Violet is Blue (Hothouse series) by Tawny Stokes, Vivi Anna Page B

and chin. “Run Violet. It’s a trick.”
    Patrick reached into his back jean pocket and pulled out a wallet. He flipped it open to reveal a badge.  He held it up. “See?”
    “It could be fake,” Devon said.
    “Toss it to me,” I said, although I had no idea how to tell a fake badge from a real one.
    He did and I picked it up and studied it. It said Detective Patrick Graham. It looked real and official to me.
    My knees gave out and I had to sit down on the stairs.  “What’s going on? Why do you have all those pictures of me?”
    Patrick took a few steps toward me, but he also had his eyes on Devon as well. He probably didn’t want another unwarranted attack to happen. “I’ve been investigating your family.”
    “What? Why?”
    He ran a hand over his face and sighed. “I shouldn’t be telling you this. Jesus.”
    “Tell me, Patrick. Please. I’ve been going crazy lately.”
    “I believe Mark is laundering money through the real estate company.”
    “That’s not possible. You’re mistaken.”
    My heart pounded so hard in my chest I could feel my pulse roaring in my ears.
    “It’s possible, Violet. I have the proof.” He put out his hand toward me. “I’ll show you.”
    I took it and he pulled me up, and led me back into his little policing room. Devon followed us back in as well.
    “Hey, man, I’m sorry about tackling you there,” he said to Patrick, a sheepish look on his face.
    Patrick shook his head. “No worries. You thought you were protecting Violet. I understand that.”
    “Why do you have so many pictures of me? Doesn’t make sense.”
    “Well at first I thought your mom was in on it.”
    “No way...”
    “But after being around her, I quickly ruled it out.”
    I shook my head. This was unbelievable. Mark was a good guy. He’d always been there for my mom and me especially after my dad died. There was no way he was a criminal.
    “Why have you been following me then?”
    “Because Mark’s behavior toward you has been strange. He’s been following you around for months. I think he’s been the one sending you flowers and stuff.”
    I nearly puked. I wobbled a bit and Devon had to hold me up. “Oh God. That can’t be true.”
    He put his hand on my shoulder.  “I also think he may be responsible for your father’s death.”
    I whipped my head up and stared at him.  My head was swimming. I could barely focus on anything.  “No. It was a car accident. It was bad weather and he was coming to see me in the school play.”
    “That’s what Hannah thought, that’s what was in the report, but Mark was with him that night.”
    “No.” I shook my head vehemently. “No. I don’t believe you.”
    “Mark’s a dangerous man, Violet. He’s a career criminal. I believe your father may have found that out. I have the proof, if you want to see it. If it will help.”
    “Well I for one, would love to see it.”
    We all turned toward the door. Mark stood in the threshold. He had a look on his face I’d never seen before.  One of cruel amusement.
    Patrick went to move toward him, but Mark raised his hand. He had a gun and it was pointed at us.
    “Surprised to see me?” He smiled, as he stepped into the room. “Your mom sent me out to find you. She was worried you were going to do something stupid.”
    “It’s not true, is it?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “He has it all wrong, right? You didn’t do these things?”
    “Oh my dear Violet.  You are quite naive, aren’t you?” His face softened a little. “But that’s what I love about you. Your innocence.” Then he waved the gun at Devon. “Until you fucked around with this one. You put on quite the show earlier.” He took out his cell phone and waggled it back and forth. “I recorded it. I hope you don’t mind.”
    Devon made a move toward him, but Patrick held him back.
    “Oh he’s feisty.” Mark laughed.
    Patrick moved in front of Devon and I, with his hand up. “Mark, you don’t need the