Lies I Told Read Online Free PDF Page A

discussion of the job to one room meant we couldn’t make a mistake in deciding if it was safe to talk. Couldn’t forget where we were and discuss the con near an open window or out in public where anyone could be listening. It was a rule that had been ingrained in Parker and me since the beginning. I couldn’t remember anyone breaking it.
    The Playa Hermosa War Room looked like any suburban media room. Overstuffed sofa? Check. Bar? Check?Massive TV complete with surround sound? Double check. Except it also had a small table for our meetings and a shredder, essential for adherence to our leave-no-proof rule.
    My dad sighed. “I said I was going to, didn’t I?”
    â€œSometimes things slip.” She bristled, taking a seat on one of the chairs. “I was just asking.”
    â€œSecurity doesn’t ‘slip.’ Not now, not ever,” he said tightly.
    I shifted nervously on the sofa. It had been happening between them more and more often, little annoyances and irritations, disagreements over seemingly insignificant details. I told myself that it wasn’t unusual. Everyone got nervous at the start of a job. We were like an overworked acting troupe, trying to keep our roles straight even as we were given new lines and costumes every few months. It would be stressful for anyone.
    But part of me knew it was more than that. Our cracks were starting to show, spreading out like the fault lines that lay under California, the pressure building and building until, one day, the earth moved with it.
    â€œLet’s just get started.” My mom looked from me to Parker. “How did it go today?”
    Parker made no move to answer, so I spoke up. “I sit next to Rachel Mercer in AP Euro.”
    â€œThat’s an unexpected bonus. Any interest?”
    â€œA little. She’s a queen bee, though, so I have to play it cool.”
    She smiled affectionately. “I’m sure you can handleRachel Mercer. And if she doesn’t let you in, Logan will.”
    â€œI actually ran into him in the hallway.”
    â€œI thought you weren’t working him until we were inside,” Parker said from the other end of the couch.
    I shrugged, avoiding his eyes. “I had an opportunity, so I took it.”
    Parker took his job as older brother seriously. He hated it when I ran point, when I was “used” to further a con. But I never saw it that way. We were a family. As much as I sometimes struggled with what we did, I liked doing my part, pulling my own weight.
    â€œWhat happened?” he asked.
    â€œI pretended to drop something and he picked it up, so I introduced myself.”
    â€œNicely done,” my dad said. “Any other interesting contacts?”
    â€œI met a girl I really like,” I answered. “Selena Rodriguez. I sat with her at lunch.”
    â€œSelena Rodriguez.” My mom repeated the name. “Was she in the subject files?”
    I shook my head. “I needed a place to sit and ended up at her table. She’s nice.”
    She smiled. “I’m glad you made a friend. Maybe you can use her.”
    I flashed on Selena’s clear brown eyes, her unguarded smile. Something twisted in my stomach, and I immediately regretted mentioning her. “Yeah, maybe.”
    I was relieved when my dad turned his eyes on Parker.“What about you?”
    â€œNot much. I have gym with Logan and one of his friends. The coach put us on the same basketball team. It’s only the first day, but I think I can work my way in.”
    â€œSounds like a productive first day.” He leaned forward. “Now, let’s go over some details.”
    I sat back to listen. The broad strokes of the Playa Hermosa job had been laid out before we arrived, but we were never given all the details of a con until we were in character and on-site.
    â€œAs you know, the target is the Fairchild family,” my dad began. “More specifically, Warren