In this quote from Jodi Picoult's "Keeping Faith," the speaker addresses another person about the potential consequences of their actions. They imply that if the person's mother discovers them together in their current situation, she would be very upset. The speaker suggests that the only way the mother could find out is if the person revealed their outing, which would shift her anger from the speaker to her child.

This exchange highlights a sense of camaraderie between the two, framing their relationship as one of complicity. By referring to themselves as "partners in crime," the speaker indicates a bond formed through shared secrets and risky choices, deepening the connection between the characters as they navigate their situation together.