As Zion was unlocking the front door, both their phones beeped.
Rowena’s throat closed up. What if it was bad news? The news she’d been fearing since they discovered Emmett missing.
Zion arched a brow and checked his phone.
“What is it?” Rowena couldn’t bring herself to look at hers.
He didn’t meet her gaze. “It just says to check social media.”
It had to be bad. Worse than Atlas’s video.
She turned and threw up in the bushes.
Zion wrapped an arm around her, then guided her inside. The walls seemed to melt into the floor.
She found herself sitting on the couch. How had she ended up in the living room?
“Do you want me to look first?” Zion asked.
Rowena pressed her palms on either side of her head to get the room to stop spinning. “I don’t know.”
He swallowed. “I will.”
She took deep breaths as he slid his finger around the screen. What were they about to see? Their son begging for his life? Something far worse?
Her stomach twisted and lurched again. She covered her mouth and managed to keep her food down.
“Um…” Zion stared at her, his face paling.
“What?” Rowena demanded. It would be a miracle if she could keep her food down again.
“There’s another video. This one is of Emmett.”
“Is he okay?” She grabbed for the phone.
“I haven’t played it yet.”
“Has it gone viral, like the other one?”
Zion just nodded.
Rowena said a silent prayer, begging for strength.
“Are you ready for me to play it?” Zion’s expression tightened.
She wasn’t sure she’d ever be ready, but she nodded anyway. What other option did she have?
He held out the phone so they could both see it. The video’s thumbnail showed Emmett in a chair, surrounded by darkness. He had a black eye and a busted lip.
Rowena gasped and tears stung her eyes.
“Are you sure you want me to play this?” Zion asked.
“We don’t have any other choice.”
“I don’t have to play it.”
“As much as I don’t want to see him hurt, we do have to watch. It could be a message to us. Or a demand for ransom. In fact, I hope it is. I’d pay anything to get my boy back!”
Zion put his arm around her, then started the video. It took a moment to load.
Emmett stared at the camera, but it felt like he was looking right at Rowena.
The image shook as the person holding the camera let their hands wobble. It came back into focus. Emmett rubbed his jaw and took a deep breath. “I’m supposed to say some things that will hurt people I care about. Something that would hurt my parents. Things that would destroy the marriage of the people I consider my second parents. Things that would ruin my best friend. I can’t do that.” He took a deep, drawn-out breath and rubbed a temple.
Rowena pressed pause and stared at Zion. “What is he talking about? What would hurt us?”
Zion shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“Is it your voodoo?”
“Let’s just listen to the rest of this video.”
“If your superstition actually worked, don’t you think Emmett would be back by now?”
Zion played the video.
Emmett’s eyes shone with tears. “I would be set free if I do as I’m told, but I’m not going to sink to that level. So, now it’s up to all of you to come clean if you want to free Atlas and me. You know who you are and what needs to be said. Please.”
The video cut to black and was over.
“No!” Rowena pressed play just to hear Emmett’s voice again. She turned to Zion after it ended the second time. “Is he talking about your voodoo?”
“I don’t know what he’s talking about!”
“Well, you won’t let me into your office and you know how I feel about that. How I’ve always felt.”
He scowled. “It’s not superstition! It’s real, and it’s part of my family’s tradition and value system. It doesn’t hurt anyone.”
“So, you admit to it? You’ve been doing it all this time?” She swallowed back the lump in her throat.
“No! Only when needed. When things are outside of our control—like this! Emmett needs protection that we can’t provide. Especially now. He’s not taking his antidepressants, which means he’s not only dealing with an abduction and physical violence, but also the harsh withdrawals of a medication that needs a slow weaning process.”
“How would you know? Is that something else you’ve been hiding from me?”
Zion’s mouth formed a straight line. “No, there isn’t.”
“I hope not. For the sake of our son.”
30
Brielle Harrison
* * *
Brielle leaned against the tree and slid to the ground. She wasn’t completely out of sight from others, but this was about as close as she was going to get while on school property.
