“Shit,” I hissed. “She saw you. Mike, you need to go now.”
“Fine. But don’t forget what’s at stake.”
Willa started over. I was torn—having Mike so near was a relief, and I didn’t want him to go. But if she were to start asking questions…
“I won’t. And…it’s good to see you.”
“Good to see you too, sis. Stay safe.”
With that, he hopped off the bench, adjusted his hat, and was off.
Willa arrived by the time he left. “Who was that?”
“Um, this guy I went to school with.”
“Oh,” she said. “Like a boyfriend?”
“Most definitely not a boyfriend.”
“OK, good. Some of the girls I know talk about boyfriends and stuff, but it’s so weird. Like, really gross.”
My heart still raced. I took a few deep breaths, trying to come back to the moment.
“You ready to get back home?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
I rose and took her hand. Together, we left the park and started back toward her house.
Not a doubt in my mind Anton was sending a message. Him letting Mike out to see me wasn’t some act of kindness. He wanted me to know what would happen to him if I failed.
And likely, he wanted to let me know I’d suffer the same fate as Mike if I did.