AllFreeNovel
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Personally, I think people are fascinated by wealth and the people who have it. Yes, I live a comfortable and privileged life, but I don’t go around flashing my money and lording it over people. My grandfather founded one of the first telecommunications in the US. He was the genius who saw the potential in the technology. Ian and I just benefited from his ingenuity and success.
Jason spots an empty parking space, pulls in, and shuts off the engine. He quickly removes the black handgun from his ankle holster and slips it into a small metal cabinet fitted between the front seats. The cabinet is secured with a combination lock. “I hate having to leave this in the car, but it’s better than getting arrested on campus for carrying.”
“I don’t think you’d ever need it on campus. It’s a pretty peaceful place.”
He nods as he turns in his seat to glance behind us. Gary Fisher is in his car, idling in the lane behind us.
“Stay in the car,” Jason says just before he gets out.
He approaches Gary’s car, and the two of them exchange rather heated words. When Gary speeds off, Jason comes around to my door and opens it. After I get out of the car, he grabs my backpack from behind my seat and slings it over his shoulder. “Where’s your first class?”
I point across campus. “That way. It’s about a ten-minute walk.”
“Stick close to me at all times,” he says as we set off.
I don’t know what Jason said to Gary, but I doubt it scared him off. Gary is tenacious. Sure enough, we’re not even out of the parking lot before I hear him calling my name from somewhere behind us.
“Layla, wait! Layla! Where’ve you been? I just want to ask you a few questions. How did you feel witnessing your former bodyguard’s death?”
“Keep walking,” Jason mutters under his breath as he cups my elbow and propels me through the maze of parked cars toward the campus lawn.
I can hear Gary huffing as he jogs to catch up.
As soon as Gary reaches us, Jason drives him back a few feet. “I told you to get lost.”
“Watch it, buddy!” Gary wheezes as he tries to catch his breath. “You can’t push me around like that. It’s a free country.” He holds up a laminated badge that hangs on a lanyard around his neck. “Ever heard of freedom of the press?”
Jason laughs. “If you get within ten feet of her, you’ll have to deal with me. Is that clear?”
Doing my best to ignore Gary, I walk quickly along the paved sidewalk path that leads to the science complex.
“Where are we headed first?” Jason asks.
“Anatomy class.”
He makes a face. “That’s a tough one.”
I laugh, realizing he would have taken anatomy, too, as part of his medical training. “Yeah, but the professor makes it enjoyable.”
“Why? Is he humorous?” Jason laughs at his own joke. “Get it?” He pats his upper arm. “As in the humerus bone?”
I groan. “That joke’s so old, it’s not even funny. No, it’s an enjoyable class because the professor is hot.”
“Oh, great.” Jason rolls his eyes. “Will your hot professor mind me sitting in on your class?”
I laugh. “The faculty here are used to me having someone with me. It’s fine.”
We enter the building where my class is held and find ourselves in the midst of a good-sized crowd of students waiting outside the lecture hall. Students mill around in the main hallway as they wait for Professor Kent to unlock the door and let us in. Some are sitting on the floor going over their notes. Others have earbuds in and are listening to music or videos on their phones. Fortunately, not many seem to have spotted me yet.
Jason stands close beside me.
“Layla, you’re back!” cries a familiar voice.
I cringe when everyone in the hallway abruptly stops talking and turns to stare. A hush falls and suddenly it’s deathly quiet. Their eyes widen when they see my face. Immediately, the camera phones come out, and people are snapping pics left and right. Jason steps in front of me and tries his best to block their view.
Charlene joins me. “I’m so glad you’re back. I was afraid you’d have to drop your classes this term.” She steps back and studies me. “Oh, Layla. Your poor face.” She wraps me in a gentle hug. “I couldn’t believe what I read in the papers. I’m so sorry.”
Jason steps closer, as if to intercede, but I give him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay. She’s a friend.”