A group of kids ran by, yelling and laughing at each other.
How could everyone carry on as if everything was normal? Atlas and Emmett were missing, and it was like they didn’t even care.
Maybe they didn’t. Emmett and Atlas weren’t their best friends. They might not have ever even talked to them. But still, couldn’t they have a little respect?
Brielle sighed and watched other groups in the distance. Most everyone was going on with life when she had to endure this whole thing without her besties. Sure, she had Topaz and the twins but it wasn’t the same. Atlas and Emmett were the ones that she always told everything to, and she hadn’t been able to say a thing to either of them.
After a minute, she pulled out her phone and watched the video of Atlas. Her chest tightened seeing him like that—scared and begging for his life. It just wasn’t him, and he’d have been mortified to know that video was the one that had made him famous, and not one from his and Emmett’s channel.
Her phone buzzed with a text.
Scarlet: Where ru?
Brielle: Outside. Thinking.
Scarlet: Don’t want lunch?
Brielle: Not really hungry.
Scarlet: Did u hear about the video?
Brielle: I told u about it.
Scarlet: No! Not THAT one.
Brielle: What are you talking about?
Scarlet: There’s one of Emmett.
Brielle: What?? Are you serious?
Scarlet: Yeah. Violet puked after watching it.
Brielle: That bad?
Scarlet: He’s kinda beat up.
Brielle: Kinda?
Scarlet: U should just watch it. Want me to join u?
Brielle: No thanks. I feel like being alone.
Scarlet: OK. If u change ur mind, LMK.
Brielle: Will do. Thanks.
Brielle took a deep breath before going back to the videos. She quickly found the one Scarlet was talking about. It was trending.
Well, Emmett and Atlas had wanted viral videos. This just wasn’t the way they’d imagined. Not even close. Hopefully, they’d come back safely then be able to make videos they wanted that would go viral.
Her stomach tightened as she watched the video. Seeing Emmett beaten, both physically and mentally, made her sick. It just wasn’t right. He was so strong. Such a positive guy. Sure, he had his demons. The depression, for one. But he still always managed to make the most of every situation.
He didn’t look like he held out much hope in the video. Not that she could blame him. She had no idea how she’d react in a situation like that.
“Whatcha watching?” Trevor Parkway stood just a foot away, his arms crossed and his head tilted.
“Video of Emmett.” She wasn’t about to explain it.
“Those two deserve what they got.”
Brielle’s cracked her knuckles. “Shut up.”
“It’s true.” Trevor stepped closer. “They’re so
full of themselves.”
“No, they’re not.”
“They wanted to get famous online, and now they have it.”
Brielle rose to her feet and stared him down. She couldn’t really deny that, especially since she’d just thought the same thing. “Doesn’t mean they deserve this. They don’t.”
“Those two would’ve done anything for fame. Now they have it.”
“They didn’t want it like this, and you know it.” Brielle stepped forward. “So, shut your mouth.”
“I’m just speaking the truth.”
“Keep that up, and people are bound to think you’re guilty.”
Trevor arched a brow. “You think I’m dumb enough to let that happen?”
“You’re dumb enough to mouth off to me—their best friend.”
He shrugged. “The police have interviewed me multiple times because of my past altercations with Atlas.”
“Altercations? You tripped and shoved him.”
“The cops cleared me as a person of interest.”
Brielle put her hands on her hips. “You should consider yourself lucky when you so obviously hate them.”
“Just Atlas.”
“But you said they both have it coming.”
“They do.” Trevor nodded. “They’re so stuck-up. Emmett thinks he’s all that because he gets the lead in every school play. And Atlas because of computer skills.”
“You’re jealous of him. Maybe if you’d have tried being his friend, he’d have helped you. No way he will now. Not after all the crap you’ve pulled.”
Trevor stood taller. “I don’t want to be his friend.”
“Pride comes before the fall. He could’ve helped you, and I’m sure he would’ve. But I can’t see that happening after humiliating him.”
