Neptune's Window, page 23
“How’d you know?” she asked without thinking. He couldn’t possibly know about Miss Townsend and Chuck.
“Because it’s all anyone is talking about.”
“What?” she asked, confused.
He stopped walking. “The whole Stacy thing.”
She tried to play it off. “Yeah,” she said, waving her hand. “Drama, right?” She could look it up online later.
“I thought you’d be happy. I mean, after all the crap she said about you.”
She nodded.
“I can see you don’t believe it’s her either.”
“No.” I hope I made the right choice. Chuck, what’s he talking about?
“Yeah, when I heard they found out who Stacy was, I knew it was a set-up. But you’re smart for bailing right away.”
She couldn’t stand it any longer. She had to know who Damon was talking about. “Why do you think she was set up?”
He shrugged. “The same way I know you’re crazy about me.”
Needing to get away from him so she could look up the information online, she asked, “Do I need warm clothes for wherever you’re taking me?”
He nodded. “Yeah, we’ll swing by your place so you can grab a jacket.”
When they reached the apartment, she said, “Wait here” and ran inside.
After putting on a pair of jeans and a hoodie, she pulled out her laptop, logging on to Newport Dish as fast as her fingers could type. Covering her mouth, she couldn’t believe the picture on the cover.
Paige Bradley stood next to two police officers in tears.
She turned off the computer wanting to change her answer to yes. Absolutely, Paige could be Stacy. It made sense; after all, she was at Piper’s house and could’ve easily overheard their conversation about Jake.
But why? Jealousy, maybe?
“Maybe,” Joel said.
“So, it is her?”
A loud knock on the front door cut Joel off as she walked over to open it.
Damon looked annoyed. “I said grab a jacket, not pack for Mt. Everest.”
“Sorry,” she said. “Let’s go.”
He peeked inside.
“What?” she asked, ushering him out.
“You’re acting weird.” He stared at her.
Curling her lip, she said. “You are.”
“Whatever, we need to hurry now.” He glanced at his watch. “We might not make it in time.”
“Well, you should’ve told me we were on a time limit to this mysterious place of yours.”
They hopped on his motorcycle and took off, speeding north on Pacific Coast Highway. Nostalgia hit her as they rode through Huntington Beach, passing the super retail development, reminding her of Cory.
The sun touched the horizon, illuminating the sky with perfect pastels of peach and yellow. Twenty minutes later, she began to worry, wondering how far they were going, until he pulled off toward downtown Long Beach.
When he parked, she asked, “Are we going to the Queen Mary?” She stared at the massive ship on the other side of the harbor.
Putting his wallet in his back pocket, he said, “No, the port.” He grabbed a large envelope from the side bucket of his Harley.
“What’s that?”
“You’ll see.” He pulled out some papers, analyzing them.
She peeked over his shoulder, identifying a date, time, address, and dock number.
He shoved the papers back in the envelope. “Nosy.”
“It’s not like it answers any of my questions.”
“We have five minutes.”
“Until what, a fireworks show?” She sighed.
“It’s a possibility, but with firearms.”
She stopped. “What are we doing, LeMoore?”
“Relax. I’m kidding. I’d never put you in danger.” He urged her to keep walking.
Aries followed his lead as they approached a bench across from a large storage unit. She sat down after him and glanced out at a cargo ship with a few longshoremen working on it. “Now what?”
“We wait.” He leaned back.
She tapped her foot for a moment, unable to sit still.
He put his hand on her knee. “Relax, Sophomore.”
“Maybe I could if you’d tell me what we’re doing here.”
“A few more minutes, and I will.”
Feeling uneasy, she said, “Alright. Well, at least tell me why you’re so sure Paige couldn’t be Stacy.”
“Because I know her.”
“How well?” she asked.
“Well enough. Drop it. We have more important things to focus on right now.”
“Fine.” She couldn’t let it go, though. Paige could certainly have created the fake account under Stacy Martin.
“Then who do you think Stacy is?”
“Really? You’re not going to let this go?” He checked his watch, tapping the envelope against his jeans.
“Could it be her sister? Or Michelle?”
He stared at the storage unit.
“Kaelani?” She kept throwing out names. “Peyton?”
“Shh,” he said as the longshoremen from the ship walked toward them, one of the men nodding at Damon. He nodded back.
After the men passed, she asked, “Do guys always stare each other down? I mean, is it in your DNA to do that?”
“Yes.” He kept looking forward. “Now be quiet.”
She remained silent.
Paige appeared sweet and innocent, but Aries could detect storm clouds brewing under her calm surface. She could totally be Stacy. Paige’s two supposed best friends were by far prettier, wealthier, and more popular, giving her a possible motive.
Aries adjusted her position on the bench. It had been more than five minutes, but she didn’t dare say anything after observing Damon’s clenched jaw.
Glancing at his watch again, he shook his head. “Dammit. I should’ve known.”
“Known what?” she asked, taken aback by his body language.
“A-hole Judge.”
“Oh.”
He stood. “Let’s get out of here.”
“At least tell me what happened.”
