Page 11 of What Happened on Roslyn Street?
He seems to realize how bad I am at directions, and I need to defend myself. It’s a matter of survival. The last thing I want is to seem like someone who can’t find their way around.
“I know,” he says. “I’m using you for your map. I thought you would have gotten that by now.”
He’s not wearing a name tag, I realize. How peculiar. The rest of the students at orientation had one.
“In that case, the least you can do is give me your name.”
I should ask what he is, but I’ve already made up my mind. If vampires are real—and they are—this man is one of them. He is the embodiment of too many young adult vampire movies, a walking cliche.
“Ah, I suppose you’re right. It’s only fair.” He squints at the map before gracing me with an answer. “Caldwell.”
“Caldwell,” I repeat, giving him a look of disbelief.
“Yes?” He opens the door. “That’s my name. You asked for it. Did you forget already?”
“I wasn’t expectingCaldwellto be the answer.”
“Well, it is.” He gestures vaguely. “And this is your building. Go on.”
I step in and hesitate, holding out my hand. “My map.”
He presses his lips together as he hands it to me. “I was hoping you would forget.”
“That’s too bad. Good luck finding your way.” Without another word, I turn on my heel, leaving the strange man behind.
It’seasy to find the lecture hall now that I’m in the building. After walking straight for a few minutes, I stumble upon the right room.
Professor Cruz is teaching media theory. This will be the first time I meet one of Margaux’s parents.
I pause with my hand on the door, unsure if I’m ready for what lies ahead. If Margaux is a dhampir, is her father one as well? Or is he one of the turned vampires she talked about?
It doesn’t matter. Either way, I can’t trust him.
“Tobey!” The voice comes from behind, and I turn slowly, facing a smiling Amelia. She gasps. “Are you attending Professor Cruz’s lecture?”
I force a smile. “You, me, and the dozens of other students in there.”
“How fun!” She steps inside. “Come on. We can sit together!”
Ordinarily, I would appreciate having a friend by my side, but nothing about my presence at Strode is ordinary. I need to be detached and observant, but I also want answers. Having a friend as sociable as Amelia may be useful.
“Good idea.” I follow her inside.
Dark oak desks are lined up, and woody incense wafts through the room. Professor Cruz is at the head of the class. The lecture halls are smaller, with far fewer students than I’m used to.
Usually, I hide in the back and focus on my studies, but that isn’t an option here, especially when Amelia sits right in front. It’s an intimate setting, which makes it easier to stand out… and to memorize the faces.
I can see the resemblance between the professor and Margaux. He has her dark hair andbrown skin, and he carries himself in the same graceful, confident manner. His smile is warmer than hers—surprisingly so.
He gives me a brief nod as I sit next to Amelia.
As Amelia unpacks her bag, she whispers, “Professor Cruz is a total hunk.”
I wrinkle my nose. “I am going to respectfully disagree.”
“Really?” She giggles. “Everyone thinks so!”
It’s hard to think of him that way, considering he’s a bloodthirsty vampire… and Margaux’s father. He already has two things going against him.
