Page 49 of Cruel Legacy

“Thank you, sir.”

“I wanted to touch base with you on the student on your floor. Tessa Lawrence wasn’t it?”

“Theona LaReux.”

“Right. LaReaux. What have you learned?”

I don’t even know why he’s wasting his time on this. He’s got more pressing shit to concern himself with. For example, the incident that happened after last year's induction ceremony. The council put this year’s induction planning on hold, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Whoever is in charge of finding answers is dragging their feet. I’m sure everyone knows what happened, and they’re just looking for an appropriate pansy to pin it on. They need to get an official statement out soon, before someone, thewrongsomeone, starts digging into it. Until they close this review, nobody can move to the next stage in their indoctrination. The second years can’t become thirds, and the prospects can’t become official first years.

But instead of focusing on the thing that’ll hold us back, he’s got me shadowing the bitch. “Truthfully sir, I’ve got nothing.”

His eyes slit. That’s not the answer he wanted to hear. “It’s been weeks. How don’t you have a single drop of intel you can share, outside of what she eats for breakfast?”

“The information I’ve given you is all we’ve been able to find.” His face says it all. I’m such a disappointment. “It appears it’s as I thought. Her dorm assignment was a mixup. One that can’t be changed until next semester, unless you think it’s prudent to make some calls. I’m sure there would be no problem getting her room changed should an alumni express concern about it.”

“I can’t make any overtures or get involved.”

Bullshit. He loves to get involved. He likes to butt his nose into everything. “I don’t understand why not.”

He stares at the wall, then faces me with a pensive look on his face. “I didn’t want to say anything until I knew more, and perhaps this conversation is a little premature, but after what I’ve learned, I think you should know. It’s why I wanted to speak to you alone.”

“Okay.”

“What I’m about to tell you is of the most sensitive nature. Do not share it with anyone. Not even your Trium until you get proof.”

“Understood, sir.”

“There have been whispers all summer. Really, as early as last winter that there are some unaffiliated parties looking to infiltrate The League. Of course, we’ve heard these stories for years and nobody’s ever been able to do it, but…”

“But you think it’s finally happening?”

“We’re a solid society. It’s hard to come straight at us, but an incendiary tactic would be to elevate someone to a position they are not owed or deserving. Placing them in our midst and having them form alliances with future league members and their companions.”

“You think Thea is this person?”

“I think it’s quite strange that the school would make such a grievous error and do nothing to rectify it or compensate the families who suffer from their mistake. The fourth room in Vale Tower is a symbol of a previous power structure. It’s the holy grail for legacy families hoping The League will one day appoint a new line to that position. You don’t just put people in that room like it’s overflow.”

“Agreed.”

“Good. I knew you’d understand. So dig deeper and be vigilant. If she’s part of this faction we’ve been hearing about, she’s dangerous and can’t be trusted.”

He stops me when I move towards the door. “There’s one more thing, son.”

“What’s that?”

“You never let the fox stay in the henhouse while waiting to prove it’s a fox.”

“You want me to push her out?”

“You’re head of your Trium, and the people on your team are lead prospects. If I have to explain everything, then the position is wasted on you.”

With that parting shot, he walks out of the room first. It’s always a power play with him, but he’s a powerful man, respected and successful. He’s smart and good at making deals. He’s shit at communicating with me as his son, but he’s not wrong in what he says.

If Thea is a part of this threat, she has to go. We can’t let her stay in Vale Tower or our school and risk disrupting the tradition that our community is built on.

When I step into the hallway, I can see Finn and Holden have drifted closer to the door. I walk through it and catch their attention, letting them know I’m ready to leave. They reach me, but as we turn to exit, our escape is thwarted by Kristoff Johns, my father’s heart mate. The guy he was paired with when he was a second year prospect. Your heart mate is your primary confident, a perfect opposite to your strengths and weaknesses. I’ve called him Uncle Kristoff for as long as I can remember, but I haven’t seen him much in the last few years.

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