Page 96 of Lilly

I'm always prepared for the worst. This could be some kind of set-up meant to lure me there, then kill me. From the way Dean sounded on the phone, I doubt that's what this is, but I still need to come prepared.

On the way there, I call Rachel.

"Hi, honey," she answers. "Did I forget something?"

"Don't react when I tell you this. I don't want Lilly to suspect anything."

She pauses, then says, "Go ahead."

"Dean just called and asked me to meet with him. I don't know what this is about but I wanted you to know that's where I'll be."

"Where's the meeting?" she asks, keeping her voice light and casual for Lilly's sake.

"In Santa Monica. I'm just going to go there and listen to what he has to say, then leave. I should be back in a few hours."

"Pearce." I hear the worry in her voice.

"I'll be fine. Just continue on with your trip and act normal. I don't want Lilly asking questions. I'll call you later."

Next I phone Garret.

"Hey, what's up," he answers.

"I'm driving to L.A. to meet with Dean. While I'm there, I need you to check in with your mother. Make sure she makes it to the hotel."

"She's at that one by my house?"

"It's about twenty minutes from your house, but yes. It's the one that overlooks the ocean. We all met there for brunch last spring."

"Yeah, I got it. I'll check in with her. So why are you meeting with Dean?"

"I don't know yet. He wouldn't tell me over the phone."

"So it has to do with them."

"That's what I'm assuming."

"Dad, be careful."

"I'll be fine. Be sure to check in with your mother."

"I will. Bye."

An hour later I'm at the parking lot. I see Dean's car but he's not in it. I call his number.

"Are you here?" he asks.

"Yes. Come outside. Get in my car."

"I can't. They'll see us. They'll know we're talking."

"If they're truly interested in whatever it is you're going to say, then I guarantee they already know we're talking."

I hear his sharp inhale. "If they hear us they'll—"

"They won't hear us." I know because I already checked my car. I always check for listening devices. I've done it for so long it's just a habit. "Now get out here. I don't have all day."

A door opens in the back of the building and I see him coming out, looking left and right, checking to make sure we're alone. He continues to scan the parking lot as he makes his way to my car.

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