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She wipes the tears on my cheeks, “Yes. I knew it would have been a hard sell, but I never wanted you to face this. I would have taken you to a new state and left you there if I had to, but then you met Noah and your other friends, and I knew you’d never leave them. But what do we do when shit gets tough?”
She cocks one of her perfect brows, waiting for me to answer.
“We adapt.”
“Exactly. Coventry is filled with cutthroats but there’s a few good people there. Make no mistake though, even the good ones have claws so be mindful of who you trust. Never give anyone leverage over you, keep your secrets close but find theirs. Use anything you can to your advantage. Val’s expenses are being taken care of, so that money is yours, Noah. Use it in any way that will help you, bribes, buying secrets, even paying for information. Anything to keep Roberto from having a way to hurt you.”
A look crosses Noah’s face, his gaze on the makeshift library me and my mom built when I was in middle school and took a heavy interest in criminology.
When he looks back at us, I can see he’s already thinking of a few ways to undermine my father, “Tell me everything you know about Val’s stepbrother.”
THIRTEEN
* * *
‘BROKEN’ LUND
The weekI had to say my goodbyes went by too fast. I spent the time hanging with the guys. I hadn’t planned to tell them in detail about everything, shit they didn’t even know I had a dad. I mean, technically, they knew I had a dad, but I never went into detail about my life with him. Only Noah knew my story.
He knew all my secrets, all my lies, all my flaws…he knew me.
When we explained to Rico and Leroy what was happening, they freaked, demanding us to stay, to run, anything but leave. I wish things could be different, but it can’t, and wishes are for children with their heads in the clouds.
Both Rico and Leroy wanted to join Noah and me in Coventry, promising to lay low and provide back-up if it’s necessary. I found it sweet, and it made me realize that my friends were more than that, they’re family. But Noah and I turned them down, asking them to watch over my mom while I was gone.
Thankfully, they agreed on the condition that I keep them updated and call regularly. That’s a promise I can easily keep. To be honest, I never knew they cared that much. I mean, yeah, they’re almost as close to me as Noah is, but I never realized how much I meant to them.
I drop down on my suitcase, staring at my bedroom with sadness. My mom and I made up, I’m still pissed about things, but like wishes, being angry over something I can’t change is wasted energy. Instead, I focused on learning all I could from my mother. I looked my stepbrother up on social media only to find out the guy has no footprint online. I wonder who he is and what he’s like. Does he know about me or was he kept in the dark as well? My dad used to leave every summer, going on ‘work trips’ but once my mom told one truth, the floodgates of honesty opened wide. It almost seemed like a relief to her.
My father’s summer trips were actually him going back to Coventry to raise his protégé, Rey Calavera. I also learned that my father is the leader of the Calavera Society, the mastermind behind every evil deed committed since my birth.
Mom doesn’t know in detail how one ranks higher within the society, but she said the rumors were that each novice started at the lowest level and was given tasks that could range anywhere from grunt work to premeditated murder—it all depends on which of the council members you’re designated to.
Details of anyone’s deeds are never known to anyone outside of the Council. They guard every secret and sin committed but not because they care for you. No, they keep your confidence because it’s convenient for them. It's a mix of mafia rule and fraternities on steroids.
My phone vibrates in my back pocket, pulling my head out of the storm clouds.
“Hey, Noh.” I say pitifully.
I stand from my suitcase and move to the closet where my favorite flannel hangs. I planned to wear it upon my arrival to Coventry because mom says the people there are presumptuous and snobby as fuck, so I want them to meet the new hood bitch on the block.
“Did you talk to your dad at all again? Did you tell him you wanted me to go?” Noah’s voice sounds like a mixture of anger and confusion.
I stop with one arm in the sleeve of my flannel, “What? No! Of course not. Why?”
“Then how did I just get an acceptance letter from Coventry University?”
My words stay stuck on my tongue, my mind running in a hundred different directions as I try to understand the sudden change in our lives,yet a-fucking-gain.
“I’m on my way over.” I tell him, shoving my other arm into the shirt and heading for the door.
“No, don't. My bitch ass mom saw the acceptance and she’s flipping out. I’ll come over later on tonight.”
“I’ll cut that puta if she lays a hand on you.”
Noah chuckles humorlessly, “I’m a big boy now, I’ll lay her out first.”
A thought occurs to me then, “Wait, didn’t she want you to go to some religio college?”
