Page 229 of Heartless Legacy

I drop my mask in the dumpster as I pass, unzip my jacket, and switch out the hat I’m wearing for a baseball cap, beforestepping onto the sidewalk, blending in with the crowd on their way to the game.

I can’t wait to see the Predators play. Austin’s dad arranged for us to meet the players and rented the sky box. I’ve just passed through security when my phone rings. “I’m sorry I missed the meet and greet LJ, but I’m here now. I’ve just passed security. I’ll be up there by the time they throw out the opening pitch, so save me the fake water works.”

“Her tears are very real, my girl.”

I stop in the middle of the crowd, oblivious to the people bumping into me as they’re forced to go around. Somehow I find my voice even though I want to collapse into a ball of tears in the middle of the ramp. “Where is she?”

“Exactly where she needs to be. Exactly whereyoushould be. She’s not as strong as you -so I’m not sure how long she’ll last- but we’re making strides, just the same.”

Moving out of the way of the crowd, I hiss, “I’m gonna kill you.” I’ve never said the words with such clear intent before. I know I’m capable and would if it came down to it in a fight, but he’s not in front of me. This isn’t a kill or be killed scenario, and yet I know in my bones that I’m going to kill him.

Lazarro laughs. “Before you get to that, I have a game for you. You like games, don’t you? It’s a game of choice, and while I hear you’re not into choosing, this time you must. Behind one door, I have sweet breakable Layla Jean, who the doctor has taken quite an interest in.”

I’m gonna kill him too. His death will be the slowest. Rushing to the skybox, I scan the room, but LJ’s not here. Spotting Austin, I wave him over and put the phone on mute. “Where’s LJ?”

“She left with Damon twenty minutes ago. She wasn’t feeling well. She didn’t text you?”

I shake my head and hold up my finger, stepping back outside to finish the call. “Where is she?”

“Now, now. Don’t you want to hear who’s behind the second door?”

“Nope.”

“Really?”

“All I want is proof that you have her.”

“I’m calling from her phone. That’s proof enough.”

“That’s just proof you’ve been near her. I need to see that you have her and that’s she’s alive.”

The call disconnects and I let out a breath. Refusing to give him an answer is a gamble, but stalling for time is my only choice right now. Every extra second gives me time to come up with a plan.

“Thea?” I turn towards the sky box door. “What’s wrong?” Austin asks, stepping into the hall. “Is LJ okay?”

“I haven’t talked to her yet.”

“You’re upset about something. What is it?”

“I- I’m sorry. Something just came up and I need to go.”

“Okay, I’ll come with you.”

Shaking my head, I say, “You can’t.”

All my friends know I’m a prospect, but they pretend they don’t. Austin doesn’t even question why I’m leaving and he can’t go with. He gives me a quick hug and says, “Be safe. Call me later.”

I tip my head but stop short of agreeing. I don’t know what later’s going to look like. Riding the elevator back down to the ground floor, I try to workout the timeline.

LJ was with Austin for the meet and greet, so Lazarro had to have grabbed her somewhere between here and campus. Someone must’ve seen something. He sends me a sixty-second video clip of LJ strapped to a chair. The doctor stands behind her, writing something in his book.

Tears track down my face, and I want to scream, but when LJs number flashes across the screen, I calmly ask, “What do I need to do to get LJ back?”

“You turn yourself over to me, and for the next forty-eight hours, you do what my top five bidders request. If you survive, I’ll release your friend.”

I want her out of there as soon as possible. “You release her the moment I’m in custody.”

“Why would I do that? I need assurances that you’ll comply. She stays for the first forty-eight hours.”

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