her watch; well, it was probably close to time to leave for class anyway. It was bad, and shallow, but she wished that Lisa Lesley had decided not to do her good deed of the day. It would have been nice to leave without another crisis.
Claire repacked her book bag and walked back toward the coffee bar. Im just going to tell her good-bye, she thought. No agenda here at all. Totally staying out of it.
Monica, Gina, and Jennifer were leaning on the bar, blocking coffee pickup. The counter was all that separated them from Eve, who was steadily ignoring them.
Hey, Walking Dead, Im talking to you, Monica was saying. Is it true your brother tried to kill you?
Yeah, was that before or after he tried to do you? Hand gestures and everything. Wow, that was low even for Jennifer.
Tried? Gina snickered. Thats not what I heard. I heard they were getting it on all through high school. No wonder they both turned out to be freaks.
Eves face was a still white mask, but her eyesshe looked crazy. In control, but just barely. Her hands were steady as she pulled espresso shots and mixed drinks; she thumped the finished products down on the counter, three across, and said, If you dont go away, Im going to call my manager.
Oh, Monica said. Your manager. Wow, Im terrified. You think some barely-over-minimum-wage brain donor stupid enough to work here is going to scare me? Do you? She leaned to the side, trying to catch Eves eyes. Im talking to you, freak face.
Gina noticed Claire standing a few feet away, and drew Monicas attention with a hand on her shoulder. Two freaks for one, she said. They must be having some kind of special.
Claire. Monicas smile widened. Sure, why not? You angry Im ragging on your little lesbo girlfriend?
Make up your mind, Claire said. Her voice sounded low and kind of cool, actually. Maybe it was easier doing this here in public, where she felt more comfortable. Or maybe she was actually getting used to facing down Monica. Are we gay, or did she sleep with her brother? Cause you know, kind of not making much sense.
Monica actually blinked. Logic wasnt her strong suit, anyway. Claire could almost see the Dont confuse me with facts flicker across her brain. You laughing at me?
Yeah, Claire said. A little.
Monica smiled. A big, genuine smile. How about that? she said. Claires grown a pair. I guess having a badass Protector hanging over your shoulder must be a real comfort. She threw a glance at Eve. But it wont last. My family means something around here. You freaks are just temporary. Andsad.
She flipped her hair back over her shoulders, picked up her latte, and walked away. Guys heads turned as she passed, with Gina and Jennifer in a flying-V formation behind her.
Huh, Eve said as she wiped down the machines with maybe a little bit more force than was necessary. She doesnt usually back down that easily.
Maybe shes got class.
Eve snorted. Trust me, she said. That girls got no class at all.
How weird is it that we have our own personal cop limo service? Eve asked. She and Claire were standing on the sidewalk in front of the UC, and the campus looked mostly desertedit was seven clock, and the sky had darkened to a deep twilight. There were even a few premature stars out already. The sun had just gone down, and there was still a fiery orange and yellow glow on the western horizon. I mean, its not like I dont have a car. I can drive.
I dont think theyll keep it up, Claire offered. I mean, its just a special thing. Until they catchwhoever killed that girl.
Eve sighed and didnt answer. A blue car turned and cruised around the circular drive, pulling to a halt in front of them. Joe Hess was driving, and Travis Lowe got out and opened the back door with a dumb-looking overdone bow. It was kind of cute, actually. Claire climbed in and slid over, and Eve got in next to her.
Hello, girls, Hess said, and turned to look back at them. He had dark circles under his eyes, and he seemed like he hadnt slept at all. Thanks for the coffee.
Claire and Eve looked at each other. Sorry, Eve said. I always smell like coffee; its the perfume of the barista. I didnt actually bring any for you. But if you want, Ill go back and