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“Sometimes,” I say evasively. “But not always.”
“If I cash in my mile, will you give me a straight answer?”
“Depends on the question.”
He stares at me once more; the gears turning in his mind as he works through everything he knows versus what he doesn’t. His decision is clear, though. It’s not difficult to guess what answer he wants.
I feel relieved that he’s using his mile so soon. It weighs as much as a physical favor, but the consequences are slightly different. Information means more to me than it does to him. I’d rather move a dead body or kill someone for him or give him a get out of jail free card.
The request of this favor is heavy, even if he doesn’t understand its power.
Just this once, my upbringing and morals won’t let me tell him a lie.
The Maldonado code of conduct is beaten into everyone who wears our mark. Favors are not to be given out lightly. You never go back on your agreement.
He’s the only one I’ve ever owed information to. After this, I won’t feel that pressure anymore.
“Fine,” he finally agrees, settling on his carefully worded question. “What were the two truths and one lie you told Riley in the hospital after you shot him?”
I smirk even as my stomach flips. “If I answer that, and you ever repeat it, I will kill you.”
“I won’t say a word of it. Besides, I’ve seen your work.”
“You haven’t seen my real work, Ezra. It wasn’t shooting Riley or killing David. The former was a hindrance during a job, and the latter was closer to revenge. I’m more thorough with my jobs. Ask Riley about the other guy I shot that night. Gavin ‘Gator’ Mendez.”
“Answer my question.”
“Two truths and a lie…” I muse. “Are you sure?”
He shrugs. “Pretty sure I already know.”
“I doubt it,” I comment, twisting the forgotten water bottle in my hand.
“You’re stalling.”
I grimace. “I am.”
Ezra takes the water bottle from me, covering my hands with his to stop my release of nervous energy. “Because you don’t want to tell me the truth?”
“Because I don’t want to kill you,” I whisper.
“You won’t have to.”
I take a deep breath, nodding as I steady myself for the confession. “My name is Gemma. There are three faces to this coin; Gemma and the Ghost are only two of them. My name is Jasper Maldonado.”
“You are?” Ezra inquires skeptically.
I nod again.
“That’s not what I thought you were going to say,” he admits.
“I know.”
He frowns, tilting his head like he’s just added events together. “Riley has known since you shot him?”
“Yes,” I drawl.
“We were in highschool—Wait.” He holds his hand out. “Were you the girl who was visiting him? The one the nurses were always asking about? It drove Will crazy that Riley wouldn’t tell him who she was.”
