Page 86 of Pretend You Love Me
“No body,” Kip answers.
I glance up at James. He’s rubbing his hand over his mouth and chin.
“I can help,” he says, softly. “I can help if you’ll let me.”
I feel a tear escape my eye and roll down my cheek. I nod. “Yes.”
He leans back and exhales loudly.
“Yes, you can help.”
“And you won’t interfere until I know it’s safe.”His eyes still burn with just a tinge of anger.
I nod.
“We’ll find her.”
Kip’s arm is around me again. The patio door opens, and Declan sticks his head in. “Can we come in now?”
“Yes,” James motions them in.
Everyone is chattering, and I look over at Kip. He’s just taking in the whole scene.
“Brooklyn, I have one question,” Eli says.
“What?”
“How did you get into Alaska?”
I feel the blood draining from my face.
“Yes, Brooklyn, I’ve been really curious about this too.” James leans forward. “How did you get across the border?”
I pause for a moment and then say, “I refuse to answer that question on the grounds I might incriminate myself.”
Eli laughs loudly, and James rolls his eyes. “Did you really just plead the Fifth right now?”
I don’t answer, and he continues, “I’m going to find out.”
My eyes dart over to Zadie. “Do I need a lawyer?”
“Seriously?” James says. “I’m not literally the legal system.”
“Yeah. You kinda are.” Zadie speaks up. “Yes. I’ll represent you, and I’m advising my client not to answer any more of your questions. You can arrange with my office to bring her in for questioning if...”
“Good Lord,” James mutters and holds up his hands. “I get the idea.”
Olivia yawns.
“Where are we going to stay tonight?” Zadie changes the subject. “The pregnant women are fading fast.”
“It’s hours past my bedtime,” Olivia agrees.
“You can stay here,” Kip says. I turn to face him.
“Are you sure?” I whisper.
“The upstairs is huge. It will fit everyone.”
