Dead, Actually Part 9

As always when I started to feel the tears well, I morphed all that self-pity into sarcasm. It was my standard defence; it was like dragging on those jeans youve got just right, you know? Comfortable, familiar, moulded to your shape.

'Choppers? Sniffer dogs? Police searching every crack of the property for signs of my missing body? I glared at one, then the other. Still nothing. The sigh was inevitable. 'Need a clue? I havent been home since seven last night. Thats like, almost fourteen hours. Ten more and it would have been official and Id be headlines. Oh thats right. Theres one teeny little pimple on the perfect face of this argument first someone would have had to notice I was missing!

'Im sure they were worried, you just didnt give them a chance to tell you.

Okay, so that was surprise number three and one I should have been ready for. I mean, my parents, both smiling, sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast like a normal family? The clues were there. Like in the extra empty mug and plate at the table which I hadnt noticed till that second.

Hed come in from the other side of the house and, framed in the doorway, he could have posed as some sort of Grecian G.o.d. Tall, tanned, broad shouldered. Blond hair, piercing blue eyes. White, white teeth which were now gleaming at me from behind a snarky smile. The poster child for genetic modification.

He was perfect. Breathtaking.

And he made my stomach curdle.

Simon: my nemesis.

Four days without having had to look at that smarmy face. 'Youre back.

Dimples appeared. 'You missed me?

OMG, I didnt have to be psychic to see into his future. Televangelist Jim Bakker had nothing on this guy; people were going to pay to watch him pray and he was going to let them do it. 'Who misses a boil on their b.u.t.t?

That smile deepened again, but surely I wasnt the only one to see that this was literally lip service? His smile didnt meet his eyes wasnt even on the same page of the atlas.

Cue the father figure, laughing. Okay, so maybe I really was the only one who saw the frost in Simons eyes. Dad threw his arm over Simons shoulder. 'I love the way you kids rib each other! I knew youd be great mates!

Mates? In what twisted universe?

Suddenly all thoughts of food or coffee fell into the 'do it at your own risk category. Mimi had joined in the merriment and so there they were: the Holy Trinity backlit by the s.h.i.+mmering haze of Gold Coast suns.h.i.+ne at its best.

Not one of them noticed when I walked out.

So I was not in a good mood when I stormed into my room. And it took just thirty seconds to be in a worse one. 'Still here? I shot as I pa.s.sed JoJo on my way to the shower. 'Oh and by the way, make yourself useful. Haunting. Third door down on the left. Knock yourself out. The names "Simon" if you want to go for some spooky ghostly sound effects. There might have been a time okay, a nanosecond when Id weakened and begun to feel sorry for her. But learning what shed been putting Seth through wiped the slate completely clean of all that. She was bad. Evil. The devils sp.a.w.n.

When I came back out she was sitting on my bed; back straight like shed been taught. One bare foot; legs crossed. Hadnt anyone warned her about varicose veins? Ignoring her, I moved into my closet and started pulling out shorts, tops and sweaters. When I left Grans Id had no intention of going to this boat party, but after what had gone on downstairs, I was rethinking my plan. At least Id be out of the house, and avoiding the Pentecosts was out of the question anyway, because I still had to return Maceys car.

My mind was a confusion of 'should I and 'would I that kept perfect rhythm with the tops I discarded. Finally I settled on fitted cut-offs and a soft, lime, strapless top that was s.h.i.+rred in across the top and again at the bottom. It had cost me twenty bucks and was the most comfortable thing I owned. Even on fat days it felt good. I figured pulling my hair into a low pony was the best option for a breezy boat and, staring at myself in the full-length mirror, was just hoping the big hoop earrings and over-sized floppy straw hat didnt make me look like a dork, when JoJo appeared beside me. 'Shees.h.!.+ Can you knock, announce yourself or cough? You scared ten years growth out of me!

She eyed me up and down. 'Surely not as scary as seeing yourself in the mirror. Are you really wearing that in public?

'Not working, JoJo. Youre not going to bring me down.

She sighed and studied her perfect nails, painted to match the hot-pink top. 'Oh, but I could. Dont push me, Willow.

I ignored her and grabbed a hoodie for later, but she planted herself right in the doorway and wouldnt let me through. 'So, have you made any progress? I would like to move on, you know. The skin on my foot is getting rough. I need my shoe. This isnt exactly five-star accommodation.

'And that cold, damp coffin thats waiting is? I can so do spite when I want to. Effectively, too, judging by her reaction.

'Listen, b.i.t.c.h. Just find out whos got my freaking phone!

