No One to Trust by Julie Moffett Read Free Book Online Page B

for asking.”
    “You up to hearing what I discovered today?”
    “Of course.” I leaned back against the car and then mouthed to Basia that I was talking to Finn. She made kissy noises with her mouth and I rolled my eyes.
    “I just finished talking with Michael’s father, Gene Hart,” Finn continued. “Gene spoke very highly of Darren. It sounded like he considers him a second son. He’s known Darren since the two boys became close friends in college. Then, of course, he provided much of the start-up capital for their company. He says Darren seemed to change after Michael’s unexpected death.”
    “Change how?”
    “He said Darren had become paranoid.”
    “Paranoid? He used that exact word?”
    “He did.”
    I considered for a moment. “Paranoid of what?”
    “That someone was out to get him.”
    “Paranoid enough to do a disappearing act?”
    “Possibly. But something else is bothering me. Gene didn’t seem all that worried that Darren had vanished.”
    “You think maybe Darren let him in on his plans?”
    Finn paused. “No, I don’t think so. I think he just considers it something Darren might do to get himself together.”
    “He didn’t seem worried in the slightest? Did you tell him about the note?”
    “I did. That seemed puzzling to him, but he couldn’t offer any insight. Unfortunately, he’d never heard of you and couldn’t imagine what would make Darren issue such a peculiar SOS. Of course, he’s more concerned now, but had no substantive information that could help us clear any of this up.”
    “Great.”
    “Cheer up. There is a bit of good news.”
    “Such as?”
    “I have the key to Darren’s apartment.”
    “That is good news. Where’d you get it?”
    “Gene gave it to me.”
    “What is Michael’s father doing with a key to Darren’s apartment?”
    “Who else would Darren give the key to? Gene is practically his surrogate father.”
    It still didn’t make sense to me because there was no way in the everlasting depths of hell I’d ever give the key to my apartment to my mom. Perish the thought. But, hey, different keystrokes for different folks.
    “Okay. Can I come with you when you look through his place? I’m hoping to come across his transcripts from Georgetown or something else that might jog my memory about him.”
    “I thought about doing it right now. Are you game?”
    “I’m always game,” I said. “Give me the address again.”
    He told me and I committed it to memory. Since it was in Virginia, out near Dulles Airport, I figured I’d need about forty minutes to get there.
    “I’m going to grab something to eat,” Finn said, “so I should get there about the same time. I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”
    “Perfect,” I said. “See you then.”
    I snapped the phone shut and slipped it in my coat pocket. Basia raised an eyebrow as she took a sip of her soy latte.
    “A late-night rendezvous?”
    “Yes, but unfortunately not the kind that you’re implying. He’s got a key to Darren’s apartment.”
    “What about the key to your place?”
    “Surely you jest. We haven’t even officially had a date yet.”
    She chuckled. “So, be bold. Give him your key tomorrow night.”
    “I’ve got a bad feeling about this whole date thing. I don’t think it’s going to work out.”
    “Of course it will. You’re just as desirable, in your own way, as the supermodels and actresses he usually dates.”
    “That so doesn’t make me feel better.”
    She grinned. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. It’s just way too much fun to yank your chain. Seriously, you need to relax, Lexi. Finn wants to be with you and not some supermodel. He likes you precisely because you aren’t interested in his looks or money. He’s attracted to your intelligence, kindness and wit, and I’d venture a guess it’s the same on your side. Right?”
    I nodded. “Okay, you’re right. Can we just stop talking about Finn now, please? I’m already on the verge of a nervous