Page 142 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

“Beatrice-Rose gave me the code. It’s not that hard to sneak into the building. The guards in the building are dumb fucks.”

“And the drugs in Mr. Lockhart’s car?”

Justin looked down at the floor. “I need some water. I’m thirsty.”

“You can drink your spit until you’ve told us everything we need to know,” Clooney said.

“You fucking owe me,” Justin yelled as he glared hatefully at me. “You had me suspended from that fucking school, booted off the team, took away my friends. I had to do something to get back at you, didn’t I? You spoiled, rich fucker.”

“Did Beatrice-Rose ask you to plant the drugs in Mr. Lockhart’s car?” Clooney asked.

Justin let out a derisive laugh. “Beatrice-Rose wouldn’t hurt a hair on Lockhart’s head if it was up to her. She’s as obsessed with him as his other bitches. It was my idea to plant drugs in this asshole’s car. Damn great idea too. He went to jail, didn’t he? Did you have a good time?” he sneered, then chuckled. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you, rich boy?”

“What about the drugs in Ms. Strafford’s purse at the party last night?” Clooney continued.

Justin started hooting with laughter. “That was her idea. Beatrice-Rose is going to kill your bitch. You know that, right? She’s fucking insane. Last time I talked to her, she said she’d wipe your girlfriend off the planet. Now let me out. I told you everything.”

“You’re going to prison. I’ll make sure of it,” I promised.

Worried and shaken, I wanted to hear Red’s voice to reassure myself that she was okay. I’d stand guard outside Kara’s apartment before I let anyone hurt her. But when I searched for my phone, it wasn’t in my pocket. I ran out to look in my car. No phone. Where the hell was it?

I went back inside the station and asked if I could use their phone, but when I dialed Red’s number, there was no answer.

She was fine. Her phone was just probably on silent because she was having a good time with the girls.

But I couldn’t stop the warning ringing in my head. Heart knocking against my chest, I called information for Kara’s phone number and dialed it.

“What do you mean, where is she?” Kara slurred, her voice rising. “She said you texted her. That you booked an appointment with the real estate agent tonight. She was on her way to meet you. What the hell is going on, Caleb?”

A chill ran up my spine. “Kar, what time did she leave?”

“More than an hour ago. What’s going on?”

“I can’t explain right now. I have to go.”

“Wait! Caleb! What—”

Frantic, I found Clooney and the constable. I gave them the addresses of the three houses Red and I were due to see on Friday and told them to alert the authorities for a possible kidnapping. They might not take action since Red hadn’t been missing for more than twenty-four hours, but I knew my mom had connections. I called her quickly. She didn’t ask questions. She heard the urgency and fear in my voice, and that was enough for her to do what I asked.

I slid into my car and stepped on the gas. I was speeding, but I didn’t care. I needed to get to her.

Hold on, Red. I’m coming.

Halfway to the first address, I stepped on my brakes. Something didn’t feel right. Like I was missing something… The car behind me blasted his horn. How did Beatrice-Rose know about the addresses? My mom could have told her. I should have asked if she had.

But I remembered the disturbing look on Beatrice-Rose’s face when I saw her outside the house I was looking at earlier today.

I might be wrong, but my gut was telling me to go to that house instead. If something happened to Red… I floored the gas, praying to God I wasn’t too late.

Chapter Thirty-five

Veronica

Icy fear flooded my veins as I stared at the gun pointed at my heart.

“Not so feisty now, are you?” Beatrice-Rose sneered.

My eyes flicked up to her face. There was a look of wildness there, of insanity.

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