Page 6 of Tell Me All Your Lies

“That’s great news!”

“It is. There’s only one problem.”

“What’s that?”

“He has someone he wants me to partner with on it.”

Ruby’s eyebrows shoot up, and her mouth parts in disbelief.

“Believe me, I know. But I need this one. You know how much this means to me.”

“I’ll let you get to work then; I’ll go ahead and get your look ready for tomorrow night.”

“Thank you,” I say, relieved.

Ruby gives me a small smile before leaving once again, probably thinking the same thing I am—I’m not exactly partner material, but this is something I don’t have a choice on. I have to do this.

Alone once again, I start researching the latest news on organized crime activity in the Carolinas area. There may be a Kingpin of Charlotte, but the entire network is vast and complicated.

As I start going through the latest news, there’s one article that catches my attention. A low-stakes robbery where the thief was arrested inside the jewelry store. When the cops apprehended him, there were no jewels to be found. He was ultimately arrested for breaking and entering and for resisting arrest, but not theft.

This has the Kingpin written all over it. Now my only question is, what exactly is he sending his foot soldiers out in search of? A robbery with no theft is beyond suspicious.

I add this to my digital crime board I’ve been compiling on the Kingpin.

Every day, there’s something new, which makes me even hungrier to get to Charlotte and put my plans in motion. I’ve been on enough wild-goose chases to know that I’m closer than I’ve ever been before.

My cell phonevibrates on my desk, jolting me upright. I’ve been down this rabbit hole for so long that I hadn’t even realized how much time had passed.

I take a sip of my lukewarm coffee as I pick up my phone. Flashing brightly is “Mom.”

I groan, knowing my dad put her up to this. He’s having my mother call me about the gala tomorrow night.

Even though I’m a single, thirty-six-year-old woman, my parents still insist that I attend their galas whenever I can. And while my work takes me away from California frequently, there are only so many times I can tell them no.

I’d rather avoid them all, but since I’m close with my parents, I attend for them. That’s why I’m playing nice and going tomorrow.

“Hi,” I say into the phone.

“Cara, sweetheart, it’s been ages.”

I roll my eyes and smile.

“Mom, I talked to you two days ago and the day before that.”

“Well, it wasn’tyesterday.”

I giggle as I adjust the phone in my hand, knowing that I’m not going to keep arguing.

“Sweetie, we never talked about whether you are a definite yes for tomorrow night.”

“I am,” I relent.

“Oh good! Your father is going to be so happy to hear that.”

“I’m sure he will be.”

“Cara…” she sternly warns.

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