Part 90 (1/2)

McAvoy was different. She drummed up another smile as she got to

her feet. He had saved her life. If seeing her father was the only

payment she could make, then she would make it.

”I'd like a ride, if it's not too much trouble.”

”No big deal.” He caught himself before he s.h.i.+fted his feet in the sand.

She probably thought he was a jerk.

”I'll just be a minute.” She rushed off in the direction of the guards,

s.n.a.t.c.hing up her beach wrap and bag on the way. ”My friend is giving me

a ride home,” she said in her most dismissive tone.

”Miss McAvoy.” The guard named Masters cleared his throat. ”It would be

better if you called your father.”

”There's no need to bother him.”

The second guard, Sweeney, mopped his sweaty forehead. ”Your father

wouldn't like you taking rides from strangers.”

”Michael's not a stranger.” The haughty tone made her feel nasty inside,

but she would not, could not, be humiliated in front of Michael. ”I

know him, and so does my father. Michael's father is a captain on the

police force here.” She pulled the long, rainbow-colored T-s.h.i.+rt over

her suit. ”You'll be following behind us, so what does it matter?” She

turned, and keeping her head up, walked back to where Michael waited

with their boards.

”Hold it.” Sweeney put a hand on Masters's shoulder. ”Let's give the

kid a break. She don't get many.”

Michael's gas gauge was hovering dangerously close to empty when he

pulled up at the high iron gates in Beverly Hills. He saw the faint

surprise on the guard's face before the switch was thrown and the gates