Page 71 of Facade

Russell did arrive early. They had waited about eight minutes before Jace heard a vehicle pull into the drive. Heath cast his spell when Russell entered the house.

“Thank you for coming, and consenting to my terms,” Clarke said.

“And miss out on this intrigue?” Russell said teasingly. “You’ve captured my interest, and cured my boredom. But tell me, why are we on Dreamy Heath’s property? I wasn’t expecting that.”

Jace smirked at that, and Heath rolled his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d know that this house is on Heath Halston’s land,” Clarke said.

“Oh ye of little faith,” Russell said with humor. “I know most of what transpires in Clementine, and the surrounding area, particularly Mars College, and everything pertaining to the staff.”

Jace sincerely hoped that Russell wasn’t exaggerating his wealth of knowledge. He could be a significant help protecting the students at the tournament, even if he couldn’t provide leads to Charlie.

“Not Venus College, too?” Clarke asked.

“But they’re all women. Eww!” Russell said dramatically, then sighed. “Fine, I’m not a misogynist, and do have female friends, but can’t claim to know everything going on at Venus.”

“Fair enough,” Clarke said. “Before I start confessing, I’m curious about something. A coworker commented that Jace has conversations with me, but no other academics. He’s also wearing muscle shirts, which wasn’t his habit in the past. As perceptive as you are, you must have noticed that. But you’ve never brought Jace up in conversation with me.”

“Because we were discussing possible suspicious behavior, and curious quirks,” Russell said. “Naturally, Jace behaves differently with you, because the two of you have known each other, and been friends since childhood. You have history together. It makes a difference.”

“We were friends as children, and have history,” Clarke said, sounding stunned. “But how did you know that?”

“Because I have a good memory,” Russell claimed. “A man who looks like an older version of you visited shortly after Jace was hired at Mars. His last name is Voudrie. The tiny bit of conversation I overheard made it clear that this man and Jace’s dads are close friends. That makes you the son or nephew of the older Voudrie.”

“I’m impressed,” Clarke said. “And the shirts?”

“With more interesting things to pay attention to, I hadn’t thought about it,” Russell replied. “But I would guess they are a gift from a relative, whose feelings might be hurt if he didn’t wear them.”

Heath sent him a questioning look, and Jace nodded that indeed, the shirts were a gift from a relative. He had to admit that he was impressed with Russell’s perceptiveness. Heath was as well.

“Jace’s mother sent them for his last birthday,” Clarke said.

“I’m proud of myself,” Russell said with a snicker. “You’ll bow to my greatness eventually. Where’s Dreamy Heath?”

“Probably hiding from you, and your relentless pursuit,” Clarke teased.

“He won’t have to hide anymore,” Russell said. “Beyond the fact that unrequited lust is no one’s idea of a good time, I have a new crush, and actual hope of getting a date with this one.”

After a pause, Clarke said, “Lane?”

“See, you aren’t a complete loss when it comes to observation skills,” Russell teased. “Yes, Lane. You have to admit that he has a hot nerd thing going on.”

“I don’t have to, but I’ll take your word for it,” Clarke commented lightly.

“Fine, but regardless of orientation, brains are sexy,” Russell stated firmly.

“I agree with you there.”

“Can we do the big reveal now?” Russell asked.

“After you promise not to discuss this with anyone who isn’t already aware, and only then in private,” Clarke said. “I’ll tell you who those people are later.”

“I vow to guard your secrets with my life,” Russell said with theatric fervency. “Even torture won’t loosen these lips.”

“I’m serious, Russell,” Clarke said with some bite.

“That was an attempt to inject some levity,” Russell said. “Clearly, this is quite serious. I would not betray your confidence.”

Clarke