Page 90 of They're Watching You

She and Jane might’ve been able to buy their way to freedom, but everyone knows about their former extracurricular habits. Not long after the police shut everything down, the local paper printed an exposé, naming the society members currently at the academy—students and faculty. They also dropped some names of former members. The list included politicians, a private university president, a pharmaceutical company owner, a film director—even the princess of a small island.

All of these accused members issued statements of denial. But I heard the pharmaceutical company owner and the director made considerable donations to charitable organizations shortly after the exposé was printed.

I know they’re out there. I can only hope that since the local police chief was fired, Remington, Jordan, and I will be safe here until graduation.

One thing is certain. I will not be stepping foot in those catacombs again. I knew the tunnels were old. I never fathomed they could be as old as the ones in Paris. Apparently, they were constructed gradually, over the course of half a century. Investigators are still down there, digging, uncovering secrets—and bodies—the society managed to conceal for ages. I don’t think even Gavin knew the half of what had gone on before he took over. He doesn’t have to worry about any of that now that he’s in prison.

I called him over the summer. Not because I was worried about him, but to ask about his sister. He thinks as long as he stays loyal—meaning he refuses to give up more names—the society will continue to help her. He still believes they care about him, that they’re family.

And he still thinks there’s hope for us. That I could somehow love him after all the suffering he put me through.

“Seriously, how are we going to sneak you out of here?” I ask Remington.

“Um,” he says, twiddling his fingers, “dress me up like your tall new roommate?”

I glower. “I’ve decided I like living alone.” It’s not completely true; Jordan and I have talked about rooming together next semester There aren’t many people I trust enough to share a bunkbed with these days.

But I trust her. I’m not sure she and I will ever have the tight friendship I once believed I had with Polly. After everything we went through, though, Jordan and I have grown close. I betrayed her—sacrificed her to the society for Polly’s sake—and she saved my life anyway. She saw past the allure of the society, past my shortcomings, and did what was right. She’s loyal and brave in a way Polly never was.

“Ooh, I’ve got it. Don’t sneak me out.” He lifts his scarred eyebrow, and I punch him. But he takes my arm, tugging lightly.

“I hate you, Remington.” But I let him walk me closer.

“I know.” He slides his arms around my waist. “We’ve come so far from the days you used to think I was going to tie you up and abandon you to the cult.”

I lean in and press a finger to his lips before he can ruin the moment any more. “Maybe by the time our next five-month anniversary rolls around, I’ll only strongly dislike you.”

He grins up at me, drawing me closer still. “May the gods grant your request.”

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