Page 18 of Cruel Titan

From her curious look, I don’t think she’s going to let this drop without some sort of explanation. “It was over our Environmental Science project. I was just tired of him not participating in the group project, and I let my temper get the best of me.”

She gives me a sympathetic look. “Is he still harassing you?”

“Nope,” I lie, shaking my head for, hopefully, a more convincing answer. “It was really silly, but the project is finished so we’re all good.”

“That’s good. It’s probably best to stay far away from him. He seems to be really unbalanced,” Francis says it in a way that is kind yet insulting, as only she can.

“That’s the truth,” I laugh as she changes the subject. She continues her mission of cooking while I sit at the island having one of our casual talks. Sometimes it’s just random stuff, but she’s also been honest with me about my parents attending Golden Olympus. She hadn’t realized she was revealing anything I didn’t know, but it still felt nice for someone to be honest with me for a change and not hide something.

Francis asks about how my after school work is going at Vast Perception before telling me all about previous foundation events over the years. I forget that she’s been around the family forever. Well not really, but she seems like family and that has to be from being part of it for so long.

We’re laughing about Tanner telling the teacher he needs a break from her when Nathan walks into the kitchen. “Great, Quinn. I’m glad you made it back in time.”

“In time for what?” I get an uneasy feeling as Nathan looks confused.

“Didn’t Candace tell you that Detectives Taylor and McCoy were coming over for a few follow-up questions?” He’s visibly frustrated when I shake my head no. “We can reschedule, but they should be here any moment.”

My heart pounds against my chest as I debate what to say. I don’t want to make anyone suspicious by not answering questions, but I can’t. I can’t do this without Davis. The detective that was the rudest, vilest person is the only one who was actually trying to solve the case and help me figure out what happened to my dad. And it almost got him killed.

Francis steps around the island, coming to my side as she rubs her hand on my back in a comforting motion. “It’s okay if you aren’t up to it today. I’m sure they can just come back another time.”

Another time … meaning they are going to keep coming back until I answer the questions. I look to Nathan, nodding my head. “I’ll do it.” I can’t walk around not knowing when they will show up next. I need to gather myself, put on a show as if I don’t know anything about what happened to my dad and the fact that Davis’s accident is connected. I can do this. I think. I have to. My life could literally depend on it. And possibly someone else’s like Davis. If they find out he remembers, there could be disastrous and deadly consequences. I can do this. I just need a minute.

“Today is good. I’m just gonna run upstairs and change really quick.” And attempt to steady my breathing.

Nathan moves in front of me, lightly placing a hand on my shoulder. “If you change your mind at any time or if something is too difficult to answer, just say the word.”

“Okay.” I pause, looking to him. I’m torn between the lies I think he’s telling me and his seemingly sincere concern. “I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time.” Nathan gives me an encouraging pat on the shoulder before looking to Francis. “I thought Candace said you had the day off. Maybe I’m getting my wires crossed,” Nathan jokes.

Francis walks to the other side of the island, resuming her cooking before speaking. “Oh, I wanted to come in and get a few things caught up before the week gets started, make sure everyone had a good meal.”

“We don’t deserve you, Francis.” Nathan smiles at her as I silently agree.

Francis holds up her gravy-covered spoon, pointing it in Nathan’s direction. “No, you don’t.” She laughs before dipping the utensil back in the pot, stirring with a smile on her face as she looks to me. “Everything all right?”

“Yes ma’am,” I utter, realizing that I’m still standing there in a daze, staring at their exchange instead of heading upstairs like I should be. “Be right back,” I murmur as my phone dings with an incoming text.

Asher: They know the truth. They just want to find out what you know.

Me: Is this that dirty move you had planned?

Asher: No. Listen to Davis—don’t trust anyone and don’t tell them anything.

Me: IF Davis did say that, how would you know and wouldn’t “anyone” include you?

Asher: Exactly. Listen to Davis.

Me: Do you even understand yourself?

Asher: Not when it comes to you.

Ugh. Nothing but an endless maze and messy riddles to weave through. Less than an hour ago, he’d said he was plotting a move to make my life more miserable, and now he’s sending me a warning. It could be his next move or even part of it, but I agree with him on one thing: I’m going to trust Davis and no one else—Asher included.

A knock on the door startles me as I clutch my phone. Quickly, I erase the messages from Asher before taking a deep breath and opening the door.

Nathan motions down the hallway that leads to the staircase, “The detectives are here if you’re ready.”