Page 58 of Surge

Chapter Nineteen

It turned out my car wasn't stolen, it was repossessed. It was almost laughable what was happening to me.

It had been a week since they'd blackmailed Aiden, and we were waiting for the next thing to happen. I had managed to find contact information for Trident Industries and sent an email detailing what their sons had done to me. There had been no response.

It was our first stay-late for yearbook since we had a deadline approaching for a portion of the fall sports and activities. I was impressed with the work Jax had done so far, considering he was new to the program we used to design the yearbook.

"Food's here." Ashley came to stand in front of my computer as everyone except Jax got up to go to the adjacent classroom to eat. "I need your money if you're going to eat."

"I brought something to eat." I didn't look up from my computer as she continued to stand on the other side of it. "You can go now."

"Come on, Jax. We're having sushi. I know it's your favorite." She sauntered out of the room and I rolled my eyes.

Jax clicked out of the layout he was on, learning his lesson from when I unplugged his computer and swiveled around to face me. "You've been bringing lunch every day. A peanut butter sandwich and pretzels."

"How do you know or even care?"

He stood and crossed his forearms on the top of my monitor, staring down at me. "Where's your car?"

I didn't answer and made sure to click save on the layout I had open. "It's none of your business."

My chest tightened and I fought the urge to flee. The last thing I needed was for Jax to know that I had absolutely no money. The few thousand that had been in the envelope Mr. Nguyen had given me had gone toward the bills that were necessary like gas, electric, and cell phone. Food was way more expensive than I thought, and I'd rather spend less than a dollar a meal than have sushi or cafeteria food.

"Any word from your mom?"

"No." I gulped back the sudden urge to cry. It had crossed my mind a time or two that they might have done something to her, but after the letter it was clear something bigger was going on.

"So, where are you getting money?" Jax was still leaning on the computer monitor.

I finally looked up at him and worry was etched in his features. Why was he worried? He hated my guts.

"I'm waiting on a judge to approve my extenuating circumstances." I covered my face. "Fuck. Now he's probably going to go on a leave of absence."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Detective Wilson and Mrs. Miller both conveniently went on leaves of absence with no return dates once I involved them with this." I moved my hands, not caring that tears were streaming down my cheeks. "I don't know where my father is and he doesn't care about me. Why are you ruining my life?"

"We didn't-"

"Forget it. You know what? I'll just see if I can finish my senior year online or even just get my GED." I logged out of the computer and stood. "Go enjoy your sushi."

"Riley."

I stopped at the door and looked back at him. "Fuck off, Jax."

I was grateful he didn't follow me. I started walking toward my house. It was about five miles and I needed the time to think. The sun was just setting, but I felt fairly safe walking home along the busy streets and highway.

I was about a mile into my walk when a black Maserati pulled over. I groaned in frustration and kept my eyes straight ahead.

Blake rolled down the passenger window as I was passing. "Hey! Get in."

I glared at him and continued on. I didn't want a ride from anyone, especially him. The car rolled up along the shoulder next to me.

"It's almost dark. You shouldn't be walking alone." He stopped ahead of me and got out partway, leaning on the roof of his car. "Did you hear me?"

I stopped and tightened my grip on the strap of my bag. "Yes, I heard you. I don't want a ride. Especially from you. Leave me alone."

He cursed and then jogged to catch up with me as I began walking again. "I wasn't giving you the choice." He stood in front of me, blocking my path.

---