The Arrangement 13 Read Online Free

doing her residency and we’re actually crashing at her house. It’s someone good, I promise. But we don’t mention this to Jonathan—like ever. Okay? I had this number in case of apocalyptical disasters and shit like that. I’m pretty sure that this doesn’t qualify, especially since it was given to Jon and I sort of took it.”  
    Sean’s eyes narrow. “What?” He’s so annoyed that if he didn’t have his arms wrapped around my shoulders, I’m pretty sure he would have strangled Bryan by now.  
    The ever-present grin lights up as Bryan’s hands move, shooing us like it’s no big deal. “Logan said Avery needed medical care and not to draw attention. This was the best way to do it. Why would you care if it pisses off Jon?”  
    Sean’s jaw locks and I can tell he’s biting back words. The world may think Sean is devoid of emotion, but I know otherwise. “Jon may not like me anymore, but I wouldn’t intentionally betray his trust. Who is this person? What’s the connection to Jonny?”  
    “The less you know, the better. You can blame the whole thing on me.”  
    “No.” Sean says firmly. “This is my mess, not yours. If Jon’s pissed, it should be with me, not you.”  
    Bryan laughs as he examines his nails. “How noble.”  
    “It’s reasonable.” Sean’s request is plain and rational, but Bryan doesn’t cave in.  
    “Possibly, but I still can’t tell you. You don’t need to know and I don’t need you taking hits for me. I can handle it, but thanks all the same.” Bryan sits up and looks out the window. We crawl to a stop on a residential street. It’s very early in the morning and the road is still shrouded in silence. “Wait here.”  
    Bryan pushes the door open and slips out, closing it behind him, before dashing up the walkway to the front door. It’s a grand house—not a mansion like the Ferro’s—but much nicer than the home where I grew up. The house is two stories with a manicured front lawn, complete with sidewalks, on a picture perfect street.  
    Before Bryan can ring the bell, the door opens. A woman is standing there and looks past him to the car. She says something and retreats inside quickly, closing the door behind her. Bryan hurries back to the car and yanks the door open. “Come on.”  
    Sean helps me up the walk and we follow Bryan around to a back door. My arm is causing me so much pain that there are tears in my eyes. I can’t stop gritting my teeth even though I try. Every muscle in my body is corded tight, trying to deal with the agony.  
    When Sean ushers us inside, Bryan makes introductions. “Sean Ferro and Hooker Girl, meet Dr. Jennings.”  
     
     

CHAPTER 6
     
    Why does Sean always take his bait? Before he can kill his cousin, I say, “Thank you so much for agreeing to look at me.”  
    She nods, making her dark head of curls sway. Dr. Jennings isn’t much older than I am. Actually, she looks too young to be a doctor. “Please, call me Mari. I’m not a doctor yet and don’t thank me until we’re done.”  
    “You’re not a doctor?” Sean asks bluntly.  
    Mari shakes her head, unfazed by his rudeness. “Not yet. Do you need a resume or do you want me to look you guys over?” Sean doesn’t answer. Mari continues, “Okay then, let’s see what you guys need. I don’t even know if I’m able to help you here. Bryan called and said it was urgent.” She holds out her hand and offers me a chair. Bryan and Sean stand behind me.  
    “Thank you. A window shattered and the glass cut my arm.” As I’m talking, I offer Mari my arm. She unwraps the bloody bandages after pulling on plastic gloves. Her eyes sweep over the cut as she gently turns my wrist examining it closer.  
    “A window did this?”  
    I begin to explain, but Sean cuts her off. “Yes, and that’s all you need to know.”  
    Mari eyes him suspiciously and then smiles softly. She knows there’s more story there, but it’s almost like she doesn’t