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around outside the club, and I thought it would be sort of a good deed to invite him in.”
    Jill seemed to be skeptical. “A good deed? You never gave Adam the time of day before.”
    â€œI know,” said Carter. “Maybe I was wrong. I’d hate to be as big a snob as Richard is. And Adam really showed him up, didn’t he?”
    Jill giggled. “For sure. I have to admit, that was a hoot—even if I was on the losing side.”
    Now, thought Carter, it’s time to change the subject. She definitely didn’t want to talk about Adam anymore.
    â€œSo, how was your date last night?” Carter asked. “I can’t believe you haven’t even mentioned it yet!”
    Jill had gone out with Gary Brandt the night before. She smiled when Carter brought it up.
    â€œIt was great,” she said happily. “I didn’t want to talk about it in front of the guys, but I really like him. We’ve only gone out three times, but I’ve got a good feeling about Gary. He’s so sweet!” Her face was glowing. “I think this could be the real thing— like you and Dan.”
    At that, Carter had to turn away. The real thing, she thought. Me and Dan.
    Adam’s face kept appearing in her mind. She tried to push the image away, but it was stubborn. It stayed.
    Jill slammed her locker shut. “I’ve got to go,” she said. “Mom’s having people over tonight and I promised I’d help her.” She picked up her tennis bag and said, “See you tomorrow,”
    Carter felt a twinge of envy as she watched Jill hurry from the locker room, her brown ponytail bouncing.
    She seems so carefree, Carter thought. She has nothing more to worry about than dates with a nice guy and helping her mother with a party. And she thinks my life is just the same. If only she knew what I’ve been doing lately….
    Carter sighed and finished dressing. She left the club a few minutes later.
    Just outside the gates she found Adam waiting for her. He was freshly showered, wearing a clean pair of jeans and a white T-shirt, his hair slicked back. Carter smiled at him.
    â€œYou were great today,” she said. “I’ve been trying to find a way to show up Richard Smith for years. Thanks.”
    They walked into the parking lot. Adam stopped and leaned against his black Mustang.
    â€œI know a better way you can thank me,” he said. “Go out with me again.”
    Carter didn’t know what to say. Another date. Part of her wanted to go. But Dan …
    â€œFriday night,” Adam said. “I’ll pick you up at the same corner.”
    â€œFriday night!” said Carter. Now she knew she couldn’t go. She’d promised Dan—and she’d alreadybroken one date with him to go out with Adam. She wouldn’t do it again.
    â€œI can’t do it Friday, Adam,” she said. She was shocked to hear a pleading note in her voice. How had she come to this—pleading with a boy like Adam?
    Adam sighed. He moved around to the door of his car and got in. He started the motor.
    Carter stood by nervously. Why didn’t he say anything? She stood near the open window of his car.
    Now Adam spoke very calmly.
    â€œIf you really want to go,” he said, “you’ll find a way. And if I were you, Carter, I’d want to keep me happy. Know what I mean?”
    He pulled out of the parking lot, tires throwing up gravel behind them.
    Carter stood there a moment, totally alone.
    Adam was right. She had to keep him happy.
    And she knew it.
    But for how long?

Chapter 5

    C arter was surprised to find her father already home when she got back from school. It was Wednesday afternoon. Judge Phillips was sitting in his study, with the door open.
    Carter stood in the doorway with her schoolbooks in her arms. “Hi, Daddy. Is the case finished?”
    The judge smiled wryly. “Hardly. The courtroom was so tense that I had to call a