“I will,” he said. “Not here.”
They rode back south, the silver sky beginning its slow fade to black. She closed her eyes as the breeze picked up, numbing her face.
At a stoplight, he looked over his shoulder. “Shit, I knew it.” He revved the engine.
“What is it?” she asked.
“We’re being followed.” He took off as soon as the light turned green, zooming in and out of cars. He pulled off the highway, heading past an oil rig in Huntington Beach. He turned into a gated community, circling the roundabout, and stopped by the curb outside of the gate.
They idled for a few minutes before she asked, “Who was following you?”
“A cop.”
“Why didn’t he put his sirens on and pull us over? You were totally speeding.”
“He knew I got the hint.”
“What hint?” she asked.
“The Judge set me up.”
“LeMoore, tell me what the hell is going on.”
“Over dinner.”
Once they reached the Newport Beach pier, he parked. They entered a Mexican restaurant, finding a table on the patio.
After they placed their order, she said, “You’re killing me here. What is going on?”
He leaned over the table, looking into her eyes. “You’re right. Something’s going on with the paintings.”
She leaned closer. “I knew it. But what?”
“The Judge left a painting in his office at home. I’ve been breaking in once a week, and I found it last night. The envelope was in the back lining. That’s how they’re transferring the information to meet at a certain time and location. The Judge is way too smart to leave a cellular or cyber trail.”
“But how did he set you up?” she asked.
“That cop following us was probably Benson. He might have someone following you, too.”
She gasped. “Kimberly?”
“Maybe. We need to back off. I’m worried about you. I couldn’t handle it if anything happened to you.”
“But we’re so close,” she said. “I don’t get why you think he set you up.”
“The date and time in the envelope were bogus. There’s probably a cipher. I need to find it to figure out the real locations, and what’s really being transferred. But not right now.”
“Because he set you up?”
“It wasn’t me personally. He probably has people staked out at several bogus locations, but if that cop was Benson, then he’ll find out I’m on to him.”
“Okay,” she said. “Let’s back off for a while. Or approach it a different way.”
“How? You don’t know the Judge, and what he is capable of. And the damn election for Price is right around the corner. I’m sure there’s a lot at stake for both of them.”
“He wouldn’t do anything to his own son.”
He shrugged. “Like I said, Sophomore, you don’t know him. I wouldn’t put it past him.”
Aries shivered, recalling the evil feeling the Judge gave her outside his house.
They ate in silence for a few minutes before her phone vibrated the table. Looking down, she read a text from Cory.
Cory: Thinking about u. Hope u r having a good night. Call u later.
Flipping her phone over, she smiled.
“Let me guess, Douglas?”
She nodded.
“Figures.” He threw his napkin on his plate.
“Sorry,” she said. “I know you guys hate each other.”
“No, we don’t hate each other. And don’t be sorry.”
She scrutinized him. “Really? It seems like you do.”
“That would mean I gave a crap about him, which I don’t.”
She rolled her eyes. “Okay.”
“But you do. And it’s okay, Sophomore.”
“You’ll still be my friend?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“And even if I date him, you’ll still help me with my mom?”
“Of course. Nothing will stop me from helping you. I’ll think you’re a moron, but I’ll still help you.” His mouth curved up.
“Thank you.” She relaxed her shoulders.
“Why are you thanking me?”
“Because you gave me the impression if I didn’t date you and I dated Cory, you wouldn’t be my friend.”
His smile faded. “I didn’t mean to do that. I’ll admit, I was frustrated you’d even consider picking him over me.”
“So what changed?” she asked.
“You.”
“Me?” She pointed at herself. “I hadn’t picked anyone before. But now I’m able to tell you I want you to just be my friend. And I have to confess, I’m going to the Halloween dance with Cory. You’re cool with it?”
He thought for a moment. “So, you’re saying you choose Douglas. Okay.” He leaned back, looking into her eyes.
She sighed, her anxiety slipping away. She had finally decided between Cory and Damon. One less thing she had to worry about. She smiled, looking back into his eyes. “I’m so happy you’re okay with it. Is it because of Kaelani?”
“No,” he said, holding her gaze.
An electric shock went through her body. There was something powerful in his eyes.
“Then what?” she asked.
“I learned a long time ago, Sophomore, it’s actions; not words.”
She furrowed her brow. “I’m not following you.”
“Your body language says it all, not the words coming out of your mouth. Your posture when you’re with me is different than when you’re with Douglas. The way you look at me compared to him. Do whatever you have to, but I already know the truth. Now, let’s get you home before your dad starts to worry.”
She shook her head as she followed him outside. He’s so wrong. He had a way of making her doubt herself when it came to Cory, but this time she didn’t care. She had come up with an answer. One she had known all along. She chose Cory.
On the quick ride back to her apartment, she held on to him tighter than usual, thankful for his friendship.
As she stepped off his motorcycle, he squeezed her hand. “We’ll hang back for a bit. But I think we strike before the election. Like I’ve always said, we’ll figure it out, Sophomore.”
“It’s a plan. Thank you, LeMoore.”
