Page 18 of Flint

“I’m sorry, what? Someone want to fill me in on what’s going on?”

All merriment leaves my face as I turn back to the voluptuous princess, crossing my arms and taking on my typical “don’t give a shit who you are, so listen up ’cause I ain’t repeating myself” stance.

“First tell us who you are and how you know her.” I nod behind me just in case she tries to play dumb like she doesn’t know who I’m talking about.

“Seriously?” She eyes us all, and when Prospect takes a step in her direction, she caves.

“All right fine. I’m Bailey Haven, Jules’ best friend.”

“You got someone who can prove that?” I draw out.

She laughs like she thinks I’m kidding. “Yeah, sure.”

“What’s their contact info?” I don’t bother pulling out my phone. Memorizing a phone number is something I learned at ten.

“Wait, you aren’t kidding? Jesus, Jules, what happened?”

“He asked you a question.” I actually appreciate Prospect stepping up his role on this one.

“Yeah, I heard him.” The way she enunciates her words has a special bitch attitude to it. “What I didn’t hear is why the hell I need to prove who I am to Jules when you’re the outsiders? I’m the one who should be demanding to know your intentions with her, not the other way around. So back up, boy, before I teach you a few things about how to talk to an elder.”

Kitten laughs. “Damn, I like her. Even if she is a crazy person, can I keep her?”

“Can’t keep people, Kitten. Most see that as kidnapping,” I say to the girl at my back as the one in front of me just stares, eyes wide open.

“But you did it.”

“Nah, the club just escorted you home after having a conversation with you,” I toss over my shoulder.

“Really?” Her voice has me turning to see the look she gives me, one that says “Do you think I’m stupid?” before she rolls her eyes. “That’s how you’re going to play it?”

I shrug as my lips twitch again.

“Right, and next you’re going to tell me you’re best friends with cops and that guy I ran over is safe in police custody.”

I pause, and Prospect even stills.

“Knew it.” She dismisses me as she walks completely out of my shadow and holds her hand out. “Hi, I’m Julianne. But I guess you know that. What you don’t know is that I have no clue who you are. I also have no clue who I am, so don’t take it personally. But I like you, and since my tummy is doing a happy dance seeing you, I can only assume we’re either lesbian lovers or best friends. Either way, I’m all for you coming into the house behind me, assuming it’s mine and not owned by someone else or something, and also as soon as we pick the lock.”

“Ah….” She shakes Kitten’s hand, but her narrowed eyes go from me, to Prospect, then back to me. Not really glancing Kitten’s way at all. “She serious?”

“Yeah, hit her head and fell down a cliff. So you were kind of right on the money there.” I steel my eyes and watch as hers widen once more.

“I had no idea. I’ve been trying to reach her all night. I texted her like thirty times since yesterday afternoon.”

“You wouldn’t be ‘Die Bitch’ in her contacts, would you?”

“Ah, yeah. I can explain that.” She bites her lip, and I think it’s the first time she’s looked a bit intimidated since she came upon us.

“Pretty sure you can explain a few things.” I give her a pointed look that just has her nodding.

“Right. Let me just get the door.” She moves past us, slides a key into the lock, and opens the door before turning back to us. Prospect and I are already prepared for whatever shit is about to come out at us, guns drawn.

“Cool. No broken windows.” And Kitten just walks in without a care that someone tried to kill her twelve hours ago.

Chapter 8 – Julianne

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