Page 12 of Twisted Legacy

Chapter8

Deacon

It took a few days to make the arrangements, but we’re finally in an ambulance heading towards our new location. Thea had several more episodes. The doctors haven’t been able to find a physical cause for the spike in her blood pressure and heart rate. So they settled on a psychological one. She’s having nightmares and panic attacks. I don’t have a medical degree, but I already knew that. The more people in the room, the more stressed out and agitated she becomes. Her mind is fighting, even if her body can’t. The only thing that seems to help keep her calm is LJ talking non-stop. I finally convinced her to go home and pack a bag, since she’s coming with us. The caveat is that once Thea wakes, LJ has to go back to classes.

We both know she’ll be pissed if her friend messes up her education because of this. I’m on the spare gurney in the back of the ambulance with my eyes closed, going over my checklist in my head. The kitchen of wherever we’re going is supposed to be fully stocked to limit our interaction with anyone from the outside.

We didn’t tell anyone we’re moving Thea. Not even the school. Until she can tell me who’s not involved in her attack, everyone is a potential threat. We’ve also left Thea's and LJ’s phones behind. Scott and Moira are staying in Canyon Falls, but I have a burner phone they can reach me on.

“Are you sure I can’t have my phone, Coach?”

“I’m sure if anyone comes looking for Thea, you’ll be the first person they use to get to her.”

“Why, me? Why not her aunt and uncle, or you?”

“If anyone’s gonna keep track of her, it’ll be you. You’re clingy, like that.”

“I’m not clingy, I’m concerned.”

“They’ll notice you missing first and rightly guess that you’re probably wherever LaReaux is. Since her aunt and uncle have already contacted the school once about her being gone, it’ll be easier for them to pretend she woke up and signed herself out of the hospital without telling them. As for me, nobody cares where I am. I’m the asshole Physical Enhancements instructor. I’d never waste my time babysitting a student.”

“Your family’s in security, right?”

“Yeah. But I’m not, and I’ve been very vocal about not joining the family business. That’s why I’m whipping entitled brats into shape at C Falls University. Besides, I take breaks all the time. I’ve been overdue for one, and since it’s almost the end of the semester, nobody will question where I went. Even if they do, they won’t suspect it’s to a safe house to baby-sit chatty princesses.”

She snorts. “Oh god, please let me be there when you call Thea a chatty princess to her face.” Her next question isn’t so cheerful. “Why would somebody do this to her?”

“You’d have a better idea about that than me.”

“You see her in class. You train her. Thea minds her business, and despite what lies the Zeta Nu’s might be spreading, she doesn’t go out of her way to bother people.”

“She’s not in the habit of making friends either, but you’re right, Breland. Whoever did this was working through more than just an angry little spat.”

She sighs as if she was hoping I wouldn’t confirm Thea was attacked. “They canceled classes for the next few days, but the school’s saying it was a sorority prank that went too far. Nobody’s gonna ask anymore questions once the official ruling comes out. She won’t get justice.”

“Don’t worry, Breland. If I know anything at all about LaReaux, it’s that she doesn’t need an official investigation from the school to get justice. She’s her own little avenging angel.”

The safe house is a townhouse in Palisades Shores. It’s been a while since I’ve driven through this town. It’s more upscale than I remember. Then again, it could be the side of town we’re on. I’m not here on vacation so unless there’s a reason for me to go across town, I won’t get to see firsthand if the gentrification extends beyond this area.

The medical transport company and nurse gets Thea settled into the master bedroom. LJ takes the one right next to her, and I’m at the end of the hall. It’s still early evening, so I inspect the grounds while LJ unpacks her stuff. Our neighbor across the street has a dog that barks every time a car drives by. That’s a useful early warning system, and annoying if he does it all night. There’s not much to see on my short walk. This is a newer neighborhood. The entire block of houses behind our street is empty.

When I get back inside, LJ’s glaring at the fridge. “Something in their making you mad?” I ask.

“I can cook basic stuff. Spaghetti, Mac and cheese, microwave a pizza.” She waves at the freezer. “None of that’s in here. Why are you looking at me funny?”

“I’m a little surprised to hear that you cook.”

“Thea started teaching me when The Trium messed with her dining hall account. We started with the important stuff. Carbs.” She waves her finger at me. “There’s some suspects I know the school wouldn’t even consider.”

I push her to the side, pulling steaks out of the freezer, and things out of the fridge for a salad, and find potatoes in the pantry. “I’ll take care of the steak and potatoes. You do the salad.” She pales when I say, “And tell me why you think The Trium could be to blame.”

“It was a joke.”

“Maybe, but there’s a reason behind it, and you’re gonna tell me what it is.”

I’m just stepping out of the shower when Thea screams. It’s a blood curdling sound filled with anger and pain. LJ pops her head out of her room and rushes towards Thea’s. I pull her behind me, entering first. “Someone screams you don’t go running in first, Breland!”

“It’s Thea and nobody’s here but us.”

---