Page 107 of Racing Hearts

“How about we take a little walk and then go in together? Just two survivors?” she suggests.

I nod, and we walk through the parking lot, taking in the night air. “How’s your father? I don’t know what will happen about his care now that he’s in jail,” I say.

She laughs bitterly. “Don’t worry about it.”

My eyebrows draw together again as we stop before a black Mercedes. “What do you mean?”

“He died last night,” she replies. She looks distraught, but there’s something in her eyes—something that puts me on edge.

“I’m sorry to hear that. He was very ill?—”

“Death happens every day,” she remarks, her voice strange as she steps closer. “You know that. You’re like me.”

“Like you how?” I frown as I step back. There is something inside me warning me that something is wrong.

“Determined to get what you want, strong, a survivor . . . smart. I like that. I knew you were the one.” She smiles, and it’s wicked, one I haven’t seen on her face before.

“Look, Clarissa, I think I should go back—” I step past her, freaked out. I don’t know what her problem is, but she isn’t the same woman we met at her house, and I’ve had enough crazy for tonight.

Something sharp stabs into my neck, and I whirl, my eyes wide as I stumble back. There is a needle in her hand. I try to run, but my legs give out, and I hit the pavement.

“I knew you would be mine the moment I saw you.” She grins. “You’re perfect and just what I wanted. Tonight didn’t go as planned, but that’s okay.” She leans down, rubbing my cheek.

I try to slap her away, but my body won’t work.

It’s too heavy.

“Shh, it’s okay.” She wipes away a tear I didn’t even know I spilled. “I’m here now. Everything will be okay.”

I stare up into her eyes, finally realizing what’s wrong with them.

They are cold, empty, and dead.

The last thing I hear before whatever drug she gave me takes me is my name being called from far away.

Alek.

ALEK

“I can’t find Evan.” I pant as I burst back into the waiting room where everyone is. Our driver escorts are on the way. Most of them were diverted to the school and the fire.

“What do you mean?” Lally asks, standing. “He was right outside?—”

“He isn’t there.” I know I’m panicking, my eyes wild, but something is wrong. I know it. I couldn’t find a trace of him; he’s just gone. He wouldn’t do that to me or us, not after tonight.

A bitter laugh fills the air, and we all turn to the cell we have been studiously ignoring. Ford sits up from the bench, his hands cuffed together as he leans casually into the bars. His eyes linger on Alice for far longer than I like, so I step in front of her.

“She has him now. You’re too late.”

“What are you talking about?” I snap.

“Don’t listen to him. He’s fucking insane,” Skylar interjects. “Come on, I’ll help you find him.”

His laugh comes again, chilling me to the bone, and the hair on the back of my neck rises. “If you want answers, then come here.”

“Alek—” Sky tries to stop me, but I step closer, unafraid as I face him in his cell. He’s just a man, nothing more.

“Who has him?” I demand as I grab him through the bars, ignoring the shouts as I slam his face into them. He hisses but grins. “Talk!”

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