Page 34 of Brutal Kingdom

“If they’re with the mob.”

Tabitha shoots her a withering look. She’s told us all never to say that word out loud. Bella rolls her eyes and starts again. “If he’s with them, what’re they doing here?”

I don’t need this. Some enforcer’s twins going to school here will bring a lot of attention to the school and we’re already under enough scrutiny, since Jordanna is here and Penn’s trial is starting soon. His lawyer’s request for a change of venue was denied, so the superior court of New York is hearing the case.

There’s an impressive witness list for both sides, and even though there’s no guarantee they’ll have to testify, Jordy and her mom are on it.

I’m not allowed to write or edit anything having to do with the trial, because both dad and Mrs. Morgan think I have a conflict of interest. It’s going to be the most heavily watched and reported trial this year and I’m gonna have to sit it out.

This is why she needs to pay. She’s screwing up my life and I can’t let that go unpunished.

SIXTEEN

JORDANNA

“Ready?”

I nod, adjusting my grip. We’re in the empty parking lot of the public high school for my second driving lesson.

“Ease your foot onto the gas.” Mom says after I put the car in drive. I press the accelerator, heading towards the next aisle.

“Good. Give it a little more gas. Try to keep the gage between fifteen and twenty while you get a feel for it.”

I’ve ridden in cars and buses all my life. I’ve ridden shot gun and seen people operate a vehicle, but it’s not as easy as it looks. How am I supposed to watch the road, the mirrors and the gauges all at the same time?

When the speedometer creeps up towards thirty, I swallow nervously. “Mom?”

“It’s okay, you’re in control. Just put your foot on the brake to slow down.”

I do, lurching the car to a stop.

“Slow even pressure on the brake.” She says rubbing her neck and readjusting the seatbelt across her chest.

We drive around in circles for fifteen minutes, then she says, “Ready to get on the road?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Nope. The best way to drive is to be on the road in traffic.”

“I just started driving, and you want me to operate this thing by myself?”

“You’re not by yourself. I’m here in the passenger seat.”

“What if I make a mistake or something?”

“That’s what insurance is for.”

I shake my head no. And put the car in park. Just the thought of getting on a road with her and other cars makes me lightheaded. “I can’t, mom. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay hun. We can do it another day.”

“No. I mean. I can’t. I can’t learn to drive with you. I thought I could, because you taught Summer and she said she had a blast, but I. I can’t drive and risk something happening with you in the car.”

She unfastens her seatbelt, switches off the ignition, then unclips mine, pulling me into a hug. “Jordanna, I don’t want you to ever worry about something like that, but I won’t lie and say driving is completely safe. Because we both know accidents happen. I want you to know I am so proud of you for trying to do this, and I thought it would be fun to teach you too, but if I’m not the teacher you feel confident with, then you should get someone else. Driving is stressful enough without this running through your head.”

“You’re not mad that I don’t want you to teach me?”

“Of course not, honey.” She smooths my hair away from my forehead like she did when I was a kid, and kisses the top of my head, not caring that big sloppy tears are falling onto her shirt. When I finish blubbering like a two year old, we switch seats and she drives us home. When we reach the driveway, she says, “You find the driving school you want to use, and I’ll pay for the lessons.”

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