29. Sawyer
Sawyer
I’m finally back at my apartment after too many days away. It’s funny how my small space isn’t even much bigger than the guesthouse but it feels huge. I didn’t realize how much I missed the comfort of little things like my favorite mug or the water pressure in my shower until I was without them.
I’ve lost track of the days since Knox talked to his father. Richard has been hiding out somewhere. We’ve been too busy meeting with my lawyers to worry about finding him. He’ll show up in a few days, Richard never misses an opportunity to show he’s won.
My lawyers referred us to a detective, who will be passing the knowledge over to the district attorney, who will most likely decide there’s enough evidence to charge Richard.
It’s a lot. More than I understand. My lawyers seem to think we’re on the right track and with this new evidence, not only will Wonder World be liable for the accident, but Aldrich Development as well.
Problem is, as far as Knox says, they’re broke.
Richard is hiding their funds in that shell account, or most likely, multiple shell accounts.
A couple days after our meeting with the detective, I sit across from Gia at the diner outside Ashford, staring at the burger I thought I wanted, unable to take a bite. I manage to eat a few fries, but my stomach’s in knots. Can’t imagine why.
“Not hungry?” Gia asks between bites of her own burger.
“Eh,” I say. “I have a hard time eating when I’m stressed.”
“I’m the opposite. I eat anything and everything.” She shoves three fries into her mouth at once. “I thought things were calming down?”
“They are…kind of. It feels like the quiet before the storm right now, though. Has me on edge. That, and Knox has been busier than normal.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you—” She reaches across and steals my Coke, taking a sip, even though she has a full glass of water in front of her. “He called me the other day to ask me to help with his plan.”
“Really? He must not have realized I’d already talked to you about it. What did he say?”
She sucks in a breath and proceeds to tell me their entire conversation. Some of it I’ve known, since Knox and I planned together, but other details were new to me. I’m not sure how I feel about getting Gia mixed up in this again, but she’s excited to help.
When the check comes, I grab it, slapping my card down before she can object. “You’ve done so much. At least let me buy you a burger.”
Gia laughs and flags the waitress before I pay. “In that case, can I get a chocolate shake to go?”
We walk out to our cars, side by side, Gia slurping on her milkshake, talking about how much work I need to catch up on in Irene’s class. Once we reach her car, she turns to me. “So, all this is going down in a few days. You okay?”
Not really.
“Yeah,” I say, looking past her into the woods across the street. “It’ll be hard, but it’s a good plan.”
“Maybe I love the drama or maybe I’m just a sap, but I’m pretty sure that psycho would do anything for you. He’s obsessed.” She gestures with her milkshake. “It’ll be okay. And if not, we can burn down his house.”
Gia smirks looking like she should be sporting devil horns. I laugh and shake my head. “Thanks for everything.”
“Of course. Like I said, I love drama, and I’m missing home. Happy to play along with any other crazy shit you need.”
“Guess I’ll see you in a few days.”
She salutes with her milkshake, and shifts her car into reverse. “Bye!”
I sit in my own car afterward, staring out the window, not quite ready to drive. Everything Gia told me mixed with what I already know has my hands starting to shake.
It’ll be okay. It has to be. After what we’ve gone through, this is nothing.
Maybe if I say it enough, I’ll believe it.