Page 16 of The Right Sign

“I understand that Yaya is covering for her boyfriend, but I know what I saw and I hold him responsible—”

Yaya watches her sister. A few seconds later, she steps closer to me and signs. Her eyes are wide, compelling. I have a feeling I’d do anything she told me to if I could understand what she wanted.

Dejonae interprets, “Henry didn’t touch your car. And also…”

“Also?”

“He’s not her boyfriend.”

My lips curl up.

I can’t help it.

Sazuki catches my grin and I try to wipe it off my face, but it’s too late. I see the musician sizing me up, eyes narrowing slightly.

Looking flustered, Dejonae adds, “Yaya’s willing to go to the police station and make a statement. If you press charges, she won’t contest. She…” Dejonae turns fully to her sister. “Come on, Yaya. We’ll pay for it. I’d never let you go to jail.”

Sazuki nods resolutely.

“No,” Yaya opens her mouth and a slurred but confident voice speaks. “I won’t let you pay for me.”

My eyes widen in surprise.

“I’m sorry.” Yaya’s voice is strong, clear, even if it’s heavily accented.

Can she speak? Why didn’t she talk to me from the beginning?

My curiosity spikes to an all-time high.

“I’ll repay you no matter what. So you do business with me. Only me. Okay?”

Intrigued, I stare at her.

My heart keeps squeezing in an alarming way.

Before I can get control of myself, my phone rings.

I glance down, thinking it’s Mosely calling back.

It’s not.

The name on screen is my sister’s.

Tense, I slip two fingers in my blazer, remove my wallet and slip out a business card. Dejonae lifts her hand to receive it, but I don’t give it to her. Instead, I brandish it in front of Yaya.

She looks stunned.

Because she thought I’d start yelling or because she’s used to people ignoring her after finding out she’s deaf?

I don’t know.

But I want to find out.

If I didn’t have to go, I’d probably spend the rest of tonight learning everything about her.

“Here,” I say when she doesn’t move.

Slowly, her fingers enclose over the card.