39. Relic

Chapter thirty-nine

Relic

N eeding to avoid home and Eric until Macie described the tattoo tomorrow, I sent a text to Lyra: I dropped Camila off at Alma's to stay for a few days. I need time so I can say goodbye. Lay low for me in the meantime.

Lyra: Say goodbye? To what? What can't you keep?

Me: Macie. The friends I've made this summer. I don't want them anywhere near this life.

Lyra: You can keep your life. You'll make so much money you'll be able to buy Macie anything.

Me: I won't allow any of them to be hurt because of my choices.

Lyra: I'm scared, Relic. I was shot at. So was Camila. You need to protect our family now. Please.

Me: I'm going to take care of us. I promise. I just need this time.

Lyra: Twenty-four hours, Relic. No more. Our family needs to be safe.

Whatever safe meant.

To Macie: Want to hang out tonight?

Macie: Definitely. What did you have in mind?

Me: Anything that involves you.