Im sorry, she said. Normally its no big deal. I usually only have to get him about once a month. This just happens to be the day. But I didnt want to miss meeting with you. I just didnt know it would be more than a quick thing.

We need to know youre reliable, he said.

I am, she assured him. Now that I know whats involved, Ill make it work. I really need this. I mean, the mansion and the travel sound great, but like I said, my grandpas sick. This money could really help with all the medical bills. Thats why you can count on me to be very popular.

He pondered that and seemed to find it compelling.

What about tomorrow? he asked.

Tomorrows perfect, she said. I can totally make that work.

Rico glanced over at Elodie, who gave him a pleading look of her own. Her commission must be pretty nice to stick her neck out like this.

Fine, he said. Same time, same corner. Just you and me, got it?

Hannah nodded.

Thank you, she said.

They drove back to the corner near the school, this time taking a much more direct route. When they got out, Elodie leaned in through the passenger window to have a private word with Rico.

Hannah stepped back, as if she was giving them space. But the real reason was to get a clear look at his license plate. She would have liked to have snapped a photo of it but knew that was out of the question. Instead she silently repeated the combination of numbers and letters until Elodie joined her.

Rico pulled away and the two of them walked back to campus.

Good job, Elodie said. Other than the grandpa thing, I think that went well. And even thats not so bad.

Why do you say that? Hannah asked.

You need money for his bills. That makes you desperate. They like desperate.

Hannah wondered how theyd like it when they got busted because of her. She couldnt wait to tell Jessie.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Jessie was paranoid.

After what happened with the thumb drive and Detective Parkers secure locker, she had to assume her movements were being monitored. Thats why she took forty-five extra minutes to get to her destination.

First, after they left Percy Avalons castle, she had Karen drop her off near the busy intersection of Sunset and San Vicente. Then she made the short walk to the Book Soup bookstore a block away. She walked through the front door and wandered a few aisles, keeping an eye out for tails. When she was confident she wasnt in anyones line of sight, she darted out the back door to the parking lot where shed ordered her rideshare. The car was waiting.