Page 103 of Sticks and Stones (Shadow Valley U)

My dad is out of prison. His threat is vastly more dangerous now.

He’ll come for me, and I’m going to have to figure out a way to keep him from destroying everything I’ve worked for.

How could his case get appealed?

Stone Foster’s father. That’s how.

He is the most successful defense lawyer in the United States, and he’s proven to be worthy to a criminal like my father.

The creaking of a stick catches my attention, and I stiffen.

An old beer bottle that Evan and I left behind rolls over crispy leaves, and when Stone’s shiny black shoe appears, I build my wall and clamp my lips shut. I wipe my eyes before his face appears in the small opening.

How did he find me?

“Come out.”

I don’t speak. My silence is an answer in itself.

“Wren. It’s cold out. I can see mud covering your heels and knees, so I know you’re wet. Let’s go.”

I’m afraid of what will come out of my mouth if I open it. There’s a wedge in my throat that makes it hard to breathe, and I am hardly keeping it together as it is.

“I will drag you out.”

Go for it.

His large hand falls to my ankle, and I suck in a breath when he forcefully pulls on my leg. My fingers dig into the soft ground, and I kick him.

He grunts.

“Are you fucking kidding? I know you’re mad—”

“Mad?” I shout, coming out the rest of the way. I stand on shaky legs. “I’m more than mad.”

I’meverything.

The trees sway, and the moon shows through, giving way to the red mark on his jaw.He rubs the spot I kicked and scowls. “Well, you can tell me all about it in the car. Let’s go.”

I silently refuse, and his jaw tics.

“Do you really think I won’t pick you up and carry you to my car, Sticks? Because I will.”

I huff because I know he’s right. I bump into his shoulder and move past him. Surprisingly, he doesn’t touch me, and after I see his car parked near the curb, I fling open the door and settle in the passenger seat.

Filth covers me. The heels are ruined, and my knees are stained with dirt.

“How did you know where I was?”

I feel his stare, but I keep my attention out the window, watching the blurring lights. His car revs, and we speed toward the interstate.

“I always know where you are.”

“Evan and I are the only ones who know about it.”

Stone shifts and picks up the speed. “You think I didn’t watch your every move when we were in high school?”

Whatever.