Page 149

She had asked when he was going back to wherever he’d come from, and he’d laughed in her face.

“Hey,” Kristi called. Her ponytail was tucked under her hat, and her jacket was zipped up to her chin.

“How long this time?” Riley asked, shoving her hands deeper into her pockets.

“Fifteen kilometres.” Kristi’s eyes roved over her and then back to the truck behind them. “That him? The fourth one?”

Riley huffed a laugh and glanced back. “Yeah, Dante. He’s a dick. But Wheeler’s pretty happy the band is back together.”

“Cute.” Kristi eyed him, although Riley had no idea how she could see him from this distance.

“This seems kind of cloak and dagger.”

Kristi turned and put her back to the truck. “I just wanted to talk. There’s been a lot going on.”

Riley nodded, lips pressed together. “Sure has. Where have you been?”

Kristi’s eyes tightened, and she looked away. “Just work. It’s been busy. Sorry, Ri.”

“Finding out your boss is an organized criminal must have been really exhausting for you,” Riley said. “You were right, by the way.”

“Riley, I’m sorry—” Kristi paused as a car pulled into the parking lot and kept her eye on it as it parked. “I’ve had a lot going on. But you have him now. You’re in good hands.”

Riley’s heart dropped into her stomach. “What are you talking about?”

Kristi looked at her, and something cruel flashed in her eyes. “Nothing. I’m happy for you.”

Kristi said it like they were just two people, not them. Not Kristi and Riley.

“I’m so confused right now. Are we doing this or what? Nico—”

“I can’t talk about Nico,” Kristi said.

“Okay…” Riley stared at her best friend and wasn’t sure who looked back at her.

Kristi grabbed her hand and pressed a slim rectangle into it. “You won’t even need a lawyer; it’s all there and then some. You should still have one though.” She glanced towards the parking lot. “They can help you with that.”

“Why can’t you help me with it?”

Kristi’s eyes darted everywhere. “I just can’t. Even being here—”

“What’s happened?” Riley asked, stepping closer and lowering her voice. “Are you in trouble?”

Kristi laughed, but it was too quiet. “I’m always in trouble—you know me.”

Riley reached forward and grabbed Kristi’s hands. “I do know you. You can tell me—anything, right?”

Kristi’s smile was sad. “Of course. Everything is fine. Please don’t worry.”

“Whatever it is, it’s okay. Just talk to me.” Riley squeezed Kristi’s hands and she didn’t squeeze back.

“We will talk. I’m just going to be busy with work for the next few months. Big trial.” Kristi shrugged and looked into the fog.

Riley tugged on Kristi’s hands. “Look at me. What is going on?” She kept her eyes on Kristi’s.

“It’s fine. Just take the spreadsheet to that detective Aaron knows. Nola or whatever.”

“Nia.”