Page 171 of Dare To Fall

Miles: Wait, what? Do you mean Eli doesn’t know about this?

Me: I didn’t want to worry him.

Miles: OMG, Arabella, don’t do this. Abort. Abort. Have you never watched a serial killer documentary? You are walking into a trap.

My determination wavers. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea? I should have thought things through properly.

But it’s too late, because my destination is drawing closer.

Me: No, I haven’t, and I’m at the Country Club.

Miles: Turn around and go home.

Me: I’ll text you once I’m with Jace.

Miles: I AM TELLING ELI.

Me: Please don’t. We are in a public place. There are plenty of people. I’m not a complete idiot.

Miles: You’ve got five minutes, and then I want another message.

The car rolls to a stop, and I pay the driver, then climb out. A few people are entering the building, and I fall in behind them. The place is busy, with tables full of families out having breakfast together. Once inside, I search for Jace.

He sees me first. He’s sporting a black eye and split lip from Eli’s beating at the church.

He waves at me from a table tucked in a far corner. I assure myself there’s no one else I know around, before weaving through the tables to join him.

He frowns when I stop beside him and snap a photo of us together.

“What are you doing?”

I send it to Miles. “Proof of life.”

Me: Not a trap so far :)

Miles: Message me again in five minutes.

Me: Yes, mother.

Miles: I’m serious, Arabella.

Me: ok, ok.

“Is that Eli?”

I take the seat opposite Jace and pin him with a stare. “You wanted to talk. So, talk.”

“Are you hungry? I can order you something?” He glances toward a roving server.

I shake my head. “I don’t want anything from you but words.”

He releases a long slow breath. “I didn’t know Evan was going to kill Kellan.”

“Is that it?”

“Evan wants to make Eli suffer.”

Unease crawls down my spine. “Why?”

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