Page 89 of Mercy & Malice

Ames explains, “We’re just exploring all avenues.” Her tone softens even more when she asks, “What happened to your cheek, Brooke?”

I wish I would’ve put on a little heavier makeup. There’s no way to completely hide it. But I didn’t even try since I thought everyone I knew had seen it. Or so I thought. “I took an elbow to the eye during cheer.”

Ledet snickers, “That must’ve been one hell of an elbow.”

Mom stands. “If there isn’t anything else pertaining to Julian or Blaine, Brooke really needs to get to class.”

Ledet remains seated as Ames stands, “Thanks, Principal Guidry. We’ll let you know if we have follow-up questions or need to speak with any other students.”

Ledet finally stands as he adds, “We’ll also cross-reference with the detectives working your kidnapping to make sure there aren’t any connections.”

Ames states, “Please give us a call if any new information arises.”

“Yes, and please let us know if anyone else vanishes into thin air.” Ledet has a smirk as he passes Mom his business card.

Jerk. I remain in the chair as they all exit the room. I need a minute before I head to class. Mom is back before I catch my breath and instructs me, “My office.”

I follow behind her. She moves between me and the door as she closes it before facing me. “Is there anything you need to tell me?”

Yes. Lots. Will I? “No, ma’am.”

“Brooke, this is serious. If there’s anything I need to know, please share now.”

“There’s not. I’ve already told you everything. And again, elbow to the eye. Micah didn’t hit me.”

“I didn’t believe he did.” She heads around her desk as she drops in the chair. “I would hope you’d never let yourself get in that situation.”

Her matter-of-fact tone rubs me the wrong way. “Even if I did, I’d leave the situation.” Turning, I head to class. As soon as I step out of the main office, Micah is propped against the locker waiting for me.

“How’d it go?”

“Fine.” I search around, not spotting Detective Dick nearby, but I still feel like he’s watching, waiting for me to slip up. So, I decide to hold off until I know we’re not being observed or overheard to tell Micah about the conversation. I also decide that a night of dancing and drinking really sounds perfect, because we need to act like everything is normal now more than ever.

49

MICAH

“How the heck are you not more worried about this?” Brooke’s hands cover her face as she leans forward.

She didn’t tell me about her discussion with the detectives until we were on the way home. I told her then what I’ll say again: “Because it’s taken care of.”

“You can’t be for real. There is always something that could’ve been overlooked or slipped through the cracks that could lead back to us.”

“Not us. You didn’t do a fucking thing,” I clarify, but I’m positive we’re in the clear. They won’t find the fuckers, and if they do, every single piece of evidence will point to my father.

“Yes, Micah, this is an us thing.” She plops against the passenger seat as her arms fold across her chest. She’s paranoid and pissed—not a good combo. “Detective Dickhead Ledet isn’t going to just drop it. He’s snooping around and already suspicious of a lot of things, like my father and Davenport also being MIA, then the fact that I had a tiff with Julian before he vanished. He’s right. A lot of bad shit is happening to everyone around me.”

“Julian had a tiff with everyone who knew him. No one liked the bastard, not even his own parents. You told them the truth. That’s exactly what you were supposed to do. And nothing will come back on you.” I glance to her and am met with her annoyed stare. “On us. Nothing will come back on us. Just relax and let me handle it.”

“Yeah. Sure.” She gets out of the car as soon as I come to a stop. At least she’s angry instead of sad and closed off like she’s been.

I catch up with her as she enters the house, and she goes straight for Ivy. They waste no time before they each have a shot in their hand that they down.

Luca moves beside me and takes a sip of his drink as he watches them.

“She’s worried about the detectives.”

“Can’t blame her. But it’s handled.”