I s.n.a.t.c.hed up a huge straw bag and tried to elbow her out of the way. 'Exactly what Im trying to do, and the sooner the better. I can tell you one thing: they all hate you. Happy? Certainly narrows the field? Not.

I got past her and managed to make the door. When I turned she was right behind me. And yes, she was looking rattled. Score one to me and about freaking time! 'Oh. Come on! This can not be news to you! Youre the one who told me they all had motives. Youre the one whos been blackmailing them! I paused as her eyes widened. 'Yes thats right, JoJo. I know what youve been doing to Seth. And I know hes not the only one. I was on a roll. 'And, just for the record, Im voting with the majority youre despicable.

Whatever I was expecting, it wasnt the look of confusion that now blanketed her usual haughty, superior expression. 'What? Cat got your tongue, JoJo? I shrugged, letting all my disgust spill out over her. 'It probably has. Its not like you havent frenched everything else in sight.

But still there was nothing. No response. I shook my head and turned to leave. I was over it. Over her. Over every freaking thing.

'Wait, you dont understand. Wait!

Reluctantly I turned and glared at her.

'Where are you going?

I let my hands flop heavily to my sides. 'Like its any of your business, but Ive been invited on Demis yacht and Im deciding if I want to squander precious hours of my life hanging out with your so-called friends.

JoJos eyes widened. 'You have to go! Her jaw came forward and she kind of sucked in her top lip. She seemed to gnaw on it for a few more seconds and then her gaze dropped away from mine. This was a different JoJo. 'You dont understand. Its not about me its my family. Its my father . . . If I dont find the phone . . . Itll all be my fault . . .

'Your father? What do you mean? And why didnt you tell me before?

'I was confused! Her voice dropped. 'I have to save them and as much as I hate to admit it, youre the only hope I have.

I studied her. Carefully. 'Are you saying that your family is in danger? That finding the phone will save them? How?

She held my gaze. 'Its business stuff. Theres information in the phone that could cause a lot of damage. People could get hurt . . . One hand came up to stroke her brow. 'I have to do something. Every day just makes it worse. I dont really know how long Ive been here but- 'Way too long. Trust me on that. My words were muttered and I hated that she was diffusing my anger. 'What does your father do? What business?

'Developing. I think yes, he develops land. He gets investors . . .

That triggered a memory; one I didnt want to share. I remembered my grandmother talking about some of the Grayson deals they hadnt all been good, yet somehow JoJos father always came out with a lot of money and smelling great. 'Why would your phone have information to hurt your father?

Her eyes clouded. 'I cant remember, but I think I did some jobs for him sometimes . . . But I dont know what.

I sighed deeply. 'So, youre telling me that your familys lives are in danger, but you cant tell me who might have the phone so I can help them?

I saw it in the lift of her head, the narrowing of her eyes; the pleading was gone and the old JoJo was back. 'If I knew that Id tell you! Do you think Id deliberately put their lives in danger?

Frustration was tearing me up. I hated feeling sorry for her, but . . . 'Yet still you cant help me. Im on my own. Great. Just freaking great. So, Ill just go out and detect and youll . . .? What? Just lie around and decay?

She glared at me and, for the second time, seemed lost for words, but it didnt give me any feeling of satisfaction. In fact this whole scene with her had unsettled me even more; it also brought back those vivid images of her father so broken at the funeral. Hed really loved her. If it was my family at risk, wouldnt I move heaven and earth? Of course. It made my decision clearer; nudged me to accept what I had probably subconsciously known all along: that I was about to take a boat trip whether I wanted to or not. And that was also probably why I barged straight into the chest before Id even known he was there.

'Are you loitering outside my bedroom?

Simon raised an eyebrow before letting his gaze drop to his half-naked body, dripping with pool water that trickled down over his miniscule and totally puke-worthy Speedos.

Following that with a shrug, he lifted the edge of the towel hed slung around his neck. 'Is that what this looks like?

I was on the verge of answering when I felt that cold, clammy presence. 'Oh my G.o.d! You can leave the bedroom!

'Perhaps I just needed the right incentive, JoJo answered, her eyes glued to Simons chest.

Oblivious to the new arrival, Simon simply shrugged again. 'Leave my room? Ive done it several times now. If youd like a demonstration, Im happy to walk up there and do it again . . .?

I ignored him. Horrified, I watched while JoJo did exactly the opposite. She preened, strutted and did everything but purr. Pressing herself against him, I watched her back arch in that old familiar way.

'Oh for G.o.ds sake, put them away! Then again . . . 'But, I added with an exasperated shrug, 'if ever you were going to impress this particular person, b.o.o.bs would be the way to do it.

Beside her, an oblivious Simon glanced at his chest and visibly jerked. 'You like b.o.o.bs? The confusion clouding his eyes quickly gave way to excitement.

