Page 69 of Dirty Hot Valentine
“I see.” He straightened up and gestured for me to get on his bike. “How about I give you a ride home?”
That was an intriguing offer since I didn’t have one anymore. I took a couple steps forward, but that invisible alarm in me blew in my head. For some reason, I thought about Annie and how she had been abducted.
On a bike just like this one. By a Night Skull like the one standing before me.
The situation was completely different, but somehow it felt the same.
“I think I’ll pass.” I stepped back.
“C’mon, Miss. Dusty’s gonna kill me if he knows I let you go alone like that.”
“He knows I can take care of myself. Thanks for offering anyway.” I wheeled away as fast as I could.
16. Dusty
Mama,
I wish I could stay here and be the leader of this family you love so much. Sorry to disappoint you, but I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to SLO to be with Cammie. I love her. She’s the only person that’s keeping me sane in this mess.
Don’t worry. Even though my time here is done, my successor, whoever he will be, is going to protect you as if I was here.
I love you, Mama. I’ll always make sure you’re safe.
Wish me luck.
Dusty
I folded the note and put it on the nightstand next to my bed. My already-packed backpack flung on my shoulders. Helmet under my arm. Weapons, boots and jacket on. Money in wallet. I was good to go.
I reached Cal Poly around four p.m., hoping I’d get a glance at my Cammie as she left campus. She was still not answering her phone.
Impatience beat me after a few minutes of waiting, so I decided to call Ashley. Maybe I’d have better luck there.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Hey, Ash. It’s me…Dusty.” I wet my lips. “Uh… How you doing?”
A sigh. “I’m good. Yeah.”
“Awesome. Well… is Cammie with you? I tried to call her so many times, but she never picks up.”
“That’s because she gave me her phone, precisely so she won’t do that.”
“I see.” I nodded in frustration. “Is she with you now by any chance?”
“No. She took off early. I’m still at school.”
I ran a thumb over my eyebrow. “Okay. Uh… Can I see you for a second? I’m right outside, by the way.”
“Dusty, I don’t know,” she mumbled.
“Please, Ash.”
A long pause.
“C’mon. You’re my last hope. Please.”
Another sigh. “Fine. I’ll be out in a minute.”
