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She picks up on the double meaning.
“Laugh or something, Fisher,” Jeffy urges, then takes a drag of his cigarette, throws his head back and cackles at the same time as Alannah breaks into a fake laugh that doesn’t touch her eyes.
“You really shouldn’t smoke,” I admonish, waving my finger playfully.
My face feels hot, but I do my best to keep up the casual act.
“It’s my Friday cigarette. You know I need my Friday cigarette.”
I fake another little laugh and then I look at my phone. There’s a text message from my boss wishing me well with the meeting and reminding me to reach out to him as soon as I’m done.
“Oh, look at the time. I have to go.” I slip it into my pocket.
“I’ll call you,” Alannah says.
“Maybe I oughta come for an impromptu sleepover tomorrow,” I mutter.
“Sounds good,” she says with emotion on her face.
“My phone and my place have electronic eyes and ears. I’ll swing by tomorrow without announcing it.”
Her eyes flash with understanding.
Jeffy says, “I’ll come by. I’ll bring wine. We’ll talk. I’ll tell you all I know. We’ll brainstorm.”
“Do nothing. I have to manage this all carefully. There’s a lot at stake. Believe me. Do. Nothing.”
I hug Alannah and then I hug Jeffy a second time.
“We’ll figure it out,” he whispers into my hair.
I nod and give him an affectionate squeeze. “It’s not a good idea to get involved. I can’t get into it but please. Don’t. Don’t let Lan go into momma bear mode, okay. She just can’t.”
“I’ve already told her. We need to brainstorm first. This is delicate.”
“Kay. Later,” I say.
My phone rings.
DS - Cavalier calling
I wave at them as I walk away, answering.
“What is it?”
“I don’t want his hands on you like that.”
“He’s my friend,” I state, hitting the button to unlock the door of my Cherokee.
“Next time, pull away faster.”
I cradle the phone with my shoulder so I can use that hand to get the door open and put the bag of food and my leather bag on the passenger seat.
“Don’t let it happen again,” he warns.
I say nothing.
“Chloe?” Derek calls.
