Page 286 of Blood & Betrayals

“I guess. No one’s ever told me, including Luke, and his brothers don’t seem to know.”

“You know, something is interesting about this account,” the stranger says.

“More interesting than the fact it’s a stalker page for the headmaster?”

I hear his fingers striking rapidly at the keyboard. “This page was created ten years ago, but Luke just started here, right?”

“Yes, he’s first year.”

“So, who was running it before?” I hear the frown in his words.

“I don’t know, but I can’t worry about that right now. I’ll need to talk to Luke and then the headmaster.”

“What are you going to say to him?” he asks.

“I’m going to ask him about the account, and I’m going to ask him about the comments on the posts. If he’s been deleting any.”

He takes another deep drink. “Should be interesting. I can’t see what’s been deleted, if anything, but I think there’s more.”

“Are you enjoying this?”

“What?”

“Me needing your help.”

“What makes you ask that?” he asks, and I can tell he is holding back a chuckle.

“I can hear it in your voice.”

“Am I so transparent?”

“Please tell me you’re aware of the irony of that statement.”

He laughs. “Maybe.”

I drop onto the couch again.

“So what else has happened? I can hear the edge in your voice,” he asks, his voice softer than I’ve ever heard it but still laced with danger.

“Besides the murder?”

“Besides the murder.”

Should I open this with him? I don’t want to fight with him. I want to keep enjoying our conversation, but it would feel good to talk about the stuff with Connor, and Alice still isn’t home.

“It’s about Connor,” I warn. “Are you okay with that?”

“Yes,” he says, but I can hear his voice tighten.

“He… almost broke up with me today.”

“Why?” he asks, sounding even more tense.

“He found out I was the target.” I exhale heavily, rubbing my face.

“You hadn’t told him?”

“I was trying to protect him. It was stupid, I know.” I shake my head. “You know, it’s funny. He’s the first person who’s ever loved me. He even has a fucking engagement ring, but I?—”

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