Lawless by Cindy Stark

Author:Cindy Stark [Stark, Cindy]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Amazon: B008TU97KC
Published: 2012-08-04T14:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

"Hello?" Kenzie's voice came across the line, uncertain and weary.

Ariana couldn't hold back her sob. "It's me, Kenzie." She hadn't heard her friend's voice in so long, and the sound of it nearly undid her.

"Oh my God."

Tears streamed from Ariana's eyes. "I had to call. I had to let you know I'm okay." She grabbed the discarded tissue from the top of her dresser and wiped her nose.

"Where are you?"

"I can't say."

"But you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm good. I'm safe." Another sob escaped her. "Are you okay? I found your mom's obituary online."

"It's been tough." There was no denying the grief in her friend's voice. "I'm better now that I've heard from you."

Seconds ticked in her mind like a bomb ready to explode. "I need to go, Kenzie. I'll be back in Chicago for the trial in a few weeks. I can see you then. Please don't tell anyone we talked. No one."

"Okay. Stay safe little sister."

"I will. I love you."

"Love you, too."

Ariana hung up and then waited for the world to crash in on her.

After a few moments of breathless anticipation, she convinced herself everything would be fine. She'd spared Kenzie, and that was worth the risk.

She finished washing the breakfast dishes and dressed before she heard the high-pitched ringtone coming from her bedroom. She raced to answer it, knowing the ringing would not be a good thing.

She clicked the answer button and immediately Quinn's voice jumped across the line. "Ariana? What's wrong?"

She tried not to accept too much of the guilt his frantic voice created. She'd done the right thing. "Nothing. I'm fine."

Several seconds of silence passed. "Then why did you call? This phone is for emergencies."

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry. It was just…I had a moment of panic. I saw Kenzie on the news. She looked awful, Quinn. On the verge of a nervous breakdown."

"Did you call her, Ariana?"

She bit her tongue to keep from telling him. If he knew the truth, it would only complicate matters. Quinn would be forced to try to figure out another scenario for her, and she was out of options. "No." She had to be the worst person ever for lying to him. It sickened her that she'd discarded so easily her promise to herself to be honest. But telling the truth would create unnecessary trouble for everyone. "I wanted you to let her know I'm okay."

He blew out a frustrated breath. "Fine. I'll give her a call. You're going to have to destroy that phone now, I hope you know. Milo will need to replace it."

"I'm sorry, Quinn. I know I've made things difficult for you. I just couldn't let her suffer."

"I know. It's okay. Let Milo know what he needs to do and have him send me the number of your new phone. I'm sorry I wasn't available when you called the first time. I'll make sure that doesn't happen again."

"Thank you, Quinn."

* * *

"You can call me a mother-fucker, but don't call me dumb." Manny set down his phone and threw a wadded, hamburger wrapper at Tony.

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