Page 18 of The Wrong Brother

It’s extreme. But instincts kept me alive for years around dangerous people. And every instinct I have is screaming now.

I tap back to the “accounts” homepage out of habit, and freeze when a red banner appears along the top of the screen.

My stomach drops.

Account Alert: Your debit card has been temporarily suspended due to suspicious activity.

“What?”

I stop moving entirely as people shuffle impatiently behind me.

No.

No no no.

My fingers shake as I tap through notifications frantically. Three attempted purchases were flagged in Los Angeles. Card frozen pending identity verification.

I didn’t buy anything in Los Angeles. I haven’t evenbeenback to Los Angeles since flying in!

The Santa Barbara airport is small enough that I scan the area easily, stretching onto my tiptoes to see over the heads of other travelers.

“Hey,” the guy behind me says gruffly, jutting his chin.

The line has moved forward.

Cold panic floods my chest instantly.

I fumble for my wallet.

Nothing. Where the hell could it have gone? I had it…where? At the internet café, last. Then I got the ride here…

My pulse spikes harder.

I check my purse again, more aggressively this time, digging through makeup, receipts, tangled charger cords.

Nothing.

“Oh my God.”

People around me glance over briefly before looking away again.

I try to think logically through the rising panic. Did I leave it in the rideshare? Did it fall out somewhere? I almost never carry cash anymore. My license, cards, everything is in that wallet.

Who comes to an airport without checking for their wallet first? Me, apparently.

By the time I finally reach the ticket counter, my nerves are stretched so tight I feel nauseous.

The airline employee offers a tired customer-service smile. “Hi there. Passport or ID?”

“I—I think I lost my wallet,” I admit breathlessly. “But I already have a return ticket booked to Newark. I just need to switch it to tonight if possible.”

The woman nods slowly. “Okay. What’s your name?”

“Emma Pierce.”

Her fingers move across the keyboard. Then stop.

Something changes in her expression.