Page 78 of As Thick As Thieves

“Nah, it’s nothing serious. Thanks, though.”

I almost blurted everything out when we arrived at the house, and Penn tried to bail from the car without even speaking to me. I grabbed her wrist, stopping her escape. “Hey, I’m sorry. I promise I’ll be back soon. Don’t be mad at me,” I murmured, and she rolled her eyes.

“I’m not mad at you. I was just hoping you’d hurry before the guys run into trouble. All three of you better get back to me safely,” she replied tightly, and I realized she was worried about us getting hurt.

“I promise.” I gave her a quick kiss before letting her slide from the car and shut the door, a sigh leaving me as she practically ran into the house without a backwards glance.

Yeah, she was pissed about being made to stay home.

Chapter Seventeen

Penn

My heart slammed in my chest as I got inside and yanked my phone from my pocket, panic clawing at my insides as I called Stone. I knew the guys had been trying to look out for me, but I couldn’t believe they were just going to allow Stone to die. I’d glanced down at Drake’s phone for a second without even really meaning to, the words hitting me like a punch to the guts.

“I’m starting to think you like me,” Stone drawled as he answered, but he turned serious when a sob left me. “Penn? What the fuck happened?”

“You have to run. They’re coming for you, I saw messages,” I choked out, almost tripping as I made my way into my room to get changed into some sweats and a hoodie. I felt gross in the gym gear and really needed a shower, but a change of clothes would have to do the job for now.

“You need to stay out of this before you get yourself hurt,” he warned, but his voice was strained with a hint of fear. “How did you find out?”

“Drake just lied to my face. Knox messaged him and said the Psychos are dealing with you. They’re not even fighting for you!” I snapped as frustration washed through me. “How could they just—”

“Because I deserve it, that’s why,” he cut in. “Running won’t fix anything. They’ll only track me down later, even if it takes ten years.”

“But—”

“I appreciate you calling, but leave it be, Penelope,” he whispered, hanging up without another word. If no one was going to save him, then I had to.

I wiped my eyes as I quickly moved back through the house, praying no one was watching the cameras as I left the house and started running, my legs already tired from the gym. After five minutes, a car pulled over and wound down the window, the woman seeming worried as she assessed me. She appeared to be close to my age but her eyes showed how exhausted she was.

“Are you okay?”

“I need a ride to Rawson,” I blurted out. “Please, my friend’s in trouble.”

“Jump in,” she nodded, pointing to the passenger seat. I thanked her as I did as I was told, buckling myself in as she took off towards Rawson Grove, thankfully not asking anymore questions and being more than happy to drive in silence.

My leg bounced nervously the closer we got to the compound, worry starting to seep in at the thought of what I might be about to walk in on. Were the crews already there? Was Stone still okay? Was I too late?

“Are you in danger?” the woman finally asked, snapping me out of the thoughts in my head. “Are you running from someone? I’m heading to Mount Mercer if you need somewhere to hide. I just bought a little house up there, so you’re welcome to stay with me.”

It took me by surprise, genuine kindness was hard to come by, especially from strangers.

“Not today,” I tried to joke, but it fell flat. “But thank you for the offer, uh?” I had no idea what her name was.

“Maeve. You can call me Mae, though,” she smiled softly as she tucked her auburn hair behind her ear.

“I’m Penn,” I replied, pointing to the familiar street up ahead. “Can you drop me off there?”

“Of course.” She pulled over, giving me another smile. “It was nice to meet you. I hope your friend’s okay.”

“Me too, thank you!” I exclaimed as I bailed from the car and took off towards the street, my feet pounding the pavement as I headed towards the gate to the compound. It was locked, and I let out a sound of frustration as I considered climbing it but not knowing if they had some kind of electricity security to help keep people out.

My phone rang and I pulled it out to see Stone’s name, and I answered immediately.

“What the fuck did I tell you, Penelope? Get the fuck out of here!” Stone barked, but I ignored him.

“Let me in!”

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