Page 155 of Fly's Path

LynnLeigh steps out of their room. “There’s nothing you can’t say in front of us. We’re her friends. So tell us. Why did you throw a party with drugs and women and not invite Lola?”

“Because our relationship is no one else’s business. You’re her friends, but I have no plans on dating you. So, no, you’re not entitled to be part of our discussion. Lola, can we talk, please?”

“You’ll answer my questions?”

“Yes.”

“No playing games. Just direct, clear answers.”

I nod. “Yes.”

“Fine, we can talk—” She glances around. There are people everywhere.

“How about outside on a bench?” Somewhere far away from people and the non-insect kind of bugs.

“Okay.” Lola reaches for my hands, taking the cup and bag. She hands the bag to LynnLeigh and keeps the cup of coffee. “I really hope you’re not playing a game with me.”

“No games. I promise.” My heart clenches as I follow her down the stairs and outside.

She walks over to an empty bench under a tree. It’s pretty far from any foot traffic. “So tell me, why did you throw that party?”

“You live on Willow Street.”

“How do you know that? Have you been following me?”

“No.” Though I wouldn’t put it past me. I’d do anything to protect you. “I know because my motorcycle club works with Maddox occasionally.”

“Your what?”

“Lola, I’m not a college student.”

“What?”

“Technically, the man I’m pretending to be is enrolled in college. I graduated several years ago.”

“What? Why? None of this makes sense.”

“It will. I can explain.” Hopefully.

“Is Van even your name?”

“It’s my nickname. I tried not to lie to you, Lola. With all the mistakes I made, I tried not to lie to you.”

She shakes her head. “Is that why you wouldn’t say you’re an addict? Or tell me why you wouldn’t go to classes?”

“Yes. I wasn’t supposed to meet you, Lola. You weren’t part of the plan. I’m here to find a drug dealer so he stops killing kids.”

“What? A drug dealer? I thought you said you’re in a motorcycle club, not a cop.”

“I’m not a cop.” There’s no way a Linckester would ever be a cop.

“That means you’re a vigilante.”

“I prefer to think of myself as a concerned citizen.”

“Does that mean you’ll turn the dealer over to the cops when you find him?”

How do I make her understand the situation? “He killed my brother’s son.”