CHAPTEREIGHT
That night, as soon as Anson stopped in the long drive leading to the house where Sly had had his parties, Eve pulled out her phone.
Anson’s expression turned puzzled. “Who are you calling?”
“No one.” She swiped the screen. “I’m turning off my phone so we’re not interrupted.”
“You never turn off your phone.”
“Well, I’m turning it off now. This is important.” She dropped her phone back in her bag. “You turn yours off, too.”
Reaching into the pocket of his hoodie, Anson powered off his phone. “I hope our plan works.”
“It will.” Confidence filled Eve’s voice.
“Just so you know, if I remember that my actions—or rather, lack of action—somehow contributed to Aubrey’s death, I’m going to the police to tell them everything.”
“Slow down here, Anson. Let’s take this one step at a time. I know in my heart that you didn’t play a part in any of what happened to Aubrey Parker.” Her tone gentled. “So, first, let’s see what you can remember, and then we can decide what to do about it.”
* * *
When Anson stepped from the car and stared at the two-story home, Eve rounded the front of his Range Rover Sport to stand beside him.
She cocked her head. “Where were Sly’s parents during these parties?”
According to Anson, Sly had hosted weekly parties at this house all summer. Even though Anson had been in high school and barely old enough to drive, he’d driven out here every weekend.
“The story was that Sly’s parents had purchased the house for him and a few friends to live in while he was in college.” Anson shrugged. “No idea if that’s accurate or not. I only know there were never any adults present.”
“Did the police ever show up?”
Anson paused, his green eyes turning thoughtful. “Not that I recall.”
Eve studied the surrounding landscape. “Possibly because there aren’t any neighbors nearby to complain about noise. And there’s plenty of space for parking.”
Looping her arm through his, Eve focused ahead. “Since we’re re-creating that night, tell me what you recall about coming here that evening.”
“I arrived late, so the party was already wall-to-wall people. Once inside, I walked around, looking for Tiffany. I’d texted her I was coming, but she hadn’t responded. I found her in the kitchen making out with some guy I didn’t know. I turned around and left.”
Eve let the silence stretch for a moment before speaking. “Did you check out any of the other girls who were there on your way out?”
Anson shook his head. “No.”
“You didn’t see anyone who looked like June’s sister?”
“Once I saw Tiffany with that guy, all I wanted to do was get out of there.”
Eve hesitated. She wanted to push because she knew it was important to Anson that he recall as much as possible of that night. She also knew pushing him could hamper his efforts. “Tell me about the weather that night.”
“Patches of intermittent fog. Damp. Gray.” Two tiny lines formed between his brows. “I’d just reached my car when I received a text from my mom telling me they’d be home early.”
“Why would she text you that?”
“Probably so that when I heard them in the house, I wouldn’t think they were burglars.” Anson expelled a breath. “I’d forgotten that. That was another reason I was in a hurry to get home.” He opened his car door. “Not much new information.”
“I bet you’ll remember more once we reach where the accident occurred.”
“I hope so.”