Me
go ahead
I shut and lock my door, then flop onto the bed.
“What did you find out?” I ask when the phone rings.
“Rowan isn’t good. I’m genuinely concerned about him. He’s acting like he’s on something.”
“Onsomething. Like what?”
“I don’t know, but he’shigh. And has thathere, but not herelook.”
Unsure why she’s so focused on him, I shake my head. “Okay, but did you find out what was at the scene of Julien’s murder?”
“Yeah. He gave me the vial. White, milky stuff. It was Somnovara. Used for surgeries. Fast-acting, fades quickly. And if someone were to give it through a needle, it would last even less time than that. So I’m asking my mom if she knows someone who can look into the remnants of what’s left in it without alerting Northview.”
“That drug alone wouldn’t kill him?”
“Unlikely unless mixed with other central nervous system depressants…alcohol…or other substances?—”
“Ones we don’t know about because there wasn’t an autopsy.”
There’s a pause, then, “As per usual.”
So many missing and dead students at Northview. So many unknown reasons.
“Thanks, Scout.”
“Yeah, I’m in this now, too. I’ll keep you updated if my mom finds out anything at the hospital.”
The moment I end the call, Aiden rings, and I hesitate, but answer.
“Baby girl, where are you?”
“I’m at home.”
Frigid silence stills the voice on the other end. “No, you’re not. I’m athome, and you’re not here. I had errands to run and needed to step out to take care of some things, but I came to check on you…”
“I’m at my parents’ place,” I say flatly, waiting for the fire to ignite.
“Okay.” His tone says the opposite.
I light the match. “Were you going to tell me that you own forty percent of my father’s casino?”
Venom laces his words. “I see where this is going…”
“I guess that’s ano, huh?” My face flames molten hot. “Fuck you, Cardell. Seriously. Did you do this all forrevenge?”
“He told you that to make you mad at me. Keep us apart or cast a wrench between us. Don’t buy it.”
He can’t see, but my eyes narrow with suspicion. “So youdon’town those shares.”
He takes a long inhale and says, “I do.”
I get hot all over. “And you’re trying to slip by with it without?—”
“Baby, I’m seriously coming there to pick you up after this…thistaskI have to do. Stay right where you are, safe with your family. Then, I’ll be there to grab you.”