Page 5 of The Vipers' Vow

“There’s no sign of him here,” Saint says. “And he clearly hasn’t left in his car—not that it’s in much of a state to drive.”

He shoots me a look, but there’s still that hint of admiration in his eyes.

I spot something on the back seat and reach in to pick it up. “It’s a box of baking soda,” I say in confusion.

Saint takes the box from me and turns it back and forth, as though hoping it will provide answers. “Empty. He must have used it all on the upholstery.”

Which means he was here,Zane types on his cell.

“Yes, he was,” I agree. “Also, did you notice how the back door was standing wide open? If he was here trying to save his upholstery, why the hell would he then leave the back door open for the rain to get in?”

Feet crunch on gravel behind us.

“Hey, are you looking for your brother?”

I only vaguely recognize the guy speaking. He’s some kid that I’ve seen around a few times but not part of any group I’ve ever spoken with.

“Yeah,” Saint says. “You seen him?”

The guy nods, his expression serious. “He’s the reason the sirens went off. I saw some guys in suits throwing him in the back of a car and driving off.”

Fear condenses like ice inside me. Someone has taken Lex, and I’m pretty sure we know who. It can’t just be a coincidence that I’ve been talking to Jarl Olsen. What if Lex has been hurt, and it’s all my fault? What if he dies? The thought of Saint living without his twin, and us without Lex, is unbearable. I hate him, but I care about him, too, so I guess that means my moral compass is as off kilter as Saint’s.

“How the fuck did a vehicle get past security without being noticed?” Saint snarls, his fists clenching.

“It didn’t,” I point out, “or we wouldn’t have heard the sirens.”

“How long ago was this?” Saint asks the kid.

“Not long. Thirty minutes or so. Right before the sirens went off.” The guy scuffs his foot in the gravel.

“Have you told anyone else about this?” I demand.

He shakes his head. “No. I know you guys are like … well … sort of … you do your own thing. I thought I’d find you first and tell you.”

“You did good,” Saint says, his voice barely controlled. “But you can’t tell a soul. If we find out you have, Zane here will play punch bag with you. Got it?”

The kid holds his hands up. “Hey, I just came to do you a favor. I won’t say anything.” Then he adds, “Good luck finding him.”

Saint looks like he’s about to punch the poor guy just for existing at those words. He must realize this, as he quickly makes his excuses and scurries off.

“So, Jarl Olsen has taken Lex,” I say. “Why? What does he want?

Punishment,Zane types.If he believes that me, Saint, and Lex are responsible for his daughter’s death, I’m guessing he wants payback.

“But why now?” I ask. “She’s been dead for more than a year.” Both heads swivel in my direction, and I widen my eyes. “I didn’t do or say anything. I swear!”

But I’m doubting myself. Did I say something that instigated this? Was it just that finding out about my existence prompted Jarl Olsen into taking action?

“Shit,” I say. “How much distance could they have traveled by now?”

Saint blows out a breath. “Not far. Jarl Olsen must be staying somewhere nearby. If he’s been moving between wherever he’s been staying and the college.”

Zane types furiously on his cell.There’s no way we’re going to find out. It’s impossible. He could be anywhere.

I think of something. “We can contact him. Angelica was able to. That’s why he came here in the first place.”

Saint scowls. “Angelica is nothing but trouble.”

---