Page 99 of Snake

The cook throws me a startled look when I plow through the kitchen, but the kitchen staff makes way when they see me coming.

I’m out in the bright light of a crisp, late fall morning before Nim’s ass touches the toilet seat. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself as I hurry around the building and head for the parking lot.

My heart stalls in my chest whenNim steps out from behind my X7 as I press the button to unlock the car. I spin away from her, muttering a breathless, “Jesus fucking Christ,” before turning to face her again. “How the fuck did you—”

“Looking for this?” she asks, plucking a photograph out of her top. “I saw you eying that shoebox. You’re just dying to know what’s inside, aren’t you?”

“I already know what’s inside,” I tell her dryly, ignoring the photograph she’s waving around so smugly. “More importantly, I know what it means. Do you?”

I’m bluffing, of course, but I’ve played the part of know-it-all for so long that I could make it as a lawyer without passing the bar.

There’s a touch of hesitation in Nim’s eyes when she says, “Vicky told you who my sponsors are.”

My lips thin into a line. “I have a suspicion, but no. I don’t know for sure.” My voice drops. “I told you, my mother keeps her secrets close.”

Nim seems disappointed as she reaches up to pat her short hair. The look is growing on me. In fact, I might even like her with short hair if she gets a decent haircut. But right now the overall impression is jarring.

I like things neat and tidy. But Nim never checked any of those boxes. Even with a proper haircut, she probably never will.

Am I okay with that?

Ha. Not as if it matters. Soon, she’ll be leaving.

I hear footsteps approaching, and I wait until they’re close before I speak.“I know we’ve already pushed our luck...but would you consider staying in Cinderhart until Sunday night?” I put a hand on my heart. “I swear, I’ll drive you back to the city myself.”

Nim looks uneasy, but then Mason steps forward and lays a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll be on our best behavior. Promise.”

Her lips quirk at this, but she still doesn’t look sold. Not until Silas brushes a chunk of hair from her forehead with his knuckle, and uses that same crooked finger to turn her chin so she’s looking at him. “What have you got to lose, Nim?”

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