Chapter 20

 

Ava

 

 

DAMN, TALK ABOUT a close one.

When Jayce asked for my telephone number, it had caught me off-guard. Trying not to panic, I reversed a couple of the numbers instead of giving him my real one.  The last thing I needed was to have the Gold Vipers track me down later. I honestly still wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but more than ever, I wanted to find out what happened with my brother and learn why he was killed. Now that I had Peyton’s business card, I planned on spending some time with her in hopes that she might confide in me. In the morning I would purchase a small device to record our conversations, along with a pre-paid cell phone. If anyone else asked me for a phone number, I’d have something to give them. As far as what I’d given Jayce, I’d worry about an excuse later. I was too tired to think straight.

 When I reached the motel, I dreaded getting out of my car. There was a group of thugs standing around a pimped-out Cadillac, listening to loud music, and stealing sips from small paper bags. Of course, there weren’t any cops around and motel management didn’t seem to care, apparently.

Sighing in irritation, I parked the car and got out. Keeping my head down, I quickly headed toward my room, hoping to stay out of their radar.

“Hey, sexy mama!” one of them shouted. “You want some company tonight?”

“Come and party with us!” another one yelled.

Ignoring them, I quickly opened the door, turned the lights on, and locked myself in. Sighing, I kicked off my Chucks and pulled my phone out of my purse to call Millie back.

“I was so worried about you,” she said after picking up. “You didn’t call me back right away like you usually do.”

“Sorry,” I said, lying down on the bed. I stared up at the ceiling and scowled. There were water stains and a couple of tiny spiders crawling around above me. “I had some meetings to go to. I should have called you.”

“It’s okay. I understand that you were busy. Maybe you can just send me a text next time? You know I’m a worry wart.”

“I will.”

We talked for a while longer and then I yawned.

“I’ll let you go,” Millie said. “I’m glad you made it out there safely.”

“Me, too.”

“I love you, Ava. Be careful out there.”

“I will.”

“Where are you staying? Do you have an address? You know, in case something happens?”

Crap. I closed my eyes. “Nothing is going to happen.”

“Just give it to me anyway. You know how—”

“Much you worry,” I finished her sentence. “Sorry, I forgot it and I’m too lazy to get out of bed.” I yawned again, proving my point. “Can I give it to you in the morning?”

“That’s fine. I’m sure you’re absolutely beat. Goodnight, sweetie.”

“Goodnight, Mom.”

I hung up and then killed the spiders, hoping those had been the only things crawling around in the room.