Page 71 of The Making of Marnie Jones

Too bad yesterday’s storm hadn’t broken up the oppressive heat and humidity. Despite the air-conditioned taxi and theater, Marnie still sweated in the heat and humidity.

Advisories abounded.

She and Olivia were spoiled.

Others were truly suffering—like the laborers, the homeless, and those who simply didn’t have air conditioning.

Leading Olivia out of the theater, Marnie noted the empty lobby area and preened. She’d handled the crush of people without a single moment of panic.

They stepped out onto the sidewalk.

“Olivia?”

Thinking it was Jake, Marnie pivoted toward the male voice. Instead, a man with a microphone and a woman with the camera slung over her shoulder confronted her.

“…and Laura Derks.”

Dressed in a slick suit, the man seemed sweat-free despite the heat.

Oh my God.

“Are you here to help Olivia cope with her mother's drug arrest?”

Stunned, Marnie’s eyes widened in surprise.

Deer in the headlights.

Keep thinking. This is a public place, and he has a camera. Everyone will know. Everyone…

“Where have you been for the last few years? Rumor was you were holed up in your daddy's mansion, but I never believed it.”

Marnie sensed Olivia's presence behind her even as she strove to keep her breathing even. She would not have a panic attack here on the streets of Toronto in front of hundreds of tourists and passersby. In front of every person who’d see this footage.

“Marnie?”

The reporter frowned, but quickly regained his composure.

“Olivia Bater, do you know where your mother is?”

“At home?”

Olivia's hesitancy was clear, and Marnie galvanized into action as she rounded on the man. “We have no comment, and you have no right to accost us like this.” She grasped the younger woman's hand, desperately trying to find a way out of this nightmare. What she always feared was coming true. They’d found her. She was no longer safe.

“Olivia, are you aware your mother broke her bail conditions and disappeared?”

“Marnie?”

The quiver in Olivia's voice spurred her to move. With a cursory glance, Marnie dragged Olivia across King Street.

Several cars honked and a taxi screeched to a stop.

Noting the light on the top of the cab, Marnie yanked open the back passenger door and pushed Olivia inside. Barely giving the girl chance to settle, she jumped in as well, slamming the door.

The car didn't move.

“Drive.”

“Lady, you're crazy.”

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