Read Online City of Halves by Lucy Inglis - Free Book Online

could be trusted. Well, I’ll soon find out . ‘There’s someone watching me, online.’
    â€˜Explain to me how that works?’
    â€˜That’s the thing. It shouldn’t work.’ Lily settled more comfortably, although it meant her knee rested on his thigh. She was getting used to the odd, electric sensation when they touched each other. He shifted slightly, lessening the pressure. She tucked her leg further beneath herself, severing the contact, keeping her eyes on the screen.
    â€˜I take a lot of trouble to stay hidden online.’ When he didn’t say anything, she glanced at him beneath her lashes. ‘Dad’s work.’
    He nodded.
    â€˜But recently, there’s been someone watching me.’
    He took another slice of pizza.
    â€˜For example, when I was reading about the Agency, someone began to delete the thread. Delete the information.’
    Regan looked at the screen, as if the answer could be found there. For a long time he said nothing. ‘So, either someone is monitoring what’s put online about the Agency and it was just a coincidence that they deleted it as you were reading it,’ he said finally. ‘Or, someone followed you to the . . . thread.’
    Lily grinned. ‘I thought you said you didn’t do technology.’
    He raised an eyebrow. ‘I’m not an idiot.’ They looked at each other. ‘What if it’s both?’
    â€˜I don’t understand.’
    Regan lifted his hands, making vague shapes in the air. ‘What if someone from the Agency is watching you?’
    â€˜Why would they be watching me?’
    He settled back into the sofa. ‘Because of your blood?’
    Lily shook her head. ‘Nah . . .’ She hesitated, then looked at him. ‘You think?’
    He folded his arms and trained his gaze on the television. There was no bulk to him at all, but the fit of his wash-worn Henley revealed the curve of his biceps and shoulder, the muscles of his chest and even his stomach. ‘Maybe,’ he said, lapsing into a strange, otherworldly stillness.
    Lily half expected him to leave any moment, but he made no move to go. She carried on searching the internet, occasionally showing him what she found. He would nod, or shake his head. ‘No, that’s not Eldritche. You humans are so strange. Lumping us in with aliens.’
    â€˜Next you’ll be telling me aliens exist.’
    He snorted with laughter and carried on watching the television. Lily yawned and pushed the computer on to the coffee table.
    â€˜Tired?’ he asked.
    â€˜A little.’ She rubbed her face. ‘Well, a lot.’
    â€˜The comedown from my blood will hit you like a train. From what I’ve read.’
    â€˜Oh, good,’ she said faintly.
    â€˜I should go soon. Don’t want to miss anything, like last night.’ He didn’t move.
    Lily felt her head getting heavy.
    â€˜Maybe you should lie down?’ He sounded concerned.
    She nodded, part in agreement, part shattered, eyelids flickering. ‘I . . .’
    Her forehead fell against his shoulder.

S he woke as her father put his briefcase down at the end of the sofa.
    â€˜Hi, sleepy. A whole pizza? Well done. You must have been hungry. You even ate the bones!’
    Lily sat up, rubbing her eyes. Her computer was closed up neatly on the coffee table in front of her. Her mother’s papers were all gone. The pizza board sat empty. ‘I was.’
    â€˜Good girl.’
    â€˜What time is it?’
    â€˜Not that late. Half nine. Closer to ten. I’m going to have the same, I think – I’m famished.’ He went over to the freezer.
    Lily got up, stretching. ‘I’m shattered, Dad. Do you mind if I go to bed?’
    â€˜Not at all. Eventful day?’
    She smiled. ‘You could say that.’
    â€˜Any closer to finding Harris Stedman?’
    â€˜I might be. I’ll explain if