Page 93 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

“Called home, or fired? What makes you think it was the last one?”

Frankie is as confused as the rest of us and Jesse‘s face is grave as he whispers, “I called her.”

“And?” Frankie’s expression is a mixture of anger and interest and Jesse whispers, “She answered and was tearful on the phone. She told me the principal had received reports of inappropriate behavior with the students and she would not tolerate it. She was asked to leave or face prosecution, so you can guess what she chose.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” Jack says with confusion, and Frankie shakes his head. “It wipes the board, but the board is still in place. Now we have no idea if anyone has replaced her or even will.”

“The replacement art teacher, perhaps, or they’ve exhausted their use of Rockwell.”

I speak out loud and Frankie shrugs. “Either way, she’s gone, which makes me happy.”

He nods to Jesse. “We should leave. We’ll be late.”

As they head outside, Jack stares after them with a thoughtful expression. “Since when did Frankie care about being late for class?”

He has a point and I merely shrug. “I’m off to change. I’ve got a free period and am not needed until history.”

I leave Jack to it, but unease hits me hard. Jenna Sloane was a vital link in Christian Duprey’s chain of command and I don’t buy it that he will walk away from Rockwell. It’s a breeding ground for depraved souls and undoubtedly he will already have a replacement lined up.

45

SUMMER

Imogen’s smile doesn’t fade once as I fill her in on what happened to me this weekend.

“I’m so happy for you, Summer.”

I don’t miss the wistful expression on her face, prompting me to ask, “How did it work out with Jesse?”

“Good.” She smiles. “I like him—a lot, but unlike Luca, I think he’s holding something back.”

“What makes you think that?”

We are walking to class and many students pass nearby, so she lowers her voice.

“To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. At the party, he was attentive, sweet, kind and protective even. He couldn’t do enough for me and kept on checking I was okay. He walked me home and told me he would meet me for breakfast and he did.”

“Sounds good. What changed?”

“Nothing really.” She shrugs. “I mean, we met for breakfast and it was easy. We talked all morning and then he kind of disappeared. Something about an art project he had to finish.”

“So, when did you catch up?”

“We haven’t.” Imogen’s smile fades. “I’m not sure if he likes me, Summer. We haven’t kissed much, and he says all the right things but well–” she shrugs. “As I said, he’s distant.”

I say nothing and remember how worried Frankie is about his friend. Something is going on concerning Jesse and I intend on grilling my brother about it, although I doubt he will spill any details – but Cassie might.

I’m aware she is Imogen’s best friend and I may gain more luck bleeding the information out of her, so I whisper, “Ask Cassie. Jesse may have confided in Frankie, and pillow talk is a powerful weapon. She’ll tell you if there’s anything concerning and meanwhile, I’ll do some digging of my own.”

“It’s fine.” Imogen shakes her head. “I don’t want Jesse to think I’m a crazy bitch who is clinging to something that hasn’t even got started yet. I’ll play things cool and if it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

We reach class and yet Imogen’s concern sits heavy on my mind. The way I’m feeling now with Luca, I kind of want that for my friend because it’s the most amazing thing ever and if Jesse is merely playing with Imogen, it’s best to stop things from going any further before she really gets hurt.

I meetup with the rest of the girls at morning break and as we sit at our preferred table in the cafeteria, all eyes are trained on me.

“So, Luca?” Cassie smirks and I grin, causing her to chuckle softly.

“I’m guessing it went well.”

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