Page 119 of Watercolor Skulls

As I’m about to turn around I see something, or I should saysomeoneup ahead.

Me:I found her. Thanks, Bill.

Dirk:Tie her up this time.

I’m about to type no fucking way but then I glance out the windshield.

Is she trying to hitch a ride? She wouldn’t. She’s carrying her boots in one hand and yep her goddamn other one is sticking straight out towards the road. Thumb fucking up.

After I pull up behind her I text Dirk.

Me:Consider it done.

Jesse:Really, Dan?

Me:I’ll spank your little ass too if you want to argue with me.

Jesse:I’d like to see you try.

Me:Dirk.

Dirk:I’m on it.

Jesse:I hate you both.

Lily heard me pull up behind her and is wandering towards the truck not even looking to see who she’s getting in with. Her eyes are trained on the ground.

I lean over and push the door open. “Need a ride, little girl?”

She raises her head in slow motion, confusion gracing her beautiful face. Her eyes are unfocused but only for a second. Seeing me sobers her up real fast.

“I…” she glances behind her.

“Think you can outrun me with half a bottle of tequila in you?”

Her head whips towards me. “Can’t anyone in this fucking town keep a secret!” she shrieks, throwing her hands up in the air as she backs away from the truck.

Quickly I get out, slamming my door shut and rounding the truck. She rushes me, beating her tiny little hands on my chest. “Why did you have to go and tell them? Why?” she screams.

Damn if she isn’t a firecracker when she’s mad.

“Better question is why wouldn’tyoutell them?”

Her fists pause on my chest as she stares up at me. The stars reflect against the pool of tears in her eyes.

“Why, baby?”

She steps away, her gaze fixed on the ground. “I didn’t want Jackson to know I was his sister.”

“He loves you, Lily.”

“It doesn’t matter. Don’t you see…” her teeth sink into her soft bottom lip.

“Help me see.”

“If he knows I’m his sister eventually he’s going to learn who is father is.”

“Rachel and Raffe will help him navigate that when the time comes. They will be there for him. We will be there for him.”

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