Page 88 of No More Secrets

“Thank you,” Sophie says. “This is my friend Nichele Gat. She’s a social worker with child protection services.”

Her mom’s face drains of color. “I don’t think it’s necessary for her to have come.”

“We’ve received reports of abuse and neglect,” Nichele says. “I have to investigate whether those claims are true.” She turns to Shiloh. “Is there a place we can speak privately?”

Shiloh swallows roughly. Her heart beats furiously.

Her mom snatches her hand with both of hers and holds it to her chest. “You can’t take my daughter from me.”

“Ms.Bloom, I’m here in the interest of your daughter. I only want to assess the safety of her environment. Surely you want what’s best for her.”

Shiloh looks nervously from the social worker to her mom. She, too, is afraid. There’s the possibility she’ll be sent to live in a strange house with a new family. But it’s only temporary, and this is her chance for her mom to go away to get the help she needs. Shiloh’s also tired of being the parent in their little family of two.

“It’s all right, Mom.”

“I’m so sorry, Shiloh.” Her mom tears up. “I should have been a better mom.”

“You will be. We’ll get through this. Together.” Shiloh squeezes her mom’s hand and kisses her cheek. Her mom was right. Things will be better now. Then she looks at Nichele. “We can talk in the kitchen.”

Sophie smiles reassuringly at her, then says to her mom, “While they’re talking, can we discuss Lucas? I think there’s been a misunderstanding.”

39

Lucas sits on the narrow cot in his cell with his knees spread and face in his palms. Tremors ripple through him. Sweat coats his skin. His head feels like a chisel’s picking away at his brain.

And it’s not solely from being dry for several days.

He’s locked in a windowless cell, and this afternoon is his arraignment for the kidnapping and unlawful harboring of Shiloh. The DA is requesting his bail to be set higher than he could ever afford. His attorney believes the case is weak and doubts it’ll make it to trial. Lee’s confidence still doesn’t prevent Lucas from having a full-fledged panic attack.

He breathes in, then out. In. Out.

He tries to keep his mind off his impending imprisonment by mulling over yesterday’s conversation with Olivia. He has so many questions about their parents. And he has yet to apologize to Lily, not just for when she ran away, but also for ruining her event. He wonders if he’ll get the chance. He’ll accept his fate if he gets time, and he’ll deal with that. At first he didn’t want to face her while he was in jail, but now that he’s had time to think, he realizes he doesn’t want to be put away without talking with her first. She deserves to hear the truth from him about what happened the night she ran.

Then there’s Shiloh. Nobody is telling him anything about her. Did she make it home safely? Is Ellis still living there? He shivers violently at the thought and wonders who is protecting her.

Squeezing his eyes shut, he counts back from ten. Nine... eight... seven.

A metal door slams, and heavy footsteps approach. Keys jangle outside his cell. He lifts his head and watches Officer Toth unlock and slide open the barred door. “It’s your lucky day, Carson. You’re free to go.”

He blinks, straightening his back. “What do you mean?”

“Charges have been dropped.”

He feels a jolt through his body. “Which ones?”

“All of them.”

“You serious?” He eases off the cot, hesitant to believe what he’s hearing.

“Come on, let’s get you processed. There’s a lady waiting to take you home.”

In a daze, Lucas follows Officer Toth. He changes into his street clothes and signs some paperwork; then he’s released to go. Lucas walks outside, squinting up at the sun, soaking in its blessed heat. He inhales deeply, absorbing the sounds and smells of the city. Cars on the freeway and a plane flying overhead. The distinct scent that comes with LA smog: smoke and eggs. The taste of freedom.

Lucas heads down the steps for his ride, fully expecting to see Olivia waiting for him. But across the lot, leaning against her piece-of-shit Honda, is the woman who had him arrested.

Sophie’s his ride?

He doesn’t know whether to strangle her or thank her. But something tells him she’s behind his charges being dropped.

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