'What?

My tone must have shattered his fantasy because he flushed a deep red. 'I thought you said . . . He shook his head, and his salacious smile immediately morphed into something more pious. Oh G.o.d, I think I preferred salacious. 'You sound stressed. Bad night? Bad morning? Head c.o.c.ked to the side, he spoke in his smarmy, preachy voice, the one I hate the most; the same one hed used to tell me hed pray for my sinful ways the first day I ever met him. Jerk! And if his condescending tone wasnt bad enough, one hand now snaked out to slide up my arm.

The feel of his skin against mine repulsed me and I didnt try to pretend otherwise as I yanked free. 'And it just got worse. Hands off, Simon. Ive already told you I dont like to be touched.

He stepped back and raised his hands to the surrender position. 'My apologies, he said softly. His shoulders lifted in a shrug. 'I was simply concerned; you looked upset. And you sounded . . .

Insane. I could have filled in the missing word, but really? Why bother?

'Yeah well. Uninvited guests will do that to you. I let the words hang; he could take them any way he pleased.

It was the smile, I decided, that I hated the most. That smile that pretended to offer innocent compa.s.sion, and yet made me want to run from him as fast as I could. 'But I was invited, Willow, he answered in that soft voice. 'Your parents wanted me to be here to share their work; to share their life. I think they hoped that we . . . You saw how happy they get when were together. His eyes held mine; the effect was almost hypnotic. Which was probably why I barely noticed that hed moved until suddenly he was in my s.p.a.ce again, his hands once more on my arms, creeping up my flesh like an army of spiders on the hunt.

It was the last straw; he was the last straw. 'What part of "get off me" dont you understand? I pushed back away from him, feeling my back slam up against the bedroom door. 'I said I dont like being touched!

If I wasnt so angry I would have laughed at JoJos facials as she tried to look indignant for him! Surely if shed looked into his face and not had her evil eyes so fixed on me shed think differently! It wasnt pretty. Anger so did not do him any favours. Again colour flooded his face and his nostrils flared. Soooo not attractive.

'Really, Willow? he whispered. 'Are you sure?

Waves of nausea curled; I closed my eyes, and I swear I could almost feel my brain spinning out of control. What was with my life? Alices rabbit hole was a walk in the park compared to this! Did I have some sign on my head that read: Weirdos Welcomed? 'Stay out of my way, Simon. You might have them fooled, but Ive got you pegged. I pushed past him.

Id taken the first five stairs when his voice reached me. 'I wont be long, by the way. Itll only take a minute to shower.

It was like being poked with an electric prod. 'What did you say?

That smarmy smile was back. 'Oh, thats right. You missed that conversation. Your friends are already here, and surprise! His eyes hardened. 'Ive been invited too! Someone should be around to look after you. Especially since you dont like being "touched".

In an instant hed disappeared up the hallway with JoJo at his heels, but it took me many long moments to absorb his words. And then I was propelled downstairs like my b.u.t.t was on fire.

Seth and Macey were in the kitchen. Macey nursed a coffee, and Seth leaned against the bench sculling a cola. I took in the scene in one glance, too furious with the present to focus on what had gone down last night.

'It wasnt me. Maceys words. .h.i.t me the moment I walked in. Spinning to her, I saw her nudge her head in Seths direction. 'I told him youd be p.i.s.sed.

Seths head was tipped back as he drank. The strong, sun-browned column of his neck was exposed and I idly thought about all the times Id wanted to run my fingers over that smooth skin. Right now I wanted to run a sharp instrument through it!

He lowered the bottle and looked at me, his eyes soft. 'Im sorry, Wills. I didnt know who he was. I thought your dad said he was a relative and when he asked me if he could come along . . . He shrugged. 'Do you want me to un-invite him? Tell him hes not welcome? Id be happy to . . .

Yes. I wanted that more than anything. But then Dad walked in behind me; I turned to face him and immediately my heart jerked. This wasnt mellow Dad; his eyes were different . . . sorrow? His hand reached for me, and pulled me back into the foyer and, combined with the sad smile, it sent my fear level off the scale. 'Dad?

He shook his head. 'Im sorry, w.i.l.l.y-Babe, he whispered. 'You left before we finished talking this morning. We your mum and I we just want to say we get why you were mad this morning. Its not like we havent forgotten about you before. But the thing is, we knew where you were last night. Your grandma rang. And if she hadnt we would have rung you. I know its hard for you to believe . . .

My heart melted and I guiltily realised that they werent the only ones who didnt really know how this parentkid thing worked. I guess Id been too quick to blame. 'Dad, I- He gave me a quick peck on the cheek. 'Its okay. Alright?

