Page 11 of Heartless Legacy

Chapter 5

Holden

My phone buzzes on the bed, beside my suitcase. I flip it over, skimming over the text from Finn with a name he wants me to track down. How many names has he sent over the last few weeks? He’s like a fisherman catching and releasing bloody bodies. I’m worried that if we don’t get a lead soon, there won’t be any more bodies to release.

Finn’s spiraling and I’m the only one around to deal with it. He’s not the only one of us walking the line. There’s something going on with Pax. Something besides his newly manifested love affair with bourbon whenever he’s out in public.

I suspect the drinking happens in private too. Neither Finn or I have talked to him much since he stabbed us in the back. I waited for him to come to me and explain why he did it. The explanation and visit never happened, and the more time that went on, the less interested I became in hearing his excuses. Outside of league events, I spend my time at home, in front of my computers, searching for a needle in a haystack. I just need one tiny thread to follow, to figure out where Thea went. If we find her, Finn and I can still follow through with our plans. There’s no reason for us to be stuck in miserable marriages.

Looking around my bedroom, I take stock of what else I want to pack. I’m moving back on campus this weekend. It feels weird knowing Thea’s room is empty. Last year, it was weird that someone moved in.

God, I wish I could go back to those early days, start over, and have more time with her. I drop into the chair in front of my computer with a thud, and start a search on the name Finn gave me. It’s probably another long shot, but we’ve agreed to follow every lead, no matter how stupid.

The front door sensor flashes on my monitor. I pull up the camera feed, which reveals Malcolm on our doorstep. The front door swings open, then I hear voices in the hallway as they travel deeper into the house towards my father’s office.

While the search is running, I pass the time, by working on a computer coding issue for a job I’m doing for SMVM0St33l. The search beeps, alerting me that one of the identification types I flagged on Finn’s lead from last week has been located. He used his credit card in Dubai last night. I’ll search backwards from there to see where he was when Thea fell off the grid.

My stomach picks this moment to remind me I haven’t eaten all day. I’m surprised Hayden hasn’t come up here to check on me. She’s good about making sure I have food and fluids, so I don’t waste away. I head down to the kitchen for a snack to hold me over until dinner. As I’m walking back towards the stairs, snack in hand, the voices in my father’s office get louder. I can see Malcolms shadow through the partially open office door. His voice is thick with disbelief when he says, “This isn’t business as usual, Parker. I’m part of your Trium, and you’ve sworn your allegiance to each and every member of The League. We’re above bureaucracy and red tape. Or have you forgotten thatthisis the point of us, of what we stand for?”

“I understand what you’re saying, Malcolm, but this isn’t about my oath or my loyalty to The League. I honor both of thedecisions I made every day. But I also took an oath for my job, and I can’t use my work resources for a personal favor.”

“This isn’t a personal favor, Parker. You’re the director of the field office here. Isn’t it your job to investigate this sort of thing?”

“It is, but I can’t help unless you can tell me who your source is, and I can speak to them myself. I can’t commit federal resources based on third party notification of a potential crimepossiblybeing committed at Grand Luxe Resort.”

“As I’ve already explained, they won’t speak to you. They’re afraid of getting caught by the very men they’d be reporting on. This person’s life may be at risk. It was a risk even coming to me.”

My dad sighs. “I get that, but if this is a valid tip, then they need to go to the police or the bureau office and file the report themselves. If the information proves truthful, we can put them into protective custody until the trial, then Witness Protection afterwards.”

I quietly slip back up the stairs. Malcolm’s leaving as I settle back in front of my computer. His usual scowl deepens as he reads something on his phone. I hope whatever’s upsetting him continues to ruin his day for a long, long, time.

Chapter 6

Pax

Iheft my gym bag onto my shoulder and pop out the handle on my suitcase, wheeling it through the doors of Vale Tower. This is the start of my senior year at Canyon Falls University. I should feel excited, my body bursting with nervous energy because I’m one step closer to the next chapter of my life. What I feel is empty. As empty as the fourth bedroom on the tenth floor will be this semester. Last week, Eloise went behind my back and tried to get assigned to our floor. Thankfully, the registrar’s office learned from their mistake last year, and has it locked down in their system as unavailable once again.

I use the private elevator to my floor, so I don’t have to deal with anyone. I do not know if Finn or Holden have come back to school yet. Entering my room, I drop my bags by the door, too emotionally drained to even take them to my bedroom to unpack. I sink onto the couch, hissing when I my back makes contact with the backrest.

My father sent me off with a parting gift. He convinced four guys to challenge me to a fight for some bullshit reason. In truth, it was to punish me for driving out to Rockridge and trying to see Thea. That’s double the number of people who challenged methe first time I asked about her. I’ll fight a hundred times more until I get proof that she’s okay.

The only reason I’m going through with this marriage charade is because of her, and if my father’s gone back on his end of the deal and is letting the staff abuse her, then I won’t hesitate to break my end of the agreement, too.

Gingerly, I move to sit on the edge of the couch when I hear footsteps in the hall. They pause in front of my door. Will they come in? We’re back on campus and we’ll have to interact, to present a united front, like always. The footsteps move away and I hear two doors slam shut.

Sitting back again, I exhale, slowly rotating my shoulders and trying to ease the stiffness in my neck and back. Their distance is for the best. As much as I’m doing this for Thea, I’m doing it for them, too.

My phone chimes. I pull up the message from Holden’s dad to the three of us. I read his customary back to school message, letting out a ragged breath.

Parker

Welcome to your senior year. The challenges and temptations you’ll face, and the decisions that are made, will test your bond.

Your name’s make you great. Your individuality makes you strong. Your friendship makes you unstoppable.

I am proud of the men you are and excited for the men you will become.

The next text comes in from Finn’s dad. It has just one line.

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