Nancy nodded. Daemon is like one of Brians own, isnt he?
Yes, agreed Brian. Its not often that we see him with a girl. He must think a lot of you to help look for your cell phone.
My eyes darted between the two. I guess so. He and his sister are really nice.
Dee is a doll. How close are you with them? Brian asked.
I was being interrogated. Great. Well, since were the only ones who live on the same street, were kind of close.
Nancy glanced out the front window. Luckily, I recognized that we were heading back toward Ketterman. And Daemon? How close are you with him?
My mouth dried. Im not sure Im following the question.
I thought you said he was dating someone, Brian?
Ash Thompson, he answered.
Like they didnt know her name, but hey, I could play along. Yeah, I think they broke up during the summer, but that doesnt have anything to do with us.
It doesnt? Nancy asked.
I shook my head, deciding a little bit of the truth couldnt hurt. Were just friends. Most of the time we dont really even get along.
But you just said he was nice.
Shit. Face blank, I shrugged. He can be nice when he wants.
A single pale eyebrow arched. And what about Dee?
Shes awesome. I glanced out the window. This was the longest trip ever. I was going to have a heart attack before it was over. There was something about Nancy, more than just the obvious, that made me squirm.
And what do you think of their parents?
I frowned. These were really weird questions to be asking, given the fact they didnt know I knew anything. I dont know. Theyre parents.
Brian laughed. Was this dude real? It sounded a bit mechanical.
What I meant is, do you like them? she asked.
I dont see them often. Just coming and going. I really havent talked to them. I met her eyes, willing her to believe me. I dont hang out at their house often, so I dont run into them.
She held my stare a few more moments and then turned around in her seat. No one spoke after that. Sweat gathered along my brow. When Brian turned onto my road, I almost cried in relief. The car coasted to a stop, and I was already unbuckling my seat belt.
Thanks for the ride, I said hastily.
No problem, Nancy said. Take care, Miss Swartz.
The tiny hairs on my body rose. I opened the door and climbed out.
And just then, with the worst case of bad timing in the world, my cell phone went off in my pocket, blaring like an alarm. Holy crap My eyes flicked up to Nancys.
She smiled.
Im sure hes okay, Dee said again. Katy, they do this all the time. They stop by, track us down, and act all kinds of weird.
I stopped in front of her TV, wringing my hands. Fear had rooted deep inside my gut from the moment theyd deposited me in front of my house. You dont understand. He told them we were out there looking for my cell phone and that Id lost it. And then it rang in front of them.
I know, but whats the big deal? Adam sat on the couch, kicking his legs up. Theres no way theyd suspect you know anything.
But they knew we were lying, and they all seemed way too smart to miss that. And it wasnt like I could tell Dee what wed really been doing out there. Not that she hadnt asked. Id made up some lame excuse about wanting to see the spot where hed killed Baruck.
Dee didnt look entirely convinced.
I started pacing again. But that was hours ago, guys. Its almost ten.
Honey, hes fine. She got up, clasping my hands. They were here first and then went looking for him. All they are doing is being annoying and asking questions.
But why would it take so long with him?
Because they like to give him crap and he likes to give it back, Adam said, floating the remote control over to his hand. Its like a parasitic relationship between the two.
I laughed weakly. But what if they find out I know? What will they do to him?
Dees brows knitted. They arent going to find out, Katy. And if they did, you should be more worried about yourself than him.
Nodding, I pulled my hands free and started wearing a path in the carpet again. They didnt understand. Id seen it in Nancys eyes. She knew we were lying, but shed let me go. Why?
Katy, Dee began slowly. Im surprised that youre so concerned about Daemons welfare.
A flush swept over my cheeks. I didnt want to look too closely at why I was so concerned. Just because heshes Daemondoesnt mean I want anything bad to happen to him.
Watching me closely, she arched one brow. Are you sure its not more than that?
I halted. Of course.
Hes been bringing you stuff to school. Adam leaned his head back, eyes narrowed. Ive never seen him act like that with anyone. Not even my sister.
And you guys have been spending a lot of time together, Dee added.
So? Youve been spending a lot of time with Adam. As soon as it left my mouth, I realized how stupid that was.
Dee smiled, eyes glittering. Yeah, and weve been having sex. Lots of it.
Adams eyes went wide. Wow, Dee, put it all out there like that.
She shrugged. Its true.
Oh, geez, thats not whats happening here.
Moving to the couch, she sat beside a red-faced Adam. Then what is happening?