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I swallow. There’s movement behind me, and Harper wraps her arms around me, resting her cheek against my back. I cover her hands with mine, drawing from her warmth. My mom’s been obstinate about moving out.

Mom is being formally charged for trafficking prescription medications. The DEA gave Dad a head’s up so he could have me out of the house because the media circus that finally died down will be there ready to get her arrest on film. Another lawyer in Dad’s firm is taking over her case.

If Dad wasn’t through with her already, this would have been the final straw. According to Zach’s testimony, she’s the main person everything flowed through. She recruited the young men to help distribute at the multiple schools in the region. She supplied the drugs to them, took the money, and paid them.

Everyone suspects there’s someone above her, but she isn’t talking. She hasn’t said a word since the grand jury was convened.

Which is probably smart, if she wants to live. Did she always know she would be the scapegoat? Or did she think William would protect her? Will he still protect her? How naive is my mother?

Zach is being protected as a witness and still waiting for his trial date for the mess he made of Homecoming and the kidnapping charges.

But the argument tonight is about us staying here. Caden, Luke, Nico, and I plan to stay here while Zach’s out on house arrest. There’s no way we’d ever leave Jack and Harper alone to deal with this. We can’t underestimate what Zach will do and won’t underestimate him ever again.

“What’s Lucy supposed to think of this?” Robert sounds frustrated.

“That her older brother is having a slumber party with his friends.” Jennifer is quick with her comeback. “Honestly, she’s been fine with Harper sleeping with Jack. It’s not like anything is changing. They’re just protective, and honestly, those boys are the best defense against Zach Gray if he dares to try to come after them.”

Jack finally stands up and goes to the door. He yanks it open and looks at the three adults standing there. “You know we can hear you, right? Lucy is fine with the guys staying over. Hell, she’ll probably drag her sleeping bag and stuffed animals to my room to join us. Not that she’ll actually sleep in my room.”

Jack glances back at us before sighing. “We’ll be quiet and respectful. We just need to make sure Zach isn’t going to come after us. From what you’ve said, he doesn’t have much hope of getting out of doing time.”

Dad nods. “The deal included some perks, but he couldn’t get out of jail time. That’s been his holdout for his testimony. But when his lawyer convinced him this was the best he was going to get, he took it.”

“That means he has nothing to lose if he comes after us.” Jack runs a hand through his hair. “We just want to be prepared. If you need us to go to someone else’s house⁠—”

“No.” Robert shakes his head. “This is your home. You boys have always been welcome here. It’s just unusual circumstances, and something I need to wrap my head around. This is probably the safest place for you all right now.”

My dad stands close to Jennifer, behind Robert. I know Luke jokes about me becoming Harper’s stepbrother, but the more they interact, the more I wonder if there really is something there.

Jennifer has been alone for the past thirteen years. My dad’s marriage has been on the rocks for as long as I remember, but the shit hit the fan two years ago when Mom’s affair came out.

Maybe they’ll wait until Harper and I are off to college before starting anything. Maybe nothing will happen at all. But there’s something there if they don’t want to ignore it.

“If Zach does show, you call the police. Don’t let him egg you into anything.” Dad’s eyes center on me. Like I’m the most hot-headed of this group. I shake my head.

“We’re good, Cameron.” Luke stands next to me. “Zach’s ankle monitor will tell them where he is. We just have to hold him off long enough for the Feds to get here and take him back. If he shows up.”

That’s a big if.

“No one needs to be a hero.” Robert shakes his head and looks at us crowded into Jack’s room. “It might be easier if you camped out in the basement.”

Less privacy, but we weren’t actually planning on having sex. If it makes Robert feel better, it would be easier to keep him on board.

“That sounds good.” I nod and look at the others. “We’ll sort it out. Thank you, Robert.”

Jennifer holds her arms out. Harper steps around us and walks into Jennifer’s hug. “Behave, kid. The nurse who was out on maternity leave is coming back soon, and they’ve hired a new nurse to help with labor and delivery, so I should be back on days before you know it.”

“Okay.” Harper pulls away and steps back into me.

I wrap my arm around her shoulders and rest my chin on her head. “We’ve got her.”

Jennifer smiles with pride. “I know you do.”

Harper

It’s like a giant nest of blankets. The furniture is pushed up against the walls and there are blankets spread out over a few blow-up mattresses.

“Best sleepover ever,” Lucy giggles as she bounces on the mattresses.