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“Jazzy. Just go!”
“Fine, but you are going to talk to me. You’re my best friend and I can tell you’re in trouble.”
I dropped my head into my hands, trying to shove aside the rush of emotions and fear, thinking about the plan I’d had. Get a few things together, the cash and my ATM cards, including the one for the second bank account. I could do this. I had a car and could disappear until the heat was off.
But where would I go?
“Jazzy. I’m not who you think I am. I had to change my identity.”
She remained quiet.
“It’s a long story but Cruz is a very bad man and I think he’s going to lock me away.”
“Then I’m going to the police,” she said, her tone much calmer than I would have expected.
“You can’t do that. You don’t know who my uncle is. They won’t do anything.”
“Who is your uncle?”
“A powerful man with ties to the mafia.” I’d never admitted it to anyone. Not to a single person. “So you know, I grew up in luxury, never wanting for a thing. I was pampered until my parents’ murder. Then my uncle used me as a pawn, preparing me for the highest bidder.” I still couldn’t stomach the thought.
“Why did you run?”
“Because I was going to be married off to a man almost twice my age. A sick prick who would thrive on breaking me.”
Isn’t that what Cruz had planned?
“Jesus. That shit really happens?”
“Yes. I think my hiding place has been found.” I had no emotion left, just a quiet calm that might be able to allow me to get myself out of this.
“Oh,” Jasmine said, her voice quaking enough for the both of us. “And your parents’ death?”
“They were murdered along with my aunt.”
“This is nuts. Honey, you need to go to the police.”
“They won’t believe me but both men are dangerous. That’s why you don’t need to know anything else.”
She’d been my best friend since the third day I’d arrived in town. After I’d told her my parents were dead, she hadn’t asked any additional questions, assuming it was a difficult topic. I’d made up lies, telling stories of being a normal kid in a typical household, but nothing had been normal. It had taken years of living on my own before I’d admitted it.
“I knew all along,” she said as she pulled up next to my apartment building.
“What does that mean?”
“I had a sense you were running from something or someone. I figured you would tell me when you had the chance. But I never imagined…”
“No one could have. My dirty little secret. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to tell me you’re sorry, Eden. I’m just worried about you. What can I do to help you?”
“If you see Cruz. Just walk the other way. Tell him nothing. Stay out of the clubs.”
“You really think he’d dangerous? Is he mafia?”
“Honestly, I think so, but I can’t be certain. I just don’t know what he’s capable of.” But my gut told me he’d gotten caught up in the game he’d played with me, never expecting to enjoy it. Or maybe he was one damn good actor. The ache in my heart was more pronounced than ever.
She shoved the gear into park, allowing the engine to idle. “I’m never going to see you again, am I?”
