Page 35 of Devious Gambit

“Reckon it’s suicide,” he added.

“Who does?”

“Us guys in the Vault, ‘cos he’s been acting like a fuckwit since his dad was shot and… you know, maybe he thought life wasn’t worth living.”

“Have they found his body?” I asked.

“No.” He pointed to the screen. “So does that guy like the little chick with the long dark hair?”

“That’s Sidney Parker. He’s slowly fell in love with the governess and has finally realized it.”

“Predictable.”

I dropped my mouth open in horror. “Hardly.”

“Guys always go for the nanny,” he stated, “because they’re always in the house. It’s convenient.”

“Sidney doesn’t live in the same house as her and he doesn’t have any kids.”

He tipped the can up again, so I drank some more. “You’re getting a little tipsy already, cheap date. I like where this is going.”

I burped again, this time I didn’t care, because he was right, I was a little tipsy. “Have you found out who attacked that girl?” I asked, boldly.

“No. The police questioned us and got nothing.”

He was giving nothing away. “How many live in the frat house?”

“Twelve. Well, now eleven, but Sweeney associates with other guys beyond those in the Vault.”

“Like who?”

He shot a wry expression and tapped his foot against mine. “Are you grilling me?”

“No.”

“Let me ask you something then. When was the last time you saw your father?”

"I don’t remember ever seeing him. He left when I was two.”

“That’s sad. Have you Googled him?”

“No, I’m too scared to.”

He grinned. “Why? You think you might discover he’s a mass murderer?”

“Correct.”

He held up his phone. “Dare me to Google him.”

“No. Don’t. I’m not ready to know.” I reached for his phone, only for him to hold it arms’ length away from me.

“What are you going to do to stop me?” he smiled mischievously.

“Ummm?” I wasn’t sure what he meant.

“Let me see your tits and I won’t Google your crim daddy.”

I bit my lower lip.

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