Page 88 of Ruthless Court

“Not your business.”

“You’re hiding something.”

“You think everyone is hiding something because you assume they’re interested in you.”

He leans down, bringing us closer.

“And you’re not?”

“No.”

The answer comes too fast.

His mouth curves.

Not a smile.

A warning.

“Liar.”

I slip past him and take the narrow stairs beside the history building.

He follows.

“Sandy.”

I cross through the covered arcade and cut left behind the archaeology wing. The old side of campus is a tangle of courtyards, stone passages, gardens, and doors that lead into buildings through unexpected floors.

I know the fastest route.

Kane knows the athletic complex.

His footsteps remain behind me through the first arch.

I take the passage beside the small sculpture garden, descend three steps, then turn through a wooden door propped open with a sandbag.

Inside, a tour group blocks the hall.

I weave through them.

Kane enters as the guide raises a bright red flag.

“Please remain with the group.”

“I’m not with the group.”

“Sir, this area is restricted during the tour.”

I push through the far doors before Kane gets around them.

Rain hits my glasses. I hurry beneath another arch, cross the courtyard, and slip through the side entrance of Briar Hall.

The heavy door closes behind me.

I wait.

Nothing.