Page 728 of Filthy Elites

Kelsey’s anger left quickly. Emotions were too high, and she should not have thought the worst. “Could it be a memory stick or something like that? We need to call the police.”

“No! You can’t. He said that people would come after us if we did. Graham said if I didn’t give him what he was after, others would come and kill us.”

Kelsey shared a glance with Adrian before turning back to Janie. “We won’t for now, but we need to go through everything to see if we have something we don’t know about. It has to be from the team house.”

Adrian stood. “You girls can’t stay here until we resolve this. You can stay with me. I have two bedrooms. It’s old with peeling paint and wallpaper, but it’s clean. I’d feel safer if we’re all together.”

Janie shook her head. “I’m going home. I can’t do this here anymore. There are too many bad memories. I’m taking off the rest of the semester and then I’ll decide what to do about the spring semester.”

Kelsey hugged her friend. “Don’t leave. We’ll fix this. It will be fun again.”

Janie pulled back. “I love you, Kels, but I can’t stay here anymore. There isn’t anything left for me here. Things are going good for you and I’m happy. You have a good guy and things will work out. Just not for me. I need to start over.”

Kelsey had tears in her eyes. “I’m going to miss you.”

“We’ll still get together and you’ll always be my best friend. That won’t change. Promise.” Janie squeezed Kelsey in a tight hug and then winced. She was really hurting. “I’m going to pack.”

Kelsey watched Janie until she closed herself in her bedroom. Adrian was there to take Kelsey into his arms. “It’ll be okay. She’s had it rough and needs to heal physically and mentally. Give her some time.”

“She’s not going to come back to school here.”

“Probably not. Maybe a new school will do her some good.”

“She’ll have a hard time transferring.”

“Nah. I know someone who might be able to help. We’ll see what she wants to do after she’s better.”

Kelsey nodded.

“Everything will be okay.” Adrian hoped he was telling the truth.

TWENTY-THREE

Calling for Reinforcements

After Janie left,Kelsey and Adrian worked to clean up the huge mess in her apartment. “I’m glad you suggested I stay with you. I don’t want to stay here alone. It won’t be the same without Janie.”

“It’s not safe for you either.” Adrian shouldered her huge duffle bag and messenger bag full of her clothing and personal items. “We need to figure out what we’re going to do next. I think Greg and his brother, Graham, are both involved.”

Kelsey’s eyes grew round. “His brother’s name is Graham?”

“Yeah. There is no way that’s a coincidence.”

“I agree. What could they be after?”

Adrian brushed a piece of hair from her face. “I don’t know, but we can’t wait around for them to attack again. Let’s go back to my place and we’ll come up with a plan.”

Kelsey nodded and picked up the handle of her suitcase. She had unzipped the extension on the case and filled it to almost overflowing. Luckily it was a rolling bag. It would have been too heavy to lift. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m not going to classes today.”

“I was going to mention that so I’m happy you came to that decision on your own. I’m not letting you out of my sight until this is done.” Adrian moved toward the door. “We can come back to get more of your stuff later. Let’s get you settled.”

Kelsey gave her place a last long look before closing the door and locking it. Things were never going to be the same.

* * *

Adrian stared at his phone.He knew he should press the button to make the call, but he wasn’t sure if he should.

If it had just been him in danger, he wouldn’t be reaching out. He had Kelsey to consider, and he would do anything to keep her safe.

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