Page 54 of Two Sticky Nuts

“It’s evidence. I’m sure they’ll need it.”

“We can always take a look first and then hand it over. We can say we found it.”

“I don’t know anything about that sort of gear.”

“But I know someone who does.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

It’s three in the morning when I leave Skippy a message. I’m sure he’s sleeping and will get back to me after the sun comes up. As for the police, there isn’t much for them to do at the moment other than to take samples of the blood, photograph the place, and put out an alert for Carter. The back door was left wide open and had a busted lock, so they’re guessing the person got in through there.

The detective who eventually shows up interviews us while the house is dusted for fingerprints. By the time they’re all wrapped up, it’s almost seven in the morning, and the sun is up.

“Logan, I have to go home and get ready for work,” I say, just as the cops start leaving.

“I understand,” he says, his jaw flexing. “I need to get over to the hospital to see my mother.”

Oh no. I forgot about all that. “What are you going to tell her?”

“I honestly don’t know. I won’t be able to pay for private care. I’ll have to talk to her insurance and see what other options are covered.” He lets out a long sigh. “She made me promise not to let her die in some ugly, sterile facility.”

The guilt slams right through me. “I’ll call my friend Sofie, and we’ll issue an apology. We’ll tell everyone that you’re real and didn’t do anything wrong. It was all Carter.”

“It won’t make much of a difference right now. The damage is done.”

“You don’t know that.” And wasn’t he the one who was demanding a retraction?

His phone vibrates. He pulls it from his pocket and glances at the screen. “Already?”

“What?” I ask, worrying what else could possibly go wrong.

“A text from my assistant. She says that Carter’s disappearance is already out on social media. One of the neighbors or the police must’ve leaked it. They’re saying it’s a scam to try to cover up the fact that I’m pretending to be the same person.”

“So…people are saying you kidnapped yourself?” Just then my phone rings. It’s Skippy. I tell him what’s up and beg for him to take a look at the camera I have in my purse.

“Sure,” Skippy says, “but can you bring it over now? I’ve got a big job today. I leave in an hour.”

I look at Logan’s worried face. I really don’t want to miss work, because Dick will flip out if I’m late, but I’ve caused Logan’s life some major damage. I can’t turn my back on him.

“Send me your address. I’ll be right over.” We end the call, and Skippy texts me his address. It’s clear on the other side of Dallas. With traffic, I’ll barely make it there in time. No shower for me today. It’s a first, going to work without being freshly bathed. I’ll have to wear what I’ve got on, too. Jeans and a sweatshirt. They’ll probably think I was getting frisky with someone last night.Cool.

“I’m going to drop this camera off at Skippy’s before I head to work,” I say. “I’ll let you know if I find out anything.”

Logan nods but doesn’t make eye contact. I can see he hates me for what I’ve done. And now his crazy brother’s missing.

“Logan, I know you’re angry, but I promise I’ll do what I can to make things right with your business, okay?”

“I don’t care about all that right now. I’m just thinking about how I’m going to break the news to my mother. Carter being missing isn’t going to help her.”

I wince. “Then don’t tell her. Just let her be.”

“I’mnotCarter, Mila. I don’t lie.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I was just thinking that—”

“Want to know what I think? That I don’t need any more of your handy thoughts.”

Ouch.“I’ll, uh, let you know what I hear.”

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