Page 34 of Shadow Dance

Just ahead, I-80 transitions into the Bay Bridge. I jerk my chin, motioning toward it. “Wanna see who can hold their breath the longest?”

The cityscape transitionsto the iconic expanse of the Golden Gate Bridge, its orange-red cables stark against the blue sky. This bridge is a little too long for breath-holding games, so we just enjoy it, flying across with all of the other cars headed toward the Marin Headlands. The windows are down, and Maeve’s hair flies around in the cool, salty air.

She looks over, catching me staring. It wouldn’t be the first time. Butinstead of looking away like she usually does, she gives me this soft, sweet smile. Yeah, there’s a connection between us for sure, no matter how much I try to fight it.

“Where to now?” I ask as we exit.

“Let’s just drive,” she says, tucking her curls into a bun at the base of her neck. “See where we end up.”

“How about we drive up there?” I point to Battery Spencer, a popular spot for viewing the bridge. “And then loop back. Cal should be wrapping up soon.”

It’s been about an hour since he texted. I don’t know what’s going on, because I’ve been driving and unable to view the camera feeds, but I’m itching to find out. I figure I can grab a quick peek if we stop at the lookout point.

Sure enough, though, Cal texts moments after we start the short trek to the summit.

Damn, u all the way in SF again?

U leaving the state?

Just killing time, bro

Yeah thanks

All good here

U can come back

I send a thumbs up then pocket my phone. Leave it to him to finally get back to me when we just got here.

Maeve charges ahead, her bun sliding free as she jogs. “Hurry up,” she calls back with a grin, her arms held out wide. “This is amazing!”

Cal can wait. I’ll just say there was traffic.

It’slate afternoon by the time we return to the Berkeley Hills and Maeve’s dozing, her head lolling to the side as we navigate the twists and turns of the neighborhood.

I round the corner and pull up to their gate, the hair on my armsprickling when I see that it’s wide open. Slowing to a stop, I peer up the driveway. There’s no reason for it to be like this, not unless it’s broken. Glancing at Maeve, I grab my phone and check to see if I missed any texts, but the last one Cal sent was the one telling us we could come back.

Looking around, I quickly pull up the surveillance app and scroll through the various feeds. Everything is quiet until I get to the patio. Cal and the guys are out there with the same four men I saw earlier, which is strange because why would Cal tell us to come home if they still had business? They should be long gone by now.

My pulse quickens as things begin to devolve on screen, tense words obviously being spoken. Suddenly Cal steps to one of the men.Shit. I might need to get Maeve out of here.

They begin arguing, moving out of the frame. I shuffle through the feeds, trying to keep up, watching as they move to the front door.

I put the car in reverse right as the unmistakablepop popof gunfire shatters the quiet afternoon. A flock of birds explodes from trees surrounding the property, followed by the squeal of tires. Maeve jerks awake as I fly back down the hill and around the corner, my eyes glued to the backup camera.

“What’s happening?” she screams, bracing her hand against the window.

The neighbor’s mailbox appears. Yanking the steering wheel around, I whip into the top of their driveway seconds before the black SUV speeds by. I wait a moment, heart pounding, watching the road to make sure no one comes back up the hill.

“Jaime?” whispers Maeve.

Ignoring her, I reach for my phone.

You still want me to bring her home?

It takes a minute, but he finally responds.

Yes

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