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“Once I explain, it will all make sense. For now, you have to trust me.”
Chapter 41
Ella
Two hours later, I met Dope at my place.
“On second thought, I don’t want to talk here. It’s too risky,” Dope said as he stood outside my front door. “Grab your stuff, and let’s take a drive.”
“You’re acting super strange, Dope. Before I go anywhere with you, I have to know that Sebastian is safe. I’m worried sick while he’s with Kip.”
“He’s fine. Bass is my best friend, and I would never allow anything bad to happen to him. Trust me. Please.” Dope’s brown eyes pleaded with me, tugging at my heart.
Giving in, I collected my purse and phone before I locked my door behind me. “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere it’s safe to talk.”
He climbed into his dark green Honda Civic, and I did the same. Once I buckled up, he started the engine and pulled away from the curb.
“I guess I never thought about what kind of car you drove. I’ve only seen you in the van. For some dumb reason, I assumed it was your everyday vehicle too.”
That got an arched brow in my direction.
“Ella, I gotta say that I think you’re perfect for Bass, but the shit that comes out of your mouth sometimes is … well.” He grimaced.
“Dumb?” I finished for him. “I know. I blurt shit out at times without thinking it through. And, of course, the van isn’t your everyday car. It’s probably hidden in a garage somewhere, and you change out the license plate every trip you make in it, so if you’re reported, it will be more difficult to find a white work van.”
Dope grinned at me. “There she is.”
I grinned. “I’m new to the criminal world. I mean I’m usually reading files and helping prepare to defend criminals in court, not living the life.”
“You’re a criminal, too, Ella. You tracked Sebastian, then helped us kidnap people and transport them over a state line.”
“You can’t kidnap the willing, Dope. Don’t be so dramatic.” I rolled my eyes. What he said still punched me in the stomach. I was a criminal. I had assisted Death in covering up a murder in my home, and that made me an accomplice.
My knee bounced, and I attempted to think about other questions to ask Dope. It would help me not choke him for withholding the truth as soon as we got into his car. Maybe he was anticipating me losing my shit, so he didn’t want to be driving. Smart guy.
Twenty minutes later, Dope pulled into the parking lot of a park. Only a few people were walking their dogs or jogging along the path that disappeared into the woods. Portland had a plethora of public parks connected to protected forests. Suddenly, I wondered how many bodies were buried there.
“Let’s go.” Dope hopped out and waited for me to do the same before he locked the doors.
I threw the strap of my crossbody purse over my shoulder in order to be hands free in case anyone got a bright idea and tried to mug me.
I was a paranoid bitch, but I didn’t care. Not after what I heard Kip and Dope say at the hospital. That’s why I didn’t hesitate when Dope offered to answer my questions. But I had a few things to say too.
We slowed, and Dope jumped on top of a picnic table, reached inside the front pocket of his jeans, and produced a joint and lighter.
The wind kicked up, cold and biting, and I burrowed further into my coat. The leaves stirred and danced as they were scooped off the sidewalk and into the air.
“It got a little bent.” He frowned as he straightened it out as much as he could. “Want a hit?”
“No. I’m just here for answers.” I sat next to him, growing impatient with his stalling. “Listen, I understand that you didn’t want to talk while driving, but please tell me what you wanted to tell me about. I want to get back to Sebastian as soon as possible.”
Dope took a pull of the joint and blew it out several seconds later. “I should start at the beginning, but Ella.” He looked at me, sadness in his gaze. “You have to swear to me this doesn’t get repeated. If you want to talk to me about it, fine. Even Kip, but not outside our safe circle. What I’m about to tell you falls under the NDA, but I’m asking you again for my peace of mind.”
“I promise. I keep secrets every day at work. You can trust me.” Not to mention that I had Stephen’s blood on my hands. Well, it was on my body, but still.
“For some reason, I trust you, probably because Bass does. Don’t prove me wrong.” He took another hit, the stench of the pot assaulting my nose.
