Page 113 of With Us

The judge nodded, seeming to believe Theo’s story.

His lies.

I didn’t even realize I’d shifted to stand until both Luc and Ben’s arms held me in place. They gripped my hand, as if offering me support.

Lies. It’s all lies.

???

How could everything change so much in just a few days?

I still had no answers. Theo was in prison, his deal reducing his sentence from two years to four months. On the way home from the courthouse, Luc had tried to talk about everything but what I’d wanted to know.

I’d been in a daze. In shock. Drained and exhausted, I’d taken a bath and then fell asleep in the guest room, fitfully sleeping until morning.

When I’d come downstairs, packages had filled the entryway, spilling into the living room. I’d ignored them as I left the house, taking the Rover into the city to work my Java Brew shift.

It hadn’t been until I’d pulled into a spot that I’d noticed Ben had followed in the SUV.

Observant super spy, I was not.

He’d stayed outside the whole day until I’d locked up in the afternoon and began walking down the street. Getting out, he’d followed, not interfering as I’d approached my apartment building.

He’d had no reason to.

My passcode hadn’t worked. I’d pressed random buttons, waiting for someone to buzz me in. When they had, I’d taken the elevator up to my apartment. I hadn’t been that surprised when my key no longer fit in the lock.

With a frustrated sigh, I’d headed back to the Rover and the only place I had. Like the night before, I’d locked myself in the guest bedroom. Pacing and restless, my anger had grown as the shock had worn off. I’d reviewed all my options, and a plan had begun to form before I’d eventually fallen asleep.

As I turned off my alarm, stretching and planning my Friday, I contemplated calling in sick to work. Actually, I thought about just not showing up.

If I don’t show up, I’m sure Mystic Stones will be able to psychically see and let Wendy know. Wait. Maybe she already does.

Begrudgingly, I climbed out of bed and showered, quickly getting ready. When I walked downstairs, new bags and boxes were waiting. I continued to avoid them as I went into the kitchen.

I raised my brows at Ben and Luc sitting at the table, but didn’t say anything. It was too early for me to pretend to be nice. Fixing a travel cup with so much espresso I had a feeling I’d be able to run to work, I started for the door. Grabbing the keys, I stepped outside onto the porch and froze when the motion sensor light flicked on.

The Rover was gone.

Actually,aRover was gone.

Another was in its place. The prettiest blueish green color I’d ever seen, with a larger model and shiny chrome details, it was obviously brand new.

I turned around, running straight into Ben.

His hands shot out and grabbed my upper arms, keeping me from falling. “Sorry, thought you knew I was here. You okay?”

“I’mthe one that smashed into you, so I’m sorry. Where’s the other Rover?”

He shrugged. “I just got here.”

“Are you babysitting me again today?”

Lips tipped up in a sheepish smile, he nodded.

“Then you’re also on taxi duty. Otherwise I have to order an Uber, and who knows how long that’ll take.”

“What’s up?” Luc asked from behind Ben.

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