It Will Come Back

Uneasy Alliances

“Okay, so Ravi said he’ll meet us at Rosewood Street,” I mutter, glancing over at Levi as he steers his car down the highway.

For once, I’m relieved he didn’t drag me onto his ridiculous red Harley motorcycle. Instead, he opted for this tiny blue Honda. From the outside, it looks like a toy car—something a toddler would zoom across a living room floor. I’ve reminded him of this at least a hundred times, much to his annoyance. But I have to admit, it’s surprisingly roomy inside, even if the exterior screams Matchbox.

“That’s great. You’re finally starting to get on board,” Levi says, his voice dripping with smugness. He drives with one hand on the wheel, the other lazily draped behind his neck like he’s auditioning for a teen drama. I cringe internally.

“Oh, don’t get ahead of yourself,” I snap, making sure my irritation is clear. “I’m not ‘getting on board’ with anything. The only reason I’m working with you is for Ravi’s sake—and for the people who’ve been murdered. Let’s not pretend we’re best friends here.”

Levi smirks, clearly unfazed. “Whatever you say, Lux. But you can deny it all you want—I know you’re into me. I’m pretty good at reading people.”

I roll my eyes so hard it’s a wonder they don’t get stuck. “Excuse me? The only thing I’m into is seeing your ass hauled in for murder charges, confessing to killing those innocent people!”

He chuckles, completely amused. “Right. You’ve got me all figured out. I’m a shapeshifting killer who transforms into the dead. Good detective work, Lux.” His sarcasm grates on my nerves.

“I swear,” I groan dramatically, throwing my head back against the headrest, “if I have to spend another hour in this car with you, I’m going to lose my mind!”

Levi just laughs again, like this whole thing is a joke to him.

“I still don’t see why we have to visit some dead woman’s house,” I grumble, rubbing the back of my head. The seat is uncomfortably stiff, but I’m more annoyed at him than anything else. “She died eighteen years ago. What could it possibly have to do with what’s happening now? It’s a waste of time.”

“You really don’t see it, do you?” Levi says, a sly grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“What?” I snap, glaring at him.

“The resemblance,” he says, glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. “You’re nervous, Lux. I can tell.”

“You are so full of s**t, even the toilet’s jealous,” I shoot back, crossing my arms.

“That’s why you’re being so defensive,” Levi presses, his tone now more serious. “You’re scared of finding out something. But what is it?”

His words hit too close to home. My stomach twists as I try to keep my expression neutral. Of course I’m scared. What if what Kiron said was true? What if I really am adopted? What if this woman—this stranger who looks like me—has answers I’m not ready to hear?

But there’s no way I’m admitting any of that to him.

“I’m not defensive about anything,” I mutter, keeping my gaze fixed on the road ahead. “You’re just irritating. Can we drop the interrogation already?”

Levi doesn’t respond, but I can feel him watching me, like he’s trying to piece me together. I shut my eyes, hoping he’ll take the hint and back off.

Sleep has been elusive lately, and with the long drive ahead, I figure now’s as good a time as any to catch up. I try counting sheep—fluffy, cloud-like ones that bounce over fences in my mind. Levi sighs loudly a few times, clearly annoyed that I’ve checked out of the conversation. But eventually, the soft hum of the engine and the monotony of the road lull me into a light, uneasy sleep.

For now, I can escape. But I know the moment we reach Rosewood Street, there will be no running from the truth.