
“For money. And you don’t sound too surprised.”
He huffs. “I wish he and I had talked more before I left for Christmas. I wish I’d made it clear he didn’t have to leave when Erin came back.”
“Zane... I’m missing something, right? Pieces of Ash’s life. Why would he do this—work at a fight club?”
“Because he can’t go back home. His dad almost killed him last time. I figure he thought it’s the only way to make enough to live on his own.”
A lump forms in my throat. “God, if I’d known... I’d have invited him to stay here.”
“You really care for him, don’t you?” Zane’s voice is soft.