Read Online A Perfect Darkness by Jaime Rush - Free Book Online Page B

snagged the next available stall and crammed inside. “Yes, that’s whatI’m talking about,” she moaned as she opened her big purse and pulled out two more costumes. “God, Delilah, I’m so sorry I doubted you.”
    Women grumbled, but no one intruded. Amy slipped into a shapeless but shimmering dress and changed wigs. Petra peeled off the Wonder Woman one-piece bathing suit and the red, thigh-high boots, revealing another skintight costume on a body worthy of it. She splashed glitter over her face, tied on a blue cape covered with shells, and pulled on blue, sparkly high heels.
    By now all the women who witnessed their assignation had already peed and left the restroom. First Amy stepped out and then Petra, looking calm and detached. They left the restroom separately, and Amy followed her to the back of the bandstand, where the loud music would cover their conversation. Sheets of colored fabric served as a backdrop for the band, blocking them from the view of the crowd in front of the stage.
    Amy would have asked if all of this was necessary, but she knew it probably was.
    Eric waited, all of his phony good humor gone. “How the hell did you know about Bill Hammond?”
    Ready to scream out that Lucas was alive, Eric’s question halted her. “How did you know— did you follow me ?” She’d had the feeling she was being watched but had seen no one.
    â€œYou could say that. And baby, I’m not the only one. I was watching from the parking lot here. Two guys who weren’t gay—either sexually or moodwise—got out of separate cars right after you did.”
    That thought made her sick. “But I was so careful…”
    â€œYou weren’t careful enough. You can’t just run a red light and take a few extra turns and think you’ve lost them. That’s what you did, isn’t it?”
    â€œSomething like that,” she had to admit.
    Eric took up an arrogant pose with his arms crossed on his chest. “How did you know about Bill?”
    â€œLucas had a piece of paper with Bill’s address on it. He told me to hide it when the men busted in. And no, I didn’t show it to Cyrus. When I couldn’t get answers from you, I decided to talk to Bill.”
    â€œWhat did he say?”
    â€œHe wasn’t exactly open to chatting. His father was in the Army, lived in Fort Meade around the same time my father did, and killed himself. Those are the common links between us, right?”
    Petra said, “Our parents weren’t in the Army and there was no suicide.”
    â€œOh. He’s got the same glow you both have, and Lucas, too.” As soon as the words came out she wanted to take them back.
    â€œGlow?” Eric asked with a cocked eyebrow.
    Damn. He wasn’t going to let her get away with not answering. Besides, that would only pique his interest more. “Ever since I was a kid, I see a color around people that indicates their mood or intention. Different colors mean different moods. You three and Bill have the strangest glows I’ve ever seen, a muddle of all the colors.” Would they think she was crazy?
    They exchanged a look but it didn’t seem to say, This chick’s nuts. They were giving each other a knowing little smile.
    â€œWhat?” she asked. “Go ahead, say it.”
    He shook his head. “What else did Hammond say?”
    â€œNothing more than that, but…you were right. About Cyrus. He went to see Bill right after I did.”
    Amy wanted to smack the smug expression off Eric’s face. Petra looked worried, and her glow was jagged in a different way than Eric’s.
    â€œHow do we know you’re not working with him?” Eric said, checking the area. His gaze snagged on a sexy woman with boobs spilling out of her bustier. He turned back to Amy. “Setting us up?”
    â€œBecause I can’t trust Cyrus anymore.” It hurt to say it. “And the