Page 63 of XO Karma

“It’s my job to be perceptive, Aster.” She pats my shoulder.

“You think he’s just going to invite you over? Did you forget about his cougar of a wife?”

Lily sighs exasperatedly. “It’s not like I’m going to fuck the man.” Not unless she wants him dead. “I’ll just use his attraction for me to get an invite, and I’ll bring you as my plus one. Then we can slip away and try to not get caught while we investigate more of the estate.”

“Lillian Huxley.” A Cheshire grin splits across my face. “Are you asking me on a date?”

Her jaw falls open, and she howls a laugh that echoes off the trees. Her eyes widen, and she slaps both hands over her mouth. We drop flat to the ground as the two closest security guards’ heads whip in our direction. My shoulders shake as I fight a chuckle, and the earthy scent of the soil surrounds me.

“This. Isn’t. Funny!” she hisses. They shine flashlights our way, but given we’re hidden by the tree line and they switch shifts in—I glance at my watch—two minutes, I’m hoping they’re too lazy to check it out. One of them pulls something from their pocket, and a moment later, a red ember and puff in the air tell me they’re taking a smoke break, not even remotely worried with the hyena laugh my partner in crime just let out.

Rolling on my side, I rest my cheek on my hand and whisper, “I accept your offer of a date.”

She shoves my head. “It’s not a date.”

“Whatever you say.”

The sound of creaking hinges has our attention returning towards the estate. We both rise to a crouching position, spotting the large doors of the barn opening on the opposite side of the yard. Two figures emerge, each carrying the end of a long box. They meet the guards, then walk together towards another door on the side of the estate. A man pulls out a set of keys and fiddles with the lock, then opens it. The two carrying the box disappear through, seemingly walking downwards.

“Basement?” I suggest as the guard closes them inside and they return to their post.

“What would they need to move between the houses at one in the morning?”

I shrug, a smile creeping across my face. “Guess we’ll find out on our date.”

22

LILY

Karma Request #2843

Crime: This guy drugged me at a bar

Evidence: I know he did it, but I just can’t prove it

Preferred Punishment: Karma’s choice

Payment Offered: $500

How To Find The Target: Name: Nolan Moore. (1) photo attached, frequent customer at Hell’s Bar on 21st Street

“Mm-hmm.” I clack away on my laptop as I lie sprawled in my bed. I have no clue how I’m going to get an invite to the Westerford mansion again, but I do know I can take this sleazy little prick down. I also can’t help but wonder if I may have an Aster run-in, given the last time I was at this bar he was hidden outside, awaiting a target.

I check the time: 5:52 p.m. Definitely early enough for me to do it tonight. Looks like my quiet evening of listening to a true crime podcast while I fold laundry is out the window. Oh, no. I’m devastated.

Da-na-na-na. Da-na-na-na. Da-na-na-na-na.

My head jerks to the side. The iconic familiar ring of a 2000s cell bounces around the room. But it’s not my phone that sits next to me, screen black. The tone is more like those old ones before they had fun ringtones. Like my first piece of shit brick phone in fourth grade. Or what you’d hear in a movie theater before they told you to silence your cell.

My laptop is abandoned on the mattress as I scurry off, following the noise.

The ear-piercing ring intensifies as I near my desk. Drawers squeal open and slam closed, revealing nothing. I flatten myself on the ground and find something duct-taped to the underside of the table. The creepy caller was using my real phone. Why would they switch?

“What the…?” I yank it off, remove the tape, and find a hot pink, old as hell Nokia. The caller ID, Grim, flashes across the screen, and I roll my eyes, accepting the call. “Hello?”

“Hey,” Aster says as if this is the start of any normal conversation.

“Care to explain why the hell I just found a phone from the Stone Age hidden in my room?”