Set Me Free (25 page)

"Go stir crazy while you wait?" Her head tipped with a cynical frown.

"She needs me to be here when she gets back."

"I know." Jaeda kicked at the carpet. "Hey, um, I'm really sorry about losing it with you and I can't remember everything I said, but if I was mean... well, you know, just forgive me, okay?" She winced.

Moving towards her with a grin, Zach wrapped his arms around her shoulders and kissed the side of her head. "Hey, you're our Jaeda. I'll always forgive you, no matter what. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you."

"Yeah, well, you're our Zach, so you're forgiven too." She nudged him with her elbow. "Maybe I should bring AJ and Liesl over this afternoon? We both know they'll want to be a part of this."

"Yeah, sure, why not, that's a good idea."

The phone in Jaeda's pocket dinged. Zach let her go and stood back while she pulled it free. "Seriously, AJ has got to change his profile shot, it's just plain embarrassing." She spun it around to show Zach an image of AJ wearing a puffy chef's hat with a spatula in one hand and a whisk in the other. His smile is so incredibly cheesy. Jaeda giggled, while unlocking the screen. "I can't wait to tell them about this morning."

Her smile fled as she read the message, her eyes popping wide.

"What is it?" Zach's stomach clenched.

She pressed a few keys on the screen and lifted the phone to her ear, her lips trembling as she replied. "They've been in a car accident."

Chapter 29

LUCY

It felt good to be out running with music thumping in my ears. I kept in time with the steady rhythm, my nerves settling just a little with each stride. When I first hit the pavement, I couldn't help feeling bad for just ditching Zach and his friends, but I needed to be on my own. They were all looking at me with those expectant eyes, waiting for me to be thrilled about what we'd found, but I couldn't muster it.

Seeing everything my dad had done was overwhelming. He was such an amazing guy and I'd totally let down his legacy by going into hiding for so long. I still felt pretty cowardly as I loped along the residential street. I should have gone with Elliot and Alex. I should be standing excitedly by their sides, proclaiming Tenner's guilt and relishing the dishing out of justice, but I was too numb to feel anything.

Justice was good, yes. But it didn't give me back my parents or the last five years of my life. If everything went according to plan, I had a shot at a future, but the very idea terrified me. I'd never had a future to own before and I was scared. Bringing Tenner's indiscretions into the spotlight would also have the beam landing on me. I'd be in the public eye. I'd have to confess my sins to the police, admit to my thieving, my cowardly hiding. I had a lot to face up to. It felt good to know that Zach would be there holding my hand, but it also felt unfair to drag him into it.

I grimaced, shaking my head. It was like going around in circles. I was supposed to be running to clear my head, not confuse myself even more.

Focusing on my breathing, I pulled in a mouthful of fresh air and slowly expelled it, zoning into the way the air moved through my lungs. I had no idea how long I'd been running for, but my body was slick with sweat and my limbs were starting to feel the ache of weariness. Reaching the end of the street, I crossed the road and started weaving my way back to the Schultz home. It felt good to have a place to return to and even though a lot of crap awaited me in the near future, once it was done, I 'd have a clean slate to work with. I'd have Zach.

I let myself smile, the feeling of his love and warmth rushing through me. The night before still sent hot tingles over my skin. Heat pooled inside me as I imagined lying with him again, re-exploring every inch of his body until I knew him better than anyone.

Picking up my pace, I sprinted past a blue SUV on the corner and arrived at Zach's letterbox, out of breath. My legs were prickling from exertion as I walked up the path and into the house.

"Hey! I'm back!" I pulled the buds from my ears and listened out for noises around the house. I heard nothing. My stomach clenched, instinct putting me on high alert as I closed the front door and crept towards the kitchen. "Zach? You home?"

My heartbeat was thrumming in my ears as I stepped onto the tiled floor. That's when I spotted the piece of paper on the counter. Snatching it up, I read the text and drooped with relief.

Hey gorgeous girl,

Sorry to not be here when you returned. AJ had a minor crisis and Jaeda and I are on rescue duty. It shouldn't take too long and I'll tell you all about it the second I get back. See you soon.

I love you.

Z.

I placed the note down with a grin. He loved me. The idea still sent a thrill shimmering through me. I was curious as to what AJ's crisis was, but the way Zach worded it made it seem pretty minor, so I shunted any unnecessary worry aside. I needed to do that more. I was so sick of feeling scared and apprehensive all the time. I wanted to feel strong and confident like Jaeda...or the girl I used to be, the one who got the lead role in the spring musical. I wanted that life back.

"No, I can't have that." I pursed my lips, then sighed. "But you can have a new life."

I glanced at the note.

A life with Zach.

I didn't need to be scared about my future, especially if he was going to be in it. He had proven to be true through all these months and so had his friends. It was time I started being a person worth fighting for.

