The Skylar Experiment : Dead Ending (second draft)

93. Meeting With Harris

LUC

I'D WANTED TO WAIT with my head thrown back against the car seat, eyes shut, but that was out of the question. I took in every single detail around the parking lot and registered it, again and again, for the rest of the hour. Cars drove in and out of their slots. 

I detailed each one and their drivers. This Honda that smelled of cigarettes had been parked behind a business called Express-O, some café along the busy street, which was the spot we convened to meet. I pinched my nose. Even with the rolled-down windows, these seats still reeked. I missed my dear, clean, beloved Rover more than anything right now. 

Dumpsters surrounded the square parking lot. The skies were clear. A steady stream of people went from and walked to their vehicles. I typed out one last check-in and shoved the phone in my pocket. 

All Good. Nothing wrong in the air. Still waiting for him to come out. 

Lauren and I agreed that if anything took place, I'd see a light in the sky. That was our fuck it, we ball signal. 

The moment I looked up, a silver Toyota crawled in by the entry, catching my curiosity and suspicion. One second later, I recognized the man. I stiffened in my seat as the car found a slot nearby and the lights went out. This meeting would be over by the next check-in. It wouldn't be wise to continue any longer than that. 

Harris swung a leg out and rose, gaze sliding over the parking lot. Quickly enough, it settled on me despite the changes I'd made to my appearance. A slow grin pulled at my lips. 

My face was just that unforgettable. 

I left the Honda, glad to escape the fumes in that box, and strolled up to him with my fists in my pockets. 

"Luc," he greeted with a short nod. He looked well, save for perhaps needing some more sleep. He wore a flannel shirt under a fleece-lined denim jacket and lighter work boots. His salt-and-pepper hair was groomed to the side like it always had been. "I wish we didn't always have to meet like this."

My gaze temporarily fixed on a bump on the side of where his waistband would be. He came prepared as well. I returned the nod. "Any troubles getting here?"

"Everything was fine. I assume your sister isn't too far away?" He glanced up like she might drop from the sky. 

"You think I hide behind my sister?"

Harris held out his hand. "I'd never think that of you, boy. But you have my daughter. I'd like you to tell me you're being hyperalert in these kinds of moments."

Never letting my eyes off his, I shook his hand firmly. I didn't want to confirm who else was with me in the off chance there was a trap somewhere. "Riley's safe whatever happens here and I can handle another confrontation with the bastards."

"That, I've seen." His stare drifted over my shoulder to where my car was parked. A brow lifted. "I like what you did there."

I'd removed the rental's license plate after the transaction, unwilling to have anyone figure out the place we'd been to get it. It was too close to the house. We started walking toward the front of the café across from a bookstore. 

We claimed a narrow table on an outdoor terrace. He leaned back in the chair with a long sigh, taking a cursory read at the indoor chalkboard menu. I placed my ankle over one knee, following the waitress' approaching movements. 

I wasn't really hungry. There was a good chance I'd hurl it if some funny business needed to be taken care of. Lauren's difficulty over breakfast wasn't entirely incomprehensible, whether she was excited to get back to work soon or the possibility of risking each other.