Page 30 of They Will Fall

Yeah. That’s what it was. No one even knows I’m out here, so there’s no reason for anyone to come looking.

A few minutes later, I’m feeling hopeful. I’m already a quarter of the way there. I take the phone back out and squeal when I see that I’ve got one bar. But more than that, a swarm of messages flood through. All from the same person…

Your Bestie: Girl! Where the hell are you?

Your Bestie: I’m literally freaking out, Ry. This shit is getting scary. You better call me as soon as you can. If you can and you’re not, then I hate you.

Your Bestie: I don’t really hate you. I could never hate you. But I really am freaking out.

Your Bestie: OMG! Cade’s dad is DEAD!

I stop there. My feet. My thoughts. My movements. Possibly even my heart.

Cade’s dad is dead?

It’s probably safe to assume he didn’t die of natural causes. And if I had to think of one person who would want Cade dead, it would be his nephew, Lev.

My heart splinters at the thought of Lev, not only doing such a heinous thing, but more so getting caught.

I’m mad at him. Beyond livid. But there’s still that small part of me holding on to hope that there’s an explanation for every cruel thing he’s done.

Who am I kidding? He killed Zeke. He killed Cade. He killed three strangers. And he framed me for all of it. Never once attempting to clean up his mess and clear my name. Nope. He just took off and ran to save his own ass, while leaving me to burn.

Karma is a fucking bitch and she's gunning for him.

I just hope she isn’t too cruel.

Stop it, Riley! Stop empathizing with that asshole!

Okay. I’m getting delirious. I need food and water and sleep because I’m literally having a conversation with myself in my head.

I close my eyes and shake away the thoughts then I keep reading Scar’s messages.

Your Bestie: I’m scared for you. This is bad. Very bad. The President of The Society is on his way here. Not one of the Chapter Presidents. THE PRESIDENT of the whole thing. Please be safe.

Your Bestie: He’s here. Neo snuck out and listened to a couple of The Elders gossip and they have no suspects.

One final message…

Your Bestie: Seems no one really gives a damn about Cade’s dad. They are still too concerned with finding you. I’m deleting all these messages. Please respond when you can.

My heart sinks into my stomach. What if they think it was me who killed Cade’s dad? They already think I killed Cade. Why wouldn’t they assume I would just keep going?

I quickly type her a response before continuing on my way to BCA.

Me: I’m safe! I’ll tell you where I’m at soon. But please send one of the guys to your parents’ cabin. Maddox is tied up in the basement. I suggest Crew or Jagger. Neo would probably just leave him there. I promise I’ll explain later.

I hit Send. We’re only about thirty minutes from the university, so they shouldn’t take long.

I glance back at the phone to make sure it sent, but it’s going too slow.

A minute later, still sending.

“Dammit!” I blurt out, and at the same time, I hear footsteps.

Not animal steps. Actual human footsteps heading straight for me.

I hurry over to a nearby bush and crouch down, remaining as still as possible.

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