Page 66 of Filthy Liar

I whisper her name.

“Hi,” she whispers back.

Turning my head, I look at her. “You’re awake again.”

“I heard some of that.” Her voice catches, and I sit up so I can pass her the water cup. She sips, then sighs. “Am I in trouble?”

“No.”

“Thought it was a good sign I wasn’t in handcuffs.” She tries to smile.

“I wouldn’t let them.”

“Did they try?”

“No.” I look at the door. “There are Marshals out there. You’re safe. You’re being protected.”

“From who?” Her brow furrows. “Oh right. Cut off one head…”

“The full force of the FBI is on this right now. Don’t worry about it.”

She licks her lips. “Dry.”

“More water.”

A nod. “And lip balm?”

I smile. “I don’t have any.”

“My backpack…”

“I’ll get you some.”

“I want my backpack.”

“Okay.” I smooth my hand over her forehead. “Keep resting.”

She tries to lift her hand, but it doesn’t go far. I reach for her fingers and gently lace them through mine. “I was dreaming about you.”

“Good. Do more of that.”

A smile drifts across her face. “Okay.”

27

Melinda

The next timeI wake up, I stay up for an hour. Wilson shows up, insisting that Jason needs a shower and some rack time in his own bed. I agree.

“I’m not going anywhere, and I’ve got good company.”

Wilson waves an iPad in the air. “I brought movies.” His other hand hoists a bag of yarn in the air. “And crafts, too.”

“You still knit?”

“Sometimes. It’s a good way to pass the time on planes.”

“Are you going home soon?”

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