Page 200 of Heartless Legacy

“That’s your problem. I know how you say you feel, but you need to get to work on letting Thea know how you feel about Thea.”

“I’m trying.”

“Don’t try. Do. And go big with it.”

“We’re on our own with this.” Deacon says for the umpteenth time, meaning there will be no guards accompanying us on this trip.

“I know, I know.” I roll my eyes at him. Geez, he’s so anal about this. “We’re here because we’re following up on clues for the team building challenge and if we get caught, we don’t want anyone accusing Thea of violating the oath of secrecy.”

“She hasn’t broken it.” I remind him, “The guards don’t participate in league challenges and if they did, I wouldn’t give a shit.”

Deacon repeats my words. “Iknow.That’s why I haven’t evicted you yet.”

“From our apartment?” I snort. “Good luck with that.”

“Thea’s apartment. Hers is the only name on the lease.”

Staring at him, I point out, “You’re talking about paperwork and legality. One phone call will fix that.”

“Not this time you entitled little shit, and don’t even bother trying to test that theory.”

I study his face and body language. He seems awfully certain that a bribe won’t get me what I want. “Did you already bribe the leasing office not to update the paperwork?”

He walks off instead of answering me, and I can’t press for answers, because the person we’ve been waiting for is finally here.

“How’d it go?” I ask as I approach Holden and the rest of the group.

“It’s still quiet on campus. If any of the other teams have figured out their clues, they’re keeping it to themselves.”

Taking charge, Deacon says, “Alright. We’re on the clock. Everyone knows what they have to do?”

We confirm we know our jobs, then exit the parking lot in five-minute increments, each heading to a different location. Pax is heading to the bar, because his tattoos will stick out near the garden party crowd. Holden’s on library duty. I’m heading to the small college campus, and Deacon and Thea have the fun part of our outing. They’ll be strolling around town and getting lunch.

She looked adorable in her sweater dress and cardigan ensemble. Paired with sneakers instead of boots, it’s stylish but also practical for all the walking around she has to do. I’m dressed in a hoodie and jeans to blend in with the other college students. In the off chance someone else from Canyon Falls is here, I don’t want to be easily recognizable, so my signature beanie is tucked away in my backpack. I might forego wearing it more often because Thea’s fingers seem to find their way into my hair more often. She gives great scalp massages.

“Hi. How can I help you?” The secretary asks, smiling up at me.

“Hello. I certainly hope so. I’m in town visiting for a few days, and I know I probably should have called first, but I was wondering if there’s anyway I could join a campus tour. My parents are moving here and they’re having trouble of letting go, so I promised to at least consider transfer options.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, we don’t have a tour scheduled for today. It’s our spring break and campus is empty right now.”

“I understand. From what I’ve seen so far, I can tell it’s a beautiful campus, and everyone seems friendly. The people I passed on my way here and on campus were smiling way more than I’m used to seeing back home. My mother says this town is pretty special.”

“It is. We love our town and the faculty and students take great pride in our campus.” She pauses a moment, then says, “You know, if you can wait a bit, I might be able to find someone to show you around. It won’t be an official tour, since the academic buildings are closed. But you could see the campus, gym, residence halls. The things that the students still have access to.”

I give her my megawatt smile. “That would be amazing.”

Pax answers the door to room 315. I drop my backpack by the couch and continue through to the adjoining room, where Thea’s flipping through a magazine on the couch.

“Were’s Deacon?,” I ask.

“He went to the gym.”

“For a workout?”

“Yes, and to get some gossip about the town. Gyms, hair salons, barbershops, and the farmer’s market are always top tier sources of information in small towns.”

“What about Holden?”

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