Darren? Aren’t you going to school?” Mom shouted.
I checked the clock. Shit. I was going to be late.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed, resting my head in my palms. Getting home at three in the morning and then waking up for school was crazy. But I couldn’t hurry home to bed when all the guys were out partying. I had to be a lieutenant and act like one.
I took a quick shower, threw on some clothes, grabbed my knapsack, and ran out the door. “Bye, baby,” Mom said cheerfully. She’d obviously seen the cash I’d left on the table.
The morning was cold and icy. I almost wiped out twice on my way to the bus stop. It was just me and a lady in a wheelchair. Great. It was gonna take ten minutes for her to get on the bus, making me even later. I wished I had one of Tony’s beater cars—driving to school would be way quicker. But they were only for business. One of these days I’d buy a car of my own.
When I finally got to school, the bell was ringing, ending first period. At least I wouldn’t have to walk in late to my second class. I caught sight of Jessica, who did a double take when she saw me. I hadn’t phoned her all weekend, and I’d replied to her text messages with just a couple of words. She’d be wondering what the hell was going on.
“Jessica,” I called out, going up to her. “We should talk. Meet me in the north stairwell at eleven forty-five.”
She nodded, frowning.
I went to my class on the third floor, darting in the door right before the bell. Ms. Stark was putting up study notes for next week’s test. Good. I didn’t have to think or process information, I just had to write. I hadn’t even had time for my choco-latte, which was probably part of the reason my head ached. The other part was all those drinks at the Velvet Room with the lieutenants.
When I got to the stairwell at eleven forty-five, the rush of students had already gone by, and Jessica was standing under the stairs. She gazed up at me, and the expression on her face said it all. “You’re not getting out, are you?”
“It’s gotten more complicated.”
“Once the Vet stopped bothering you, you should’ve quit right away.”
“I had to wait for the right time. And then Friday night, Tony promoted me to lieutenant.”
“What? Oh my God.” For a second, I thought she might pass out. “And you agreed?”
“You don’t say no to Tony.”
“So there’s no way out anymore. Is that what you’re saying?”
“I can’t tell Diamond Tony I’m not cut out for the job. He knows I am.”
“You are?”
“You know what I mean. It’s business. Anyway, I’ve got the feeling I’m where I’m supposed to be. I have more access now. I can learn a lot about his operation.”
She was gobsmacked. “You’re in even more danger than before. Can’t you see that?”
“I don’t really have a choice. I have to make the best of the situation.”
“Every minute of the last two days I was hoping you’d call to tell me you were out. You have to find a way, Darren. You have to.”
“Jessica.” I couldn’t believe what I was about to say, but as soon as I’d been promoted, I’d known what I had to do. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think we should take a break until this is all over. It’s too dangerous. If I get targeted . . .”
“No, Darren.” She put a palm against my cheek. “I’m with you. No matter what.”
I shook my head. “It’s not a good idea. If Tony finds out what I’m doing, you’re guilty by association. He could come after you.” But even as I said it, I squeezed her closer.
“I told you, I don’t care.”
“I care. But—oh, fuck it.” I kissed her. She kissed me back.
Jessica was with me. It was the only thing that ever made sense.