Now that I had stopped running I had a chance to do that.

So, who did I want to be?

I unclipped my shuffle and leaned against the counter, twirling the headphone cord around my fingers.

What did I want my future to hold?

It was the first time I'd really asked myself that question. I'd never played with the idea before, because the answer would have always been, "I can't think past my next escape route." All my teenage years had been living from one exit to the next. It was time to stop and walk through an entranceway. Walk into a future that I wanted. That I had chosen for myself.

So, what did I want for myself?

My eyes skimmed back to Zach's note. I grinned. The immediate answer was a really easy one.

With a chuckle, I bit my lower lip and reached for a pen. I could think about the distant future later, but for now...

Beneath Zach's note, I wrote,

Can't wait to hear about your rescue operation.

Waiting for you in the bath.

No clothes required.

xx

L

I felt a naughty thrill as I placed the pen back in the holder by the phone, dumped my shuffle next to it and walked towards the stairs, pulling off my sweaty T-shirt as I went.

Chapter 30

ZACH

Zach slowed to a stop by the side of the road, spotting AJ's dented car up on the curb. Liesl was sitting on the pavement beside it looking pale. Her fingers were shaking as she held the phone to her ear, her large, brown eyes fixed on the road as she spoke. AJ was looming behind her, looking pissed as hell as he examined the crumpled hood of his car.

"Oh my gosh." Jaeda pushed the passenger door open with her shoulder and raced across the street.

Zach followed behind her, checking the road for traffic as he went. AJ & Liesl were both alive and he couldn't see any blood. The relief was intense. His thoughts flashed to Uncle Alex and Elliot on their way to Frisco. With the precious cargo they were carrying, he sent up a quick prayer for their safe arrival.

"Are you guys okay?" He ran to AJ's side while Jaeda sat down beside Liesl. She wrapped her arm around her friend as Liesl tucked the phone into her pocket. She laid her head against Jaeda's shoulder and sniffed.

"What happened?" Zach stepped up beside AJ, crouching down to look at the damage.

"This stupid ass SUV just drove straight through that stop sign." He pointed across the intersection. "I had to swerve to miss him and ended up plowing into this stupid street lamp."

Zach looked through the cracked windscreen at the ballooning air bags.

"Are you hurt?" He patted AJ on the shoulder.

"My ribs are a little sore from the seatbelt, but I'm okay. I want to get Lisel checked out at the hospital though."

"I'm fine, Angus." She rubbed her side. "Just a little shaken up. I've never been in a car accident before." She looked ready to cry as Jaeda squeezed her shoulder. "I thought that guy was going to take us out. I'm so glad Angus saw him coming."

"Have you called your parents?" Zach asked his large friend.

"I just called mine." Liesl patted her pocket. "They're on their way."

"What about the police?"

"I just got off the phone with them a minute ago. I told them no one was injured and gave them a description of the vehicle. They should be here soon." AJ slumped back against his broken car.

"I'm really sorry, man. I know you only got this at Christmas."

AJ shrugged. "I've got insurance. I'm just pissed that..." He shook his head, looking pained as he finally met Zach's gaze. "What if something had happened to Liesl?" he whispered, crossing his arms and looking shaky. "Shit man, I just couldn't handle that."

Zach leaned forward, squeezing AJ's shoulder and understanding for the first time how he really felt. Worrying over Lucy had been a killer. To know it was all nearly over was such a relief it made him want to cry.

He wondered if she was back at the house yet. He hoped his breezy note was enough. She'd probably freak out when she returned to an empty house. He'd left the door unlocked for her. A risky move, but he figured she wouldn't be too far from returning and didn't want her shut out of the house.

Crossing his arms, he tapped his finger on his bicep. He wanted to get back to her, but knew AJ needed him more at the moment. He'd stick around until the cops arrived and be a support while AJ gave his statement.

Glancing at his watch, he hoped they wouldn't take too long.

"So, did you recognize the car?" Zach propped his butt against the hood, next to AJ. "It wasn't Mr. Patrick, was it? You know what a crap driver he is."

AJ chuckled drily and shook his head. "Nah, I didn't recognize the car at all. Just a blue SUV. I didn't catch the plates, which pisses me off. I think the way they can do that in the movies is such a crock."

"Yeah." Zach snickered.

"But I did get a glimpse of the driver. He looked like a mean son of a bitch."

"Are you sure?" Liesl looked up at the boys. "I thought he looked more focused and determined."

"He looked pissed."

"Yeah, that's true." Liesl shivered. "I know we only glimpsed him, but he was kind of creepy looking."

"What do you mean?" Jaeda asked softly.

"He was just a middle aged guy with this really soulless look in his eyes."