Page 84 of A Voice In Chains
At the mention of that movie, I groan long and hard, and face forward again. “Don’t mention that movie. It’s the one with Jared, right? The guy from that popular TV show where they hunt monsters? Fuck, Amy made me watch it so many times, I was ready to break up with her for that reason alone.”
Ryan just laughs. “Then you know Jason survives. Like aways. Think about it. The weapon under the couch cushion is the metaphorical machete to the chest. It could be enough, fuck it should be, but if Jane is anything like Jason, she’ll return in the final scene. We needed to go Queen of Hearts on her arse.”
“Has your mother ever told you that you watch too much TV?” Harrison asks.
“Once or twice.”
“What if Arkin reads the messages? Do you realize what that could do to him?” A sick feeling churns in my gut at the thought.
“You said yours remain undelivered, remember? Chances are Arkin doesn’t have his phone anymore. Besides, you want her back in prison, right?”
“I do,” I murmur, my thoughts racing. “I didn’t know you had Arkin’s number.”
“Of course I do. We both do,” he adds, gesturing between him and Harrison.
“Whatever,” I mutter distractedly.
Could Ryan be right? Does Arkin not have his phone anymore, and is that why he’s not receiving my messages? They’ve gone undelivered for months, so does that mean his phone is switched off?
“We killed Jason. That makes us geniuses,” Ryan says proudly, tearing me from my thoughts.
It has started to rain, so Harrison turns on the wipers, which swish across the windscreen as he drives away from the curb. “You need to get laid, Ryan.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Our last drill is a two-touch passing. Let’s go. Beckett, you’re up first,” Coach calls out.
I position myself near the center and receive a sharp pass from Ryan. My left foot absorbs the impact, and I quickly send the ball to Harrison on my right, who passes it back without hesitation. The rhythm picks up as teammates rush forward, calling for the ball.
“Come on, stay focused!” Coach claps.
Football boots pounding the grass, heavy breaths, and sharp kicks fill the air. I sprint to intercept the ball, welcoming the burn in my legs. One more pass, one more run. When the shrill whistle finally echoes across the field, a collective sigh of relief spreads through the team.
“Good work today,” Coach shouts. “Hydrate, stretch, and get plenty of rest ahead of tomorrow’s match.”
Harrison jogs over and claps me on the shoulder. “Party at Hornby’s tonight. Are you coming?”
I wipe my face with my football shirt and grab my water bottle, bumping knuckles with one of my teammates on his way past. Swigging the water, I shake my head. “Not tonight.”
Harrison puts his hands on his hips, still catching his breath. “Are you sure? You’ll miss out on an epic party.”
“I’m sure.”
We set off toward the changing rooms. A group of girls wait outside, wearing next to nothing in this chilly weather. I can’t wait to get out of here. If I’m being honest, I’m not in a good headspace these days. Harrison and Ryan invite me to parties, but I don’t have it in me to pretend anymore. Pretend I’ve moved on.
The last time I tagged along to one of their parties, I had to peel the chicks off me.
Thankfully, Amy has backed off, so there’s a positive.
Harrison pulls me to a stop. “You can’t keep living like this, bro.”
“He’s right,” Ryan says, catching up to us. “When was the last time you hung out with us.”
I open my mouth to argue, but he snaps his fingers shut in a ‘be quiet’ move.
“Dude, I love you, but you’re boring as fuck these days. Arkin wouldn’t want to see you like this.”
“Did you just say you love me?” I pull a face.
