These Unquiet Bones Read Online Free PDF Page A

Catherine said.
    “Just don’t invite the entire school like you tend to do for your little soirees,” Amy said, relieved the conversation regarding her father had ended.
    Catherine waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry. The last time was definitely the last time. Someone screwed around with Dad’s stereo system. I was able to convince him it was Scooter. Thank God. The idiot is always messing around with his things. So, Layne, can you get us some booze or not?”
    “I’m sure I can. Dad keeps us rich in booze,” Layne said, and winked at Amy. “Would love to get this one drunk.”
    “I don’t drink,” Amy said. “And you know that, goober.”
    “Well, I’ll make it my mission to get you wasted tonight, goodie two-shoes.” Layne pinched Amy’s side.
    She squealed. “Jerk.” She slapped him playfully on the arm. “How many times have I told you not to do that? Do it again, and I’ll cut your hand off. I mean it.”
    “Better watch out,” Michael said, flashing a jackal’s grin. “I hear she’s pretty handy with razorblades.”
    Amy was satisfied when Catherine popped him over the head. “Thanks,” she said.
    When three o’clock came around at last, Amy walked through the flow of human traffic moving out into the afternoon sunlight and dispersing into the crowded parking lot. She met Layne by his late model Nissan Pathfinder which was as clunky and gray as an elephant. They settled into the vehicle.
    “Got something for you,” Layne said, reaching down beneath his seat for something that crinkled once he grasped it with his fingers. “I forgot about it earlier.”
    Amy rolled her eyes. “I told you like a hundred times stop giving me presents. You never listen to me, do you?”
    Layne presented her with a yellow plastic bag from Best Buy and handed it over. “I listen when it’s necessary. Happy birthday.”
    Amy shook her head, dug into the bag, and pulled out a CD from one of her favorite alternative rock bands. “Thanks.”
    “My pleasure.” Layne stuck his key into the ignition and started the engine.
    Heavy metal blasted from the speakers. Amy jumped as the loud noise pierced her eardrums.
    “Sorry,” Layne said, turning down the volume and checking around to ensure he had the clear before backing out.
    Ears ringing, Amy tore at the plastic around the CD case with her fingernails. “Mind if we pop this in?”
    “Go for it. So, did you have that dream again?”
    Amy winced. Her stomach grew sour. “Yeah.” She slipped her new CD into the CD player.
    Layne pulled onto Main Street. “Tell your Dad about them?”
    Amy glanced out the window at the trees and storefronts they passed on their way through the small town’s business district. She sighed. “He doesn’t think they mean anything.”
    “Really? Goddamn.”
    She shook her head and closed her eyes, wishing she never told Layne about the dreams.
    “But what do you think?” he asked.
    She didn’t answer. There was only so much she was willing to discuss with Layne, and her worst fear about her father was not among them. Again, she rubbed her locket like a rabbit’s foot, hoping for some magic.
    Sometimes her hopes were too high, and sometimes they were a joke.
     
     

Chapter 6
    Layne took his eyes off the road for a moment to watch Amy climb out the passenger-side window and sit perched in its frame. “You have a death wish?” He shouted. “The hell’re you doing?”
    Amy didn’t answer. Layne returned his attention to the road, but, after a few seconds, stole another glance at Amy.
    She had leaned far enough out the window for him to see her face— her eyes were closed and she smiled contently as the wind whipped through her hair.
    God she is beautiful.
    His eyes rode up her slender legs.
    God she is gorgeous.
    They grazed along her ample breasts.
    God she is sexy.
    They ran up her swanlike neck to her delicate cheekbone.
    God I want her.
    “Watch the road, dummy!”
    Layne turned just in time to avoid a