Wicked Release Read Online Free PDF Page A

out, anyway? Because if it’s for some vigilante reason, then you can count me out. I already feel responsible enough for Cassandra’s murder—I’m not going to take part in yours, too.”
    All the moisture in her mouth evaporated. Well, if he can keep secrets, then so can I. With what little she knew about this man, she doubted he’d ever agree to join her on a quest to find her sister’s killer and avenge her death. Nibbling her bottom lip, she took a slow breath, channeling her theater classes from high school. “My life is in danger. I want to find whatever it is these assholes want from me, get it to them, and then get the hell out while I can.”
    A smile flickered briefly at Elliot’s lips. “That’s what I needed to hear,” he said. He pulled her phone from his back pocket and handed it back to her. “I don’t know where Cassandra’s stash is, but I think I know who does.”
    â€œOkay . . .”
    His eyes flashed. “And you’re going to call him.”
    Rolling the phone over in her hands, Jess circled her thumb over the smooth plastic. “Who would know that?”
    Elliot worked his jaw hard, grinding his teeth. A cloud darkened his eyes before he spoke. “Dane.”

4
    D ane, Jess thought, wanting to protest, but knowing it was useless. Just another person she could add to her list of liars. With numb fingers, Jess dialed Dane’s number, her hand shaking the whole time. What exactly was she supposed to say to the man who pretended to have no knowledge of her sister’s death when Jess told him about it? He was supposed to have been Cass’s friend. Someone she could rely on, but he hadn’t even come to her funeral. He answered almost immediately on the first ring.
    â€œJess,” he said quickly into the phone. “Jess, I am so glad you called. I was hoping you would after I left my note—”
    â€œDane,” she said, and as she opened her mouth to say more, Elliot snatched the phone out of her hand.
    â€œAh, Daniel. Hello, my friend.” Elliot’s voice boomed with arrogance.
    â€œMy name is Dane,” Jess heard on the other end of the receiver. Elliot tossed her a wink to which she responded by folding her arms. At least she wasn’t the only one he played name games with.
    â€œJessica and I need your assistance. Today. As soon as possible, actually.”
    Jess could feel Elliot’s attention following her as she wandered around the room. There was a large, built-in bookshelf along one wall. She dragged a finger along the book spines: Robinson Crusoe, A Tale of Two Cities, The Catcher in the Rye. On some of the books, the edges were worn so thin they were frayed.
    Her shoes clicked against the marble floor as she continued her march around the room. She dared a glance at Elliot. He had angled features sharpened like the sheer edge of a deadly cliff and a lock of bluish-black hair fell over his brow, adding a boyishness that was contradictory to his beauty, softening his severity. And while he wasn’t her type, she could absolutely see how Cass had fallen so hard over the edge for him.
    â€œUh-huh,” he said into the phone, and yet, somehow it felt as though he were talking directly to her. “We can explain more when you get to Cassan—” Her sister’s name caught in his throat and after taking only a second to compose himself, he continued. “I mean, Jessica’s house. Though, I’m sure you could figure it out if you think really hard. You’re a smart guy.”
    Yeah, not quite a compliment. And she was pretty damn sure Dane knew it.
    â€œOne hour?” Elliot checked his very expensive-looking watch. “That will do.”
    Jess wandered behind Elliot’s desk, running her hand along every surface she could find. Damn, she wished she had her camera in here. Photographing this place would give such insight into this man. She could