Page 50 of Vengeful

"Me, Frankie? Not a clue." I offered an innocent smile.

She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. "Of course not."

I turned my attention back to the chancellor.

"The school board has suggested those activities constitute cheating," the chancellor continued.

A rumble went through the gathered students. Lila turned around to look at me, worry etched on her face. I gave her as reassuring a smile as I could manage. Honestly, I had no idea what this meant either.

"In light of this, the school board has decided to change the location of the trials," the chancellor said.

I released a breath of relief. For a moment there, I thought he'd automatically fail anyone thought to have gone to the trial site. I wasn't sure how they'd prove that, but if there was a will, Brutham would find a way. Hell, Frankie could probably hack all of our phones with her eyes closed.

When the room settled again, the chancellor continued.

"No one will be told the location of the trials in advance." His gaze scanned the room and settled on Lila for a few moments before moving to Chloe and then Joshua of all people. Of course, that was why he was here. This was something to do with him or Reuben. Maybe Caleb too.

"In two days, transport will arrive to convey students and staff to the new trial site. The trials will take place as planned. Depending on the outcome, we may adopt this model for future years. Cheating will not be tolerated at Brutham."

"Hide the bodies next time," Francine told me. "For the record, I managed to get you added to the staff who are going to the new trial site."

I looked at her in surprise.

"Like I said, if at least one of those girls don't survive, there will be carnage," she said by way of explanation. "Don't get too excited, Dane DiMarco is coming too. That puts you both on equal footing."

"I'd rather be a few steps ahead," I said. "If Hunter and Parker—"

She shook her head just slightly. "The chancellor won't allow any students who aren't taking part in the trials. You know as well as I do, they'll find a way."

"They will, with or without the help of any of their professors," I said. "With would certainly be preferable."

"Do you realise how big a favour you'd owe me if I help them?" she asked lightly.

"Name your price," I said without hesitation. "Or better yet, think of it as preventing carnage."

"If I help Chloe and Dane, I achieve the same result," she pointed out.

"I'm sure Joshua would appreciate it if you help his brothers." I watched her expression carefully.

"Do I need Joshua's appreciation?" she replied.

I didn't know how to answer that. "Like I said, name your price. Lila is the right one to back, I promise you that. When she wins, you may not have to worry about picking a side. She wants to make peace between the families. Wouldn't that make life easier for all of us?"

"You make a compelling argument, Mr. Lincoln," she said. "I make no specific promises. It may be all I can do is what I've already done in getting you included."

I knew when I couldn't push any harder. She was at least as stubborn as Lila.

"Thank you, Frankie," I said graciously. "I know you must have had to pull some strings to do that. I appreciate you sticking your neck out."

"My neck is firmly in," she said. "I just did what needed to be done."

"Of course you did." We both knew there was more to it than that, but the gracious thing to do would be to leave it at that.

"Are there any more surprises I should know about?" I asked.

"Without doubt, but nothing I can disclose." She didn't bother to look apologetic. It was what it was. "I can wish you luck though. I have a feeling we're all going to need it."

"Funny, I have exactly the same feeling."

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