The Darkest Corners (The Club Book 4) Read Online Free Page B

know I do. You’re my little brother.”
    “I know, man.” Liam stuck his hand out. “Thanks.”
    Tom nodded and shook his hand. “I’m proud of you.” He pulled him in and clapped him on the back. “You did it. I still think you’re an asshole for going, though.”
    “Hey, we have to hold on to something.”
    Just as he predicted, though, only Dana showed up at the bus station. Tom had to open the store, Hart and his mom had to make a trip to the doctor in Boise—it was the only time they could get her in. Violet and Annie had school. All of his friends were either back in class or at work.
    He stood with Dana on the platform, in the brisk breeze of an early summer morning. She stood close, tucking herself into his arm. “I really wish we could make this work. Daddy asked me again why we couldn’t, and if you were really leaving.”
    “Danes…”
    “No, no…I get it. Believe me. I understand. We’re comfortable and that’s all we’ll be right now, and possible forever. You’ve told me before, you feel like there’s something missing from your life, and I respect that.” She looked down at her shoes. “Zander English asked me out.”
    “And what did you say?”
    “Yes.” Her answer didn’t even hesitate. “You didn’t want me to wait.”
    “I don’t. You deserve to be happy.”
    “So do you, Liam.”
    The bus rumbled up and released the air brakes in a loud blast. The doors hissed open. “You’d better email me. I want to see pictures. Of everywhere you go. Above all, Liam, you’re my friend, and I want to see you happy, and settled and complete.” She kissed him sweetly as the driver grabbed his bag from the ground and made room underneath for it.
    “Ready to go, son?” the driver asked.
    “Yes, I am,” he answered, not taking his eyes off Dana. “Be good, Danes. I’ll keep up with you.”
    She looked like she wanted to say something else, but stopped herself. “Promise me you’ll always let me know where you are. Promise?”
    “Of course.”
    “And promise me that you’ll remember you always have a place here.”
    “Promise.”
    Liam gave her one more kiss. A tender one, not meant to do anything else but say, ‘I love you in our own little way.’ Dana ran her hand down his jaw. No more words were spoken, and Liam grabbed his backpack. He found a seat near a window and saw Dana had backed up against the building. He wasn’t sure, but he though he saw tears in her eyes. He knew they were the same ones he had in his.
    One last time, as the bus pulled away, Dana smiled. It was a pretty smile that Liam had always hoped he could start to really love.

THREE

Karim, Texas – Present day
     
     
     
    Stepping off the bus, Liam immediately shook his head. The little upscale town was nearly too cute for words. It had that pioneer frontier feel to it, with buildings lining the main street he could see standing on either side of a dirt road with horses moseying around under the command of their riders. The wrought iron railings on the second and third floor showed an odd French influence, as if someone had fled from New Orleans to this sleepy little town trying to recreate the charm.
    But now, instead of hitching posts and horseback, there were wrought iron street lamps and modern cars. People hurried from Starbucks and the picturesque Gap to the parking lots where their shiny new Lexus or Corvette waited for them. Mothers herded children into SUVs and Minivans, in a strange reminder of the cattle-ranching days.
    The main street was preserved as a throwback, but he could see a few blocks over there were some medium rise buildings, ten storeys, maybe fifteen. A few looked like offices, but there were definitely a few that were apartment buildings.
    He turned and walked the other direction. There was no way he was going to find a place that he could afford in that direction. The job he was here to do paid well, but not that well. As he walked down the intricate interlocked brick