Page 9

Silence.

I’m starting to think I’m really wrong about what’s going on here. Maybe he’s not part of the festivities.

A beat passes.

“You look like you're about to pass out.”

“I never pass out.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You're pale as a ghost.”

His jaw tightens. “I'm fine.”

Another beat of silence passes before he speaks. “So...” He looks around the interior. “Expensive car.”

“I work for it.”

He’s silent.

“Besides, heated seats are life-changing.”

He doesn’t say anything.

Three seconds later, I hear a thump. His head slumps sideways against the window.

I sigh. “I knew you were gonna pass out.”

I press the button on my steering wheel. The Bluetooth chimes. It rings twice.

“Hey,” Violet answers. “Drew and I are watching a movie.”

“I need a favor.”

“I had a feeling.”

“And I'm collecting on the favor you owe me.”

I glance over at the six-foot-four hitman unconscious in my passenger seat. The one I thought was an actor.

“I need you to help me get a guy into my house.”

Silence.

“He's not dead, is he?” Violet asks.

I huff. “Stop being dramatic.”

“Callie.”

“Of course he’s not dead.”

“...Is he drunk?”

“Nooo...”

I glance at the blood soaking his shirt. “He just lost a lot of blood.”

“WHAT?!” Violet shrieks into my speakers.