Page 111 of Stealing Second

“Hart, what the fuck are you doing?”

Feet pounding pavement, white car stopped at a red light up ahead, cars blowing their horns at me, I run through the intersection. “Like I don’t know I’m in the fucking road, you idiots.”

The light ahead turns just as I reach for the back door handle, and it’s locked.

As he peels out, I hang on for as long as I fucking can.

“Fuck you, motherfucker!” I scream as cars whiz by me, not giving a fuck there’s an obvious issue.

Abe pulls up, and I hop in. “Hart’s in.”

“You see him?” Marks asks.

“Hand on the fucking door handle. It was locked, and he took off.” I seethe. “No way it wasn’t him. He didn’t even flinch.”

“Anything notable?”

“Duffel bag and road atlas in the back seat. No plates. Turned right, taking back roads,” I pant. “He’s in the fucking dark. Next time, he’ll be in the fucking dirt.”

“O’Donnell, the cops get involved, and it’s going to take years. I’m asking you to let us handle this,” Marks states.

“You have through the weekend, but Franco and I work with you on this.”

“We’ll take that. Just gonna ask that you let CeCe tell the girls in her time,” Marks says.

“None of it’s her fault.” Abe replies, telling me that Marks shared some info while I was getting in some more cardio.

Marks sighs. “She knows that, but it doesn’t mean she wants all that out there.”

“Understood.”

I run my hands over my face. “This is so fucked.” I turn and look at Elle. “You good, little miss?”

“Shit, Elle’s with you?” Gwen says in the background.

“Good damn thing she’s buckled up. Uncle Abe drives like a freaking loon.”

“Watch it, kid.” Abe chuckles as he shakes his head.

“Marks and Gwen, CeCe doesn’t hear about this until after the date. I want her to have a good time.”

“Got it,” Marks replies. “See you later, man.”

Two seconds later, Abe is gripping the wheel as it starts to pull right. “Shit, kid, I’m sorry.”

“You broke my ride?” I ask in the biggest bitch-baby voice I’ve ever heard come out of my damn mouth.

Then I fucking laugh, and so does Uncle Abe.

***

Running behind a bit, I message Marks.

Me

Don’t freak when I pull in. The truck is in the shop, and I have a rental.

Marks

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