Page 4 of The Making of Marnie Jones

“There's a diner on the highway. Is it safe to assume you're not from around here?”

“Got it in one.”

“Then follow me.” She headed for her car.

“We could ride together.”

“Never going to happen.”

She didn't turn, but that sounded like a sardonic chuckle. Relieved, he pulled his keys from his pocket and hurried to get behind the wheel of his rental.Come on, lady, don’t drive away without me, okay?He eased his car in behind hers as she drove toward the highway. Probably could’ve found the place, but better to let her think she had the upper hand.

Marnie Jones was a study in contradictions. Her outward appearance shocked him, and he barely recognized her. The luxurious golden-blonde curls had been replaced by straight, shoulder-length ebony hair pulled into a ponytail. Her unmistakable deep-green eyes were hidden behind sunglasses at the moment.

He’d pored over photographs of her features, searching for answers in her wise-beyond-years eyes. He had no more answers after meeting her than before.

They parked at the diner.

She lept from her car and scurried into the safe shelter of the restaurant.

If only he could convince her she had nothing to fear from him— because he took her rules seriously. He slid from his car and entered the restaurant, removing his sunglasses.

Fifties Diner was like many others of the same ilk. Surprising that she hadn’t chosen a more upscale location. He slid into the booth across from her and gratefully accepted the glass of water and menu offered by the young waitress. The tantalizing aroma of grilling meat and fries assailed him, making his stomach growl and reminding him he hadn’t eaten since before getting on the plane this morning.

“They have the best burgers in town.”

She was answering his unasked question. “I'll have a burger and fries.” He handed the menu back to the waitress.

“Same for me.” Marnie nodded at the server. “And a chocolate milkshake. Thanks, Sarabeth.”

The smile she gave the other woman was genuine. What would it be like if she bestowed it upon him? Wasn’t likely to happen. “Make that two.” He grinned at Marnie's raised eyebrow. “What can I say, I love milkshakes.” After Sarabeth stepped away, his grin faltered and his mood darkened as he got himself back on track. “I really need your help.”

“Why me? There are others.”

“I know.” What were the right words? He couldn’t afford to get it wrong because everything was riding on this. “Your situation most closely resembles Olivia’s. Timing, circumstances, everything. Right down to the dysfunctional family.”

Indecision flickered across her face, soon replaced by a scowl.

“Most families are dysfunctional.”

“Hers more than most.” Those deep-green eyes scrutinized him, peering into his soul. He’d have to divulge all the dirty details. “Authorities arrested Olivia's mother last week for possession with intent to distribute. The police have kept this under wraps, but that won't last. Eventually reporters are going to uncover it.”

“True.”

Her quick agreement reminded him of her relationship with the media.

“What does Olivia's mother getting arrested have to do with me?”

Sarabeth served their chocolate shakes.

Jake flashed the waitress a distracted smile, then returned his attention to Marnie. “She said some of the drugs were for Olivia.”

“And they believed her?”

Her tone was disbelief, anger, and pain all rolled into one. “Olivia claimed the drugswerefor her, but I think she's lying to protect her mother. At least I hope she's lying.” He took a sip of the milkshake and was suddenly sidetracked. “This is amazing.”

“You're not sure, are you? About whose drugs they were?” Marnie had yet to take a sip of her shake, her brow still furrowed in concern.

“Marnie!”

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