The Inheritance (Volume Three) Read Free Page A

reaching for a mug. Gina shuffles out his way. “What time did you get up?” he says to Alanis.
    “You know me,” she says. “I never sleep.”
    Neal hands me a full mug. A smile spreads across my mouth.
    Alanis snatches it from him. “We’ll get breakfast on the way.”
    Neal’s face falls. “Where are you going?”
    “Back to the condo,” I say.
    “And you can’t stay for breakfast?” Neal says.
    “No, we can’t,” Alanis says. She points to me, “We have to get going, but you have to change.”
    I stare down at my dress. “I don’t have anything else to wear.”
    Alanis glances at Gina.
    “I doubt she can fit any of my clothes,” she says.
    Years ago, Gina and I wore similar sizes, though her boobs were always bigger and spilling out of her tops. Her age has brought along wider hips and a stomach she hides behind a tight layer of spanks.
    “Then I guess we’re switching outfits,” Alanis says.
    “We’re doing what?”
    She pats Neal on the shoulder. “Be sure to watch the news.”
    She steps out the kitchen, her car keys twirling on her finger. Gina follows, a soft smile and touch of the arm thrown my way.
    “I’ll see you around,” I say, pressing my lips to Neal’s.
    We kiss for a moment before Neal breaks away.
    He presses his forehead against mine, the smell of roasted coffee wafting between us. This is the moment he says, ‘I’ll miss you’ and I counter with ‘I love you’. My eyes will grow wide in realization and Neal will pull me impossibly closer.
    “Be safe,” he says, taking a step back.
    I throw him a glance over my shoulder and try not to fixate on my disappointment.
    ______
     
    Alanis makes me pay for three coffees and a dozen donuts at the Dunkin Donuts a few streets away from my father’s condo. She drinks her coffee like she eats her eggs, downing half within seconds.
    “Before I drop you off I need to know you’re not an idiot,” she says.
    “You’re not coming in with me?”
    “No. I have some other things to do.” She turns a corner and throws me a glance. “Are you an idiot?”
    My eyebrows furrow. “No.”
    She throws her phone in my lap. “Prove it.”
    Her phone is unlocked, the web app open and showcasing an article and video on ABC7, Chicago’s local news. The title: BREAK IN AT THE DIETRICH HOME.
    The newswoman stands on the opposite side of the street from Neal’s house, his home protected by bright yellow police tape and officers strolling up and down the street. Neighbors watch from their stoops as officers enter and exit the front door, making sure no one can get a good look inside.
    The woman says nothing we don’t already know. Neal’s house was burgled by what seems to have been a group of assailants. There are no leads but Neal, who was seen late last night leaving Excalibur, is nowhere to be found.
    “This is the good part,” Alanis says.
    The newswoman says, “Friends and family have been attempting to contact Mr. Dietrich all morning –”
    “Bullshit,” Alanis says.
    “—and while it’s too early to jump to conclusions, police might rule this a kidnapping.”
    The video stops and Alanis reclaims her phone, shoving it between her thighs. “Now explain to me why there are a dozen donuts and an extra coffee in the backseat.”
    “Eleven,” I say.
    “What?”
    “There are eleven donuts in the backseat. You had one at the counter.”
    Alanis smiles.
    I give myself a minute to think before, “I never did that well on tests in high school.”
    “Fair enough. I won’t judge you this time. We have donuts because the cops are going to be at your apartment. You were the last person Neal was seen with. If they think he’s been kidnapped you’ll be the first person they suspect. But you have an alibi. You came home late, woke up early and went out to get breakfast for you and,” she snaps her fingers, “that girl you’re staying with…”
    “Ashleigh.”
    “Right. Hence, why you’re wearing my clothes and I look like