She hung back before heading up the steps, until he rode out of sight. Leaning against the balcony rail, she admired the moon. “I can see it, Mom. Clear as day. It’s as though somebody defogged a window, or turned on the lights, or I don’t know. But I’ve finally opened my eyes. You were murdered because of whatever is being transferred in the paintings. I think you discovered it in Neptune’s Window.” With her elbows on the rail, she rested her chin in her palms. “I bet that’s why Mr. Bradley has it,” she whispered.
A light from a distant ship flickered in the fog. She concentrated on the memory of her mother again. Even in the dense fog, she had perfect vision. “I know you’re trying to communicate with me. I can sense it. I need to take it step by step. Step one, I chose Cory, check. Now work on the following: Step two, figure out the paintings. And the most important step of all, the one I care the most about, step three, find a way to hear your voice.”
She drew a deep breath as a wave crashed in the distance. The salty air caressed her hair.
“Like you always taught me, I need to find the bright side in every situation. Life may not be perfect, or go the way I want, so instead of wasting energy on the uncontrollable, I need to focus on what I can control. Me.”
“I lost you, but I can still choose to be happy. I’ve been having a hard time with that one, but I’m slowly figuring it out.” She tried to smile. “You taught me so much, Mom. It hurts so bad to know I’ll never get advice from you again. Unless…” Her eyes moistened. With the back of her hand, she tried to cool her forehead. “Unless I can let you in somehow. According to the spirits I’m blocking you. I don’t get how, but I’m determined to figure it out. I love you so much.”
The light in the apartment turned on as her father’s footsteps approached the door.
“One last thing, Mom. The path to discovering what really happened to you has been crazy, with so many twists and turns, but I won’t stop until I reach my destination. The truth.” She stared at the moon.
Neptune’s Window is wide open, and I’m staring at justice in the distance.
ALSO BY L L LEWIN
Read on for a preview of Shattered
The third book in the Neptune’s Window Trilogy
SHATTERED: CHAPTER 1
Aries leaned against the Science building, waiting for Cory. Newport Beach High School didn’t seem as big or intimidating as it once did. As she scanned the familiar courtyard, peace and joy had replaced panic and fear.
“I wouldn’t get too comfortable.”
Joel?
“Yes,” he said. “And I like that you still call me Joel.”
I’m glad. Is there a particular reason for your warning?
“Yes.”
What is it?
The morning bell rang, drowning out Joel’s response.
Can you repeat that? she asked, closing her eyes.
“Don’t get too comfortable.”
I know. But, why?
He mumbled something.
Sorry, one more time Joel.
“Don’t get comfortable.”
I got that part. “Do you know how frustrating you are?”
“Whoa,” Cory said. “I hit traffic, but the tardy bell hasn’t gone off yet.”
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean you.” She blushed.
“Okay,” he said, giving her a strange look. “Are you feeling all right?” He put his arm around her.
“Yes,” she said as they headed to class.
Peyton strutted down the hallway with an extra ray of arrogance. Stopping in front of the entrance to the classroom, she glanced over her shoulder and waved at Cory. He nodded as Aries turned away.
Aries didn’t have the patience to witness Peyton flirting with him.
“You look happy today Price,” he said. “What’s going on?”
“I guess because it’s Tuesday.” Peyton gloated.
Aries tried to let go of Cory’s hand, but his grip was too tight. She blew a strand of hair out of her face, glancing into the classroom.
“I didn’t get the memo, is Tuesday the new Saturday?” he asked.
“No.” Peyton put her hand on her hip. “This Tuesday is election night. And after my dad wins, you’ll be partying with the congressman’s daughter this weekend.”
“How can you be so sure he’ll win?” Aries asked. She and Damon had come up with a plan to bring Camden Price to justice on election night.
Peyton rolled her eyes. “Please. Like his opponents even have a chance. A good politician knows when the campaign is wrapped up.” She glared at Aries and sauntered into the room, taking her seat next to Michael, whispering something into his ear.
Aries cracked a smile when Michael looked annoyed.
Walking by them, Aries overheard Peyton bragging about her victory party. Hate to break it to you sister, but you’re not going to have anything to celebrate. Aries pressed her lips together. But she, on the other hand, would. Camden behind bars would call for quite a celebration.
After Miss Townsend issued laptops and guided the class through the websites for the lesson, Aries fantasized about destroying both Camden Price and James LeMoore. She pictured the two men with their hands cuffed behind their backs as a police officer read them their rights.
She smiled as her imagination ran wild. The story would be on every news feed and Peyton wouldn’t be able to go anywhere without the humiliation of her father’s arrest. Forget being embarrassed on some stupid high school website, she’d be disgraced nationally.
The fantasy made Aries happy, but what made her heart soar was the fact that she would have justice for her mother’s death. And then maybe…her stomach dropped. Maybe she’d be able to communicate with her.
“I don’t think you have it quite right.”
Chuck? she questioned. I haven’t heard from you in a while. Your daughter’s sitting at her desk right now. She peered over at Miss Townsend.
