FittHy RicH but she doesn’t know if the other girls would even respond. Wen- dy’s always seemed so much cooler than kids Mary's age. This other girl’s just a mystery. And when Wendy does turn around to speak to Mary, her stare seems to slice right through the younger girl. “Remember,” Wendy says, according to a probable cause affi- CHAPTER 5 ) davit filed by the Palm Beach police. “When he asks how old you f are, say eighteen.” The light changes, and Wendy turns back around but keeps looking at Mary in the rearview mirror. “Got it?” | Mary nods. | “IT mean it,” says Wendy. Who would believe her? Anyone can see that Mary is younger than that. its flavor, but Mary’s still chew- “Okay,” she says. “I got it. Eighteen.” , nervously, in the backseat of Mary takes out her flip phone and sends Joe a text: “Your .. The girl sitting up front next . cousin is a BAMF” She’s chain-smoking menthols. A badass motherfucker. filthy and gross. Worried that i There's no reply. Mary sits on her hands. Then, =| “Or maybe she’s just a bitch,” Mary texts. . zigantic resort called the Break- j Still no reply. hed, not quite real—like some- j Joe must still be in church, Mary thinks. 3 7 They pass El Bravo Way and turn onto El Brillo Way. mitrast. 7 Wendy’s driving slowly now, right at the speed limit. Once says to the girl in the passenger : 4 more, she says: “When the man asks your age, say eighteen.” nall.” j 3 Mary nods again and smiles, slightly. She wants Wendy to see her smiling. To know that she’s got it all under control. But : s Wendy's eyes are on the front gate now. It opens, she parks, and wants to say something about it, | "8 __ they walk past a guard. 14 : 15 HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_019131