Page 151 of Wicked Brutal

yes but you getting up two minutes after me looks like we’re moving. sit your ass down and watch the main hall.

Kaid: Me?

I think about it. Kaid is probably the only person besides me who can make this entire circus stop moving with one word if something goes wrong.

float. if anything changes, kill it.

Kaid: Got it.

Becca: And me?

I look at Ally. She doesn’t even hesitate. “Here.”

music room.

Becca: already walking.

Ally takes my wrist before I can put the phone away. “Ryan.”

“What?”

“Don’t get caught.”

“That was already part of the plan.”

The door opens without warning. I turn so fast my hand is already moving toward Ally before Becca sticks her head inside. “Jesus, Rambo.”

“Knock next time?”

“You told me to come.” She comes in and takes one look at Ally. Her expression changes immediately. “Hey.”

“I’m okay.”

“Didn’t ask.” Becca crosses the room and hugs her. Ally goes into her arms without arguing. That tells me exactly how not okay she is. Becca looks over her shoulder at me. “I’ve got her.”

My phone vibrates. Penny.

Penny: meeting over

All three of us go quiet. Another message.

Penny: he’s coming out

I look at Ally. “Stay here.”

“Ryan—“

“Wait.” Thirty seconds.

Penny: talking to headmaster in hall

Another thirty.

Penny: walking toward front entrance

Penny: outside

I wait. My heart is pounding now. Not fear. Timing. Everything becomes timing.