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Angela’s lie had ruined my life. And for what? Because I wouldn’t commit to staying nearby for her? We were right back where I’d thought we were.
“Finished?” Devlin asked.
I continued reading without answering him.
An investigation of the lakeshore in that vicinity did yield tire marks consistent with a tractor. After summoning a local tow operator, a tractor was recovered from the lake and identified by this officer as likely belonging to Wilbur Thornbury, a citizen of Clear Lake. Mr. Thornbury was summoned and identified the tractor as his. He stated that it had been stolen the prior evening by parties unknown. Juvenile suspect Boone Benson was arrested and brought in for questioning.
I dropped it back on the table, with the urge to puke my guts out.
Devlin snatched the paper and stood. “Just trying to help you out. Thought you’d want to know before she did it to you again.”
“Fuck you.” Helping me never had been and never would be Devlin’s agenda.
* * *
Angela
Grace was due back tomorrow,and I had one important thing to do before I left town.
I found Tallulah cleaning a room in the B wing. “Hey, Tally.”
Her face brightened as she stood. “Angela, I thought you did your last shift yesterday.”
“Yep.” I laid the brand new laptop on the desk. “I brought you this.” Since I was only a day from leaving, I’d used the safety cash Boone had given me to buy it. I had enough left for gas down to Mom’s, and that was all I needed today.
Her eyes widened. “For me?” She ran her hand across the lid. “Really?” Her eyes misted up.
“It’s not the biggest and fastest, but it’ll be fine for when we start your tutoring.”
“So, you’re staying in Clear Lake?” she asked hopefully before wrapping me in a hug. “That’s great.”
Unfortunately that wasn’t an option. After disentangling myself, I explained, “No. I can’t, but that’s what’s so wonderful about computer work. You can do it anywhere.”
“Like if I wanted to live by the beach?” She was once again focused on escaping Clear Lake.
“Anywhere with a good internet connection. So, I’ll be tutoring you from wherever I end up.” I’d been cagey about where I was going.
I received another giant hug and dozenthank yous from her before leaving. Walking out of the hotel for the last time, my small bit of philanthropy gave me a satisfaction much more intense than I’d expected. I also felt a sense of accomplishment. I hadn’t done it yet, but I’d soon be giving one girl more than a computer—the tools to escape the likes of housekeeping work.
* * *
Back at theshack I’d called home for a month, I leaned over and patted Julie. She’d been following me around as I picked things up, probably sensing the different pattern in my movements. “Sure, I’ll miss you guys,” I reassured her.
She wagged her tail, but didn’t leave my side. Izzy was busy gnawing on an old shoe, and King was sprawled out on his bed as usual.
After folding the last of my shirts, I opened my laptop and reviewed the latest hateful email that had come in this morning from Kevin. Reading it gave me a chill.
My dearest Angela,
Since I haven’t heard from you, I have to assume the worst. You might have been abducted or something, so I’ve reported the car as stolen. Hopefully the cops will have more luck finding it than I have, and they can save you.
I hope to have you back soon so we can get on with our life.
Yours always,
Kevin
Abducted, my ass. He’d already threatened to report the car stolen. This was just an excuse to have the cops use their resources to find me.
