Gemma's POV.
The next day, I drive my dad home first and then take him and my mom to Los Angeles.
"The rehabilitation center has a great environment, and there's a large fish pond with koi in it," my mom tells me.
I laugh as I drive. "Keep an eye on Dad. If he gets tempted to fish, we might have to pay for it."
"I wouldn't fish for koi," my dad huffs, sounding a bit displeased.
"Really?" I glance at him through the rearview mirror.
"Koi aren't as fresh as sea fish, and they're full of bones. Why would I bother?"
"Alright, alright, I believe you," I say with a smile.
We arrive at the rehabilitation center, and I help them move their suitcases into the room.
"If anything comes up, call me, and I'll fly back immediately," I say.
"Alright, go back to work now," my parents wave me off.
Just as I leave the rehab center, my phone rings.
I answer, "Hello?"
"Gemma, is your dad feeling better?" Dmitri asks on the other end.
"Yes," I pause, "I just dropped them off at the rehab center. I was actually about to call you. I wanted to see if you're free tonight. I'd like to take you out for dinner as a thank you."
"Of course," Dmitri replies. "Where should we eat?"
"You pick the place," I say.
We meet downtown. I left the car at the rehab center for my parents to use, so Dmitri drives.
Sitting in the passenger seat, I turn to him and ask, "How's your leg doing?"
"Almost healed," Dmitri smiles. "What are your plans now? Going back to work in New York?"
"I've already bought my ticket. After dinner tonight, I'm leaving tomorrow," I say, adjusting my hair.
"New York is great, and your connection is all there," Dmitri glances at the traffic light.
"Yeah," I nod.
The light turns red, and the car comes to a stop.
My phone rings again. I glance down and see Luke's number on the screen.
"It's me," I answer.
Before I can say anything, Luke speaks first.
"I know," I reply, trying to focus on the trees lining the street outside the window.
"Gemma, do you trust me?" Luke's tone becomes serious.
"What?" I'm confused.
"Because what I'm about to tell you is the truth, something you might not want to believe."
"Go ahead."
The red light starts its countdown.
"First, the person who hit your dad was acting under Dmitri's orders. That's why the police haven't found any leads. Second, Dmitri's been faking it, using his leg injury to gain your sympathy."
My breath catches.
"You can call me a liar, say I'm messing with you, but before you do, I had a private investigator trace Dmitri's movements a few days before the accident. On Independence Day, according to his schedule, he was supposed to be out of the country, but..."
"Who's on the phone?" Dmitri suddenly asks.
"A friend," I say calmly, though my heart is racing.
Luke pauses briefly, then his voice lowers, almost a whisper, "Is Dmitri next to you?"
YOU ARE READING
Mr. Badass ✔
RomanceI saw a hot guy at a sex culture festival and thought he was a sex doll for women. Out of curiosity, I reached out for his crotch. It turns out this guy was alive and could talk. I'm doomed. --Gemma Dawson
