Page 191 of Unexpected Heroine

Rising to unsteady legs, I take two steps away for a bit of privacy.

What are the fucking odds that she would reach out right at that moment?

As I unlock my phone, his large hand pats my upper back.

“Why don’t you give her a call? I’ll head down to my office. Come and see me when you’re done.”

He ambles past me toward the door. I’m dumbfounded at the unlikely coincidence of this timing. I’ve never believed in signs. Ever. Period. They’re illogical. A construct of the human mind to excuse happenstance and find meaning where none exists.

However.

If ever a time to believe in a mystical power, this would be it.

My focus jerks from my phone to Big Al twice before I find my voice. “Thank you.”

He winks at me. “Maybe we won’t need to talk about it after all, depending on how your phone call goes.”

Watching him leave, I realize I haven’t been given a full pardon for my crimes. It’s just a stay of execution.

Unless my conversation with Lettie ends up with her agreeing never to contact Big Al, then there’s no way I’ll be able to escape my death sentence.

Chapter 35

From the texts of Lyin’ Snake and Sugar Bear

Sugar Bear:

I really need to talk to you. I have questions.

Lyin’ Snake:

You can ask me anything. I promise I’ll be honest with you. How are you doing, by the way?

Sugar Bear:

Pretty shitty. Thanks for asking.

Lyin’ Snake:

I miss you.

Sugar Bear:

Don’t do that. This isn’t about us.

Lyin’ Snake:

Okay. What do you want to ask? Do we need to talk about it over the phone or face-to-face?

Sugar Bear:

Over the phone? Hilarious.

Lyin’ Snake:

I could come see you. I’d like to talk to you anyhow. I have news.

Sugar Bear:

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