“Don’t care. And besides, he might not come back. He could get himself killed.”
Brielle slapped him across the face. “Don’t say that. Don’t even think it! They’re coming back—alive and well. Maybe a little beat up, but they’re coming home. Everything will return to normal.”
He rubbed his cheek. “You seriously think that? After all this?”
“Yes, I do. They’ll be back, and once everything settles down, it’ll be like this whole mess never happened.”
“I never took you for a Pollyanna type, but that’s what you are if that’s what you think.”
She wanted to slap him again, but kept herself under control. “Take that back.”
“Why do you care?”
“Because it isn’t true. Any of it.”
He rolled his eyes.
“You want another handprint to match the one you already have?”
Trevor stepped back. “Not really.”
“Then stop talking smack about my friends. My best friends.”
He took a deep breath. “Fine, I’ll stop. We’ll just have to agree to disagree.”
Anger surged through her and she clenched her fists. “It’s not that simple.”
“It’s not?” He wrinkled his forehead and stepped closer.
“No, it’s not.” She took a step toward him. Their noses nearly bumped.
“Why isn’t it simple?”
“You’re saying my best friends deserve abuse. Actually, this is worse than abuse. It’s torture.”
“Karma’s a—”
She covered his mouth with her hand. “Don’t say it. They don’t have it coming!”
Trevor stepped back and burst out laughing.
“You think this is funny?” Brielle glared at him. “You’re a monster.”
He choked back his laugh and stared into her eyes. “No, I don’t think this is funny. I think you are.”
Brielle balled up her fists again. “Seriously?”
Trevor closed the gap between them again and cupped her chin in his palm. “You’re funny and beautiful. You make my head swim and my heart flutter. Can we please agree to disagree?”
She closed her eyes and pressed her lips on his. He wrapped his arms around her and returned the kiss with a fiery passion. All of her worries and fears melted away and she relaxed in his embrace, grateful for the reprieve from the pain.
Whistles and catcalls sounded from not far away.
“Get a room!”
“No! Let us watch!”
Brielle reached around Trevor and grabbed his backside before pulling away. She took in his baby blues, trying to ignore her throbbing heart.
His hand rested at her side. “This probably doesn’t look good. Atlas’s best friend making out with his archenemy.”
She pursed her lips. “You’ve been nice to him this year.”
He traced her mouth with his fingertip, making her pulse race. His stare made her weak in the knees. “I’ve only held back because you asked me to. Trust me, he’d have ended up with a face full of food had you not.”
Brielle caught her breath. “You’re such a jerk.”
“You’re the one who just kissed me.” He smirked.
“The heart wants what it wants.”
The bell rang, indicating they only had a few minutes to get to their next classes.
Grumbling sounded all around them.
Trevor swept his lips across hers. “See you after school?”
“I’ll text you. Violet’s having a breakdown because of Emmett’s video.”
“Can’t her sister be her moral support for once?”
“She is, always. But some things require more friends. And this qualifies.”
He grumbled. “Just don’t be too long, okay?”
The corners of her mouth curved up. “I kind of like it when you beg.”
Trevor harrumphed. “I’d hardly call this begging.”
She kissed the tip of his nose. “Whatever you want to tell yourself.”
He thrust out his chest and he shook his head.
Brielle grabbed her things, then took his hand and pulled him toward the school. “Come on, or we’re going to be late.”
“You sure we can’t meet up after school for just a little bit?”
“Like I said, I’ll text you. It all depends on Violet.”
“Those James siblings are always getting in the way of what I want.”
“You’re so dramatic. I didn’t say I wouldn’t see you. You just have to wait.”
“Whatever.” He held the door open for her and gave her a quick kiss. “See you when it’s convenient for you.”
“You’re such a baby. Consoling Violet is hardly convenient. I’m the one doing everything for everyone else—setting up the vigil, making the fliers. When has anyone tried consoling me?”
He cleared his throat. “I can think