No! I wanted to say more! I wanted him to say more, but still the elation was so great that it hardly abated even when I saw Simon moving towards us. I even forgave Dad when his face completely lit up when he set eyes on him. Sort of.

Slapping a hand on Simons back, he guided us both to the kitchen. 'Hey, thanks for taking Simon along, guys! Youre all good kids, you know and youre going to have a ball together.

And just like that I knew Simon would come. Because Id made my dad happy. Because hed really been worried about me. It was a heady feeling at least until I glanced at Simon and the balloon burst.

From my angle I was the only one who could see that Simons eyes were glued on Macey, who was wearing a gorgeous orange halter with a deep, ruffled V-neckline over her cut-offs. Simple and stylish, not outrageous Macey, just cla.s.sy Macey. But it was obvious from the gleam in Simons eyes that he saw something very, very different, and it revived that hollow, sick feeling.

That feeling intensified when he muttered the words, 'Im sure we will . . . especially when I realised that no one else had caught them, and got even worse when he flicked a quick glance in my direction that was accompanied by a secretive little grin. It was like he was daring me to expose him for the fraud that he was. And nothing would make me happier, but there was one teeny glitch. The only people who mattered, who could make a difference, just happened to be the founding members of his fan club.

And he knew it.

When youve surfed a high, the crash back to earth alway seems to hurt more. Thats how I was when Dad finally starting waving everyone towards the door. Trying to stem the mix of anger and frustration, I let the others go first, using the excuse of gathering my stuff, when I felt a hand grasp my wrist. And I swear, after what Id been through lately, Seth was lucky he didnt end up pushed through a wall. Only his voice penetrating my anger-haze saved him.

'Hey . . . His voice was barely a whisper as he untangled a couple of locks of my hair out of the hoops and patted them into place. 'Are you okay? Youre shaking.

After last night, I wanted to appear cool and controlled, but to prove he was right, the breath I inhaled sounded shaky. What was the use? 'Seriously? I answered honestly. 'Even the abridged version would take all day. So, I guess the one-word answer is, "No".

He studied my face, letting his gaze rove over every feature. 'Who is this guy, Wills? Whats the deal? Is he, like- 'Coming on to me? Oh G.o.d. Id seen Seth in protective mode, and as much as Id like to see Simon suffer, it really wasnt worth it. Besides, I could take care of myself. So I shrugged. 'Its okay. Its more my parents who should be worried. At his frown I continued. 'Remember that TV evangelist who was convicted of cheating people out of millions? All that stuff about s.e.x and fraud?

Seth frowned. 'The one Macey did an a.s.signment on? That American guy?

I nodded. 'Yeah well, you just met his clone.

The low whistle spoke volumes, and the thumb that had stroked my wrist for the entire conversation slowed as he used that hand to pull me in closer. 'So is that it? Is that the whole problem? Or is it last night, too? I dont know what happened, but its twisted my gut all night. I was worried about you. The last word was barely a whisper, sending reluctant thrills skittering down my spine.

But resentment made me bristle. It was wrong. He shouldnt be able to make me feel like marshmallow when I wasnt even sure if I trusted him. I figured I may as well just come out with it so I had one less thing to worry about. I took a deep breath. 'Are you using me to get to JoJos phone?

Seths gaze didnt waver. He didnt flinch. I tilted my head to catch every reaction, but he just stood there, staring steadily at me. 'No. Ive never believed you had it. He blew out a sigh. 'Anyone who really knows you, knows that youd never do anything to deliberately hurt anyone else.

A lump rose in my throat, I struggled to push it back and it took a few moments before I could speak. 'Thank you. The words came out in a whisper and his eyes narrowed.

'Sure youre okay? You dont need to go today, you know.

'The thing is I really do need to go.

He nodded. 'Im here to help you, Wills. I know youve got Mace, but I know these guys. And Im not going to lie and say it wont also help me if we get to the bottom of this. But . . . On a long slow sigh, he leaned forward. His lips pressed against my forehead; soft, warm, brotherly. 'You have to know Id never use you, Willow. h.e.l.l, you mean too much to me for that.

For a moment I let myself lean into him, but instead of calming me, it somehow made me just feel more lost, cheated. Alone.

I forced a smile and a quick hug. Clearing my throat, I suggested that wed better catch up to the others. And when Seth nodded, he looked wistful; like he wished . . .

What?

That was one answer I wasnt going to get. And trying to guess would only bring more torture. So instead I focussed on one of the other two major problems in my life. One torture for another; it was the only way to stay sane.

JoJo, and what lay ahead of me.