Page 6 of Hooked on Trouble

“He was here, but the dude split.”

“What do you mean split?”

“Gone underground. Maybe Mexico or somethin’. He copped to ditching the meth in the car they jacked.” A muffled voice carries through the line, then, “Give me a sec.”

I rock in my too-small chair as I wait, fisting my free hand. I don’t need Luke to tell me the meth didn’t belong to Josh. I might not have believed my brother at first, but there’s been a lot of hollering the past months, insults hurled and received. Enough tears, too, until I was sure. Josh didn’t know the car he was asked to drive was stolen. He didn’t know there was enough methamphetamine stashed in the trunk to kill a herd of elephants. But believing him and proving it are two different beasts.

Josh’s only chance of an acquittal is getting a confession from the “homies” he once called friends. Anything short of that is jail time.

“Sorry, bro.” Luke talks low as if he has an audience nearby. “You know I’d do anything for you, but this one’s outta my hands.”

I scrub my head and squeeze my eyes. “Testify for me. Tell a judge what you know.”

He laughs. “No fucking way. A known felon? They’d kill me up there. And I got my rep to protect.”

“Yeah” is all I can say. It was a stupid question. I could remind Luke what I did for his brother, standing up for him in court and getting his sentence knocked down. But the facts are the facts—a jury would never listen to a kid like Luke.

We hang up, and my gut churns worse than when I smell that blasted curry.

Another dead end.

I pull Raven’s form toward me and run my thumb over her name. Raven Hunt. She loops her R big and wide, the A and V and E and N tight and even, steady strokes like a teacher. No art teacher I had ever looked like her: dangerous, sultry, a body made for sin and a face for film. The rest of my life may be circling the drain, but she’s here, in Vancouver, and I could use a distraction.

If it were just Raven’s looks, I’d move on. Not complicate things and chance messing up my relationship with my friends. But she’s pissed at me for the same reason I can’t let this go: We shared more than a bed that night in Aspen. Something passed between us, something deeper than I’ve felt with anyone in a long while. Maybe ever. It’s time to find out if it was the mountain air, or if it was more.

My bet’s on more.

Three

Raven

Walking around without a wallet makes me feel as naked as those hippies on Wreck Beach. I hop off the bus, tug down my mini skirt, and check for the millionth time my purse is still zipped, all belongings safely inside. (Helloooo, paranoia.) I scan the restaurants for street numbers until I get my bearings, then I move into step with the other locals out for their Thursday night.

Shay and Lily both offered to pick me up, but I like finding my own way. I ride different buses when possible, mapping out the streets as we bump along. I’ve already found a bagel shop that bakes fresh, doughy bread all hours of the night and a biker store filled with all things black and leather. Even after today’s fiasco, Vancouver is feeling like home.

I spot the restaurant Shay booked and push through the door. An attractive Asian man approaches as I adjust my strapless top. Like me, he’s dressed in black, his smooth cheekbones striking in the soft light. If I had my camera, I’d snap a close-up of that chiseled line; the slope of his cheek is as sleek as a sand dune.

He checks a book on his counter. “Do you have a reservation?”

The bar is hopping, all surrounding tables full. When I see Shay’s unruly hair, I nod toward the group. “I’m meeting friends.”

He motions me on, and the girls wave when I catch their attention. Kolton has his arm over Shay’s chair, and Sawyer’s hand is on Lily’s knee. Both guys are in their usual jeans and T-shirts, like they should be lounging on deck chairs, sipping beers.

Kolton stands. “Nice to finally see you.”

“Nice to be seen.” I walk into his outstretched arms and sink into his hug.

He rubs my back. “Sorry about the wallet.”

“Yeah.”

“Looking hot, Hunt.” Sawyer winks as he stands to kiss my cheek.

“Save the sweet talking for your girlfriend.” I round the table and sit next to Lily. “This place is cool.”

She fixes her hair band in place. “Don’t you love the walls? Such a fun design.”

Bicycle wheels line the top half of the space, all painted lime green. The same color as the naked dude’s fanny pack. “Yeah, it’s different. Is this for me?” I point to the glass of red wine by my plate.