Page 83 of The Black Trilogy

“I hope you’re right.”

I agreed with avoiding the police, at least for the moment. They couldn’t do much with a scuff and a tyre print in any case. Little traffic went down the lane, and none of the neighbours had CCTV. It was one reason I liked the place so much.

“How about calling a private investigation firm?” I suggested.

“That’s as bad as the police.”

“They’re more discreet.”

He paused, eyes narrowed. “Don’t you dare.”

We’ll see.

“Uh, I need to speak to you about something.”

“Is it about Tia?”

“Not totally.”

“Then can’t it wait?”

“No.”

“You sure know how to pick your moments. Fine, say it so we can get back to the things that matter. Like my little sister.”

I took a deep breath. “I know you’re going to hate me, and I accept that. Please just understand that right now all I want to do is get Tia back, the same as you do.”

“Why do I get the feeling I won’t like this?”

Because if Tia disappearing broke your world, now I’m going to shatter it.

“I’m not who you think I am. I told you I came here to get away from my cheating fiancé, but that’s not exactly true.”

“Go on.”

Fantastic, he sounded cross already. Good start, Ash. Or whatever my name was.

“I had a run-in with a guy, and I was struggling to deal with it. So much happened three months ago.” I closed my eyes for a second. “He threatened my friends if I didn’t keep out of his way, so I ran. I ran here. A few lies at the beginning spiralled out of control, and I couldn’t find a way to tell you the truth. I’m not proud of what I did, and I’m so, so sorry.”

“So what is the truth?”

I turned away, because it hurt to look at him. At the fury on his face.

“I can’t tell you everything. I don’t want to put you in danger as well.”

It only took seconds for Luke to put two and two together and come up with my greatest fear. “You think Tia’s been kidnapped because of something you’ve done?”

He looked like he was about to punch me, and I deserved it.

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. There are more plausible reasons for her being abducted.”

“But it’s possible?”

“Yes, it’s possible.”

He stood toe-to-toe with me, his voice hard, his eyes unforgiving. I’d never seen this side of him, but he’d only seen a tiny piece of me so I had no right to complain.

“Get out.”

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