Chapter 14: The Parking Lot

I woke up in room nine at seven with Cal's arm across my waist and Devin's knee against my back.

My body ached in a way I liked.

My head didn't.

The bed was a motel double, and three adults had no business in it.

I lay still and listened to the heater tick.

Then I heard an engine in the lot, a big truck, idling.

I knew the sound.

I slid out from under Cal's arm, pulled on Devin's flannel, and went to the window.

Dale's white pickup sat across two spaces in front of the feed store.

He had the window down.

He was looking straight at the door of room nine.

Behind me, Devin sat up.

His phone was already in his hand.

"He texted at six," Devin said. "He wants me out front. Alone."

"You read it?"

"I read it before you woke up. I should have told you then."

"Tell me now."

"He said, 'Five minutes, son, and it'll be worth your while.'"

I looked at the truck.

I looked at Devin's face, which was careful, and tired, and ready.

"Go," I said.

His eyebrows rose.

"Go out there. I'm coming right behind you."

"Kate..."

"You said no lies. Let's see it."

He pulled on yesterday's jeans.

Cal sat up, saw our faces, and said, "I'm coming too," and nobody argued.

I stayed back on the walkway, in the flannel and bare feet, with the door open behind me.

Devin crossed the lot alone.

He stopped at Dale's window with his hands in his pockets.

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