Read Warrior Angel for Free Online

If the local police see you…”
    â€œNo problem.”
    He waited until he heard her footsteps going downstairs before he pried open the secret compartment in the back of his closet. Everything was still there: the cap, The Book, and the money belt. He tried the cap on, a red Tomahawk Kid baseball cap, very rare, before he slipped it into the backpack next to the laptop. He didn’t like to wear it unless he really needed to block the Voices—you can’t take a chance of using up its powers.
    He strapped the money belt around his waist. It was stuffed with cash. Smartest thing he’d ever done. The getaway fund, he called it. Stepdad, showing off, was always leaving his money clip around. So long as you didn’t take more than a fifty at a time, he would never notice. He used fifties as tips the way most people used fives.
    His copy of The Tomahawk Kid , by Martin Malcolm Witherspoon, was falling apart, he had read it so many times, marked so many lines. He ran his fingers over the binding. You needed to know exactly where to feel to find the razor blade. He put The Book in an outer pocket by itself.
    He shrugged into the backpack. I’ve got everything I need now to save Sonny.
    Big shot was on both cells and a speakerphone when they left. Still, he managed to wave to them, with an extra pinky wiggle for PJ. She wiggled her pinky back. Mom giggled like a girl. It made Starkey sick.
    â€œAre you bringing your laptop to the mall?” asked Mom.
    â€œI never go anywhere without it,” he said. “It’s my security blanket.”
    PJ climbed into the back of the Rover, cooing at the upholstery. What’s her game? Her parents have a Jag and a Hummer.
    He’d never been up front. The command perch was awesome. He wondered if there were psychological studies on what it does to your hormone level. Look down on everything, see what’s going on in other cars, feel superior to everyone.
    Out of town, just before the parkway, Mom pulled off the road. Without a word they both got out and switched seats. It felt more like driving Stepdad’s boat than a car. He forced himself to concentrate on the road and to ignore the faces in other cars. They would try to distract him, make him wreck. Not this time.
    The parking lot at the mall was crowded. Mom said she wanted to start at the men’s store.
    â€œI’ll drop you two off there,” said Starkey, “park, and meet you inside.”
    â€œWell, I…” Mom seemed a little flustered. He could tell she really didn’t want him out of her sight with the car.
    â€œYou don’t trust me, do you? All the talk about how much progress I’m making is just talk. You don’t think I’m making any progress at all, do you?”
    â€œThat’s not true. You’re doing so well…but…” She turned in her seat. “I’m sorry, Allysse, I don’t mean for you—”
    â€œTrust is something we talk about a lot in Circle,” said PJ.
    That put her on the ropes. One big punch and the match was his. “It’s all a front, isn’t it,Mom, blue blazer with brass buttons so you can show me off at the club—see, Richard’s not a nutjob retard psycho loony, he’s just fine, just like my perfect daughters. But you don’t really think so, do you?”
    She sighed; tears welled in her eyes. She’s on the canvas, the ref’s counting her out. Will she get up?
    â€œI’ll stay with Star…um, Richard, while he parks,” said PJ.
    That nailed it. PJ and Mom exchanged meaningful glances. “I’ll be in the men’s store—meet you by the ties.” She kissed his cheek and quickly got out.
    He felt a moment of sadness. She would never trust him again. But the Mission came first. Sonny needed him.
    He waited until she had disappeared into the mall before he turned to PJ in the back. “Thanks, PJ, I owe you one. I can drop you off