Chapter Twenty-Eight

I leaned my head against the wall and closed my eyes drawing out the sound of Keiran’s practice. My head felt like it was spinning and all I wanted to do was go home and hide under my covers. I’d fully expected to go straight home after school but like always, Keiran had different ideas and like always, I followed.

“Is it Friday yet?” Sheldon griped from her seat next to me.

“Nope.”

“Fuck. I don’t think I can tolerate going to practice today. I’m too stressed.”

“Can you skip that now? With Anya missing, aren’t you captain now?”

“Oh my gosh. What if people think I did it?”

“Why would they think that?”

“So I could take her spot as Captain?”

“You watch too much TV.”

“Trevor did it to Keiran,” she pointed out.

“Point taken.”

“Ugh, what do you think they are going to do about the investigation?” she asked.

“What makes you think they are going to do anything?” I asked while keeping my eyes shut.

“Because they are too calm and quiet about it.”

“What do you think they did to them? You know them better than I do. What would they do?” She paused from tying up her sneakers and hesitated before answering. “If Keiran is behind it, I don’t think I want to know. Dash says he has connections that money can’t buy.” I watched her carefully for any sign that she was holding back but her answers sounded genuine.

I remembered the conversation I overheard him having last Friday but none of it put me closer to figuring out what may have happened to Trevor and Anya. Keiran was dead set on making me leave his past alone but his past didn’t seem to be much of a past at all.

“They don’t say much around me anyway,” Sheldon continued, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Keiran said I had a big mouth. Can you believe that?” she yelled drawing the attention of a few players and cheerleaders.

I raised my eyebrows and pursed my lips. “No…I couldn’t imagine.” I said sarcastically. She gave me an indignant look and went back to fixing her shoes. “Are you guys practicing in here today?”

She nodded, “It’s raining outside. You didn’t notice?” she gestured to the double doors leading outside. She left with a quick “see you later” and headed to the other part of the gym. Our gym was unique in that it multiple sections so it wouldn’t impede on the basketball practice and other events.

I looked over to the court in time to Keiran make an effortless shot at the halfway line. Keenan began to gloat as if he had just taken the shot and I shook my head. Keiran made eye contact with me and called for a break.

“What’s wrong?” he asked approaching me.

“Besides my raging headache and impending jail sentence?”

“Sure,” he said rolling his eyes.

“Then nothing. I think I’m going to head home.” I stood up on my tiptoes and pecked his lips. He wore a scowl and looked as if he was going to protest as I picked up my messenger bag.

“Go to my place.”

“I’ll be fine at home.”

“What did I say?”

“You’re not my father, Keiran.” He gripped my chin hard and stared down at me without saying anything. “How am I supposed to get in?” I rolled my eyes him. He bent and dug into his gym bag and produced his key ring. He popped one of the three keys and handed it to me. “Straight there.”

“Well I’m kind of hungry so I was thinking about grabbing a burger on the way,” I said just to piss him off.

“Monroe,” he warned over his shoulder as he walked away. Mission accomplished.

* * *

I pulled into Keiran’s place and noticed a large black pick-up truck parked in the driveway. Keiran didn’t mention anyone being over at his place and I contemplated calling him before going inside but I knew he wouldn’t get my call until practice was over.

I got out with my bag…and my burger and entered with the key he gave me. I didn’t hear anything or anyone when I walked in. I walked deeper into the house with slow steps. Just as I reached the edge of the stairs, the backdoor opened down the hall and a tall, imposing man entered. We both froze as we stared at each other in surprise.

After a couple minutes of staring each other down he closed the door and moved closer. I gripped the banister and battled between the choice to fight or flight.

“Who are you?” he finally asked. His voice was smooth and husky and as I looked closer I decided he was quite handsome in his faded jeans and white, collared shirt. He also looked amazingly like my enigmatic boyfriend and his volatile cousin. I suddenly realized that this must be their uncle. John Masters. I continued to gape at him, his question hanging between us.

“You must be here for Keenan. I assume he is cheating again.” He sounded more resigned than angry.

“Actually, I’m a friend of Keiran’s,” I said, finding my voice. I caught the look of surprise as his eyebrows rose.

“Is that so?” I nodded and he continued to stare. “Where is Keiran?”

“He has practice.”

“Ah yes. Basketball. So why are you here?”

“He asked me to meet him here.”

“What is your name girl?”

“Lake Mo—Monroe.”

He rubbed his chin and continued to stare me down. “Why is it that I’ve never heard of you before?” Maybe because you’re never around? “I’ve never known Keiran to bring girls home. Much less entrust them with a key.”