Page 7 of Misconduct & Manipulation

“Not even a little,” he deadpans. “How familiar are you with the Scorpio Society?”

Normally, my answer would’ve been guarded, no one of sane mind would willingly discuss their knowledge about the society unless they were speaking amongst people of whom they trust explicitly.

“I know enough,” I replied, doing my best to sit up in the bed. A dull pain sliced through my shoulder and ran down my arm, making me cringe, but I pushed through and glared at Johnny. “Are you telling me that’s who shot me?”

He bit the inside of his cheek, remaining silent.

“Right,” I sighed. “Well, then, let me ask you this, is the Scorpio Society responsible for the disarray of your face? Because they’re one and the same, aren’t they?”

Again, he remained quiet which only irked me more.

“I’m going to take that as a yes.”

“Take it however you wish,” he replied. “I’m not here to confirm or deny your suspicions. I’m here because I have a proposition for you, one I believe could benefit us mutually.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Thanks, but I think it’s time for me to cut my losses. Getting shot has a tendency to put things into perspective.”

I might be still feeling the effects of the painkillers, but my statement is true. Yes, I knew the risks in chasing the story and still went after it, but I guess that’s because I had only heard rumors regarding the sins of the society and without solid proof, it’s easy to dismiss that risk. It isn’t until you’re the victim yourself that you realize all those stories you heard are very much true and the risk isn’t just great, it’s catastrophic.

“What if I had a way to keep you safe and give you the expose you’re pining for.”

I scoffed.

“Says the man with two black eyes.”

“I’m serious, Hailey.”

I stared at him for a beat, trying to read him, but Johnny was very much a mystery to me. All I could pinpoint was the fierce look of determination reflected in his eyes and for some reason that was enough to bend my will.

“I’m listening.”

I don’t know what I expected him to say next, but I can assure you what came out of his mouth was notit.

“Be my girlfriend.”

Without even hesitating I reached for call button on my bed. I needed to know what the hell they were giving me for the pain because I was sure I was hallucinating. Johnny knocked the button out of my reach.

“Why don’t you tell me why you wanted to interview me about my father and give me the truth this time.”

I narrowed my eyes. I can’t explain why, but in that moment, I couldn’t lie if I wanted to.

“Fine, I think your father was connected to Cassie Phillips. I don’t believe it was a coincidence that he was murdered the same night she was cut. They were too close. She was tutoring all his students and rumor has it most of those guys on that tutoring roster have deep ties to the Society. I also don’t believe for one second that the baby she’s carrying is Mike Robinson’s. And while I’m at it, I think you know exactly what happened the night your father was murdered.”

“You pay attention.”

“I wouldn’t be a good journalist if I didn’t.”

Wetting his lips, he cupped the back of his neck.

“You’re right, and if you want to know you’ll accept what I’m proposing.”

“You mean the whole be your girlfriend thing…that proposal.”

“Look, exposing my dead father as a vile monster isn’t the story. It’s the prelude.”

“I didn’t know you were an expert.” I sighed.

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