Page 38 of A Scandal in Homeroom
I’d already scheduled a meeting with Fitz this afternoon. Now, at least, I had something tangible he would want to know.
I also had a new lead. One I knew Heath had very purposefully given me.
The question was, why?
* * *
Later that Night
Reen
I was lyingon my bed when my phone alerted me I had a text. It had been a week since Locke and I had exchanged so much as a word, but it didn’t stop me from wishing it was him.
Which is why my heart shot up straight into my throat when I saw the message.
Locke: We need to talk.
Me: I didn’t think you were speaking to me anymore.
Locke: Funny, I thoughtyouweren’t speaking tome.
That sort of could have been true.
Me: What do we need to talk about?
Locke: I have a lead on something related to the List. You were right. Coyle was of little use. I need more information. I think you have it.
Shit. He’d talked to Coyle. Did that mean he knew about the game? Coyle wouldn’t be so stupid as to offer an invite just because someone wanted one? Locke was an unknown quantity with a now sketchy reputation for duping teenagers.
Everybody knew about the melatonin.
Coyle was stupid, but he wasn’tthatstupid. Locke would be a risk to the game. He had to know that.
Me: Why do you think I have information?
Locke: Because you’re answering all my questions withaquestions. Irene. WE NEED TO TALK.
Me: Stop shouting at me.
Locke: Then stop being difficult. I’m sending you my address. Come as soon as you can.
Me: You want me to come to your house? Tonight?
Yes, I realized there were a number of question marks in that statement.
Locke: My brother is out for the night. We’ll have privacy.
I blinked a few times.
Me: You want me to come to your house, tonight, where we’ll be ALONE?
Locke: I think we both know sex is off the table, so you can’t be worried about that. What else are you scared of?
Me: I’m not afraid of anything.
I typed the words before I thought about it. They were instinctive.
Locke: Good. I’ll see you soon.
