Madison huffed out a breath. “Who do you think she had the affair with?”
Reese raised her eyebrows in realization, and Madison smirked. “Yeah. Like I said. Loser. Anyway, if I want my parents to stay together, I don’t have much of a choice.”
“Lots of kids have divorced parents,” Reese said. “I know it sounds awful, but doesn’t your dad deserve to know the truth?”
“No,” Madison said. “If he knew the truth, he’d leave and he loves my mom. Like really loves her. If he ever learned the truth, it would break his heart. And I don’t want to do that to him.”
“And what about what it’s doing to you, Madison? This amount of drugs is enough to get you expelled and probably arrested.”
Madison shrugged. “If you want to be responsible for ruining a kid’s life then turn me in. I’ll take the punishment, but I won’t squeal on Ryker. That’s the deal. He has something on all of us. Everyone he’s roped into this. If we get caught, we’re on our own. If we tell on him, he fries us and we lose everything.”
Reese sighed. She needed to call Garrett. Whether or not this was his case, he’d want to know about it, and about Principal Ryker’s involvement. “I know someone who might be able to help.”
***
“Thanks for coming,” Reese said as Garrett and Caden walked into her classroom. She’d called Garrett and he must’ve asked Caden to join them. “Caden, this is one of our students, Madison Grier.”
“Why is my English teacher here?” Madison asked, glaring at Garrett.
“Madison, these are my friends, FBI Agent Caden Dobbs, and Texas Ranger Garrett Cooper.”
“You’re a Texas Ranger?” Madison asked.
“I told you that I knew someone who could help. I also think they can make sure Ryker doesn’t get away with what he’s doing.” Reese said.
“Ryker?” Caden asked. “So, he’s involved in this after all? That would make sense…”
“He’ll need to be put in protective custody,” Garrett said, sharing a meaningful look with his friend. Caden nodded in understanding. Garrett had obviously told him how Reese had seen Principal Ryker die in prison.
But Ryker wasn’t her problem anymore. All Reese cared about was Madison right now. “From what Madison has told me, he's a very big part of all this. But this is your case,” Reese said, gesturing to the guys, “So, I’ll let you guys take over.”
Madison wrung her hands, holding her backpack on her lap, close to her chest. “Madison Grier, you’re eighteen years old, so you don’t need a legal guardian present. You’re also not under arrest so you don’t need an attorney present. But if you feel you need one, you can call one and we can wait for them down at the bureau,” Caden said.
Madison looked from Caden to Garrett, and then to Reese. “I’m not saying anything.”
Reese sat next to Madison. “Listen, I’m not a lawyer, but I do think my friends can help you if you choose to help them. I know this is scary, but you’re also a victim here, Madison. Just tell them what you told me.”
Madison didn’t look convinced as she eyed Garrett and Caden, who stood a fair distance away from her, giving herplenty of space to not feel intimidated. “FBI and Texas Ranger?” She asked.
“That’s right,” Caden said. “And I have it on good authority that the drugs in your possession are responsible for many deaths, including the near death of a good friend of mine. If you can tell me where you’re getting them from, or better yet, who’s making them, I think you and I could work out a deal you’ll be more than happy with.”
Madison seemed to give Caden’s words serious consideration. “And I won’t go to jail?”
“Given the circumstances and your age, I’m authorized to grant you immunity if you hand over the drugs, give a full statement regarding your involvement, and testify in court.”
Madison seemed to consider Caden’s words, then turned to Reese. “What about my parents?”
“Your parents are adults. They need to start handling their own problems. You have your own life to live, Madison. Stand up for yourself. You’re not a loser. You’re a talented young woman with a bright future ahead of you. Help Agent Dobbs and Ranger Cooper with their case so you can pursue your dreams of going to college or art school, or whatever you want for yourself.”
Madison sighed. “I hate this. I hate all of it.” There was a war raging inside Madison, and Reese wished there was more she could do for her. Then Madison’s shoulders fell and she hung her head in a sign of defeat. “But it’s their stupid fault anyway,” Madison finally said.
“Why don’t you start from the beginning,” Garrett suggested.
Madison sat up straighter, like she was ready to face her demons. “Fine. I never wanted to do this anyway. It’s not like I woke up one morning and decided to live this kind of life. I hate it. I hate everything about it. But he makes me. And if I say no, he threatens me. Threatens my family.” She swiped at a stray tearon her cheek. “He swore that if I ever told anyone, he’d find a way to hunt me down and make me regret it.”
“Who?” Caden asked.
Reese knew Caden was more than capable of arranging protection for Madison, but first she had to tell him everything. “Tell him, Madison,” Reese urged. “Just rip the bandage off. You’ll feel better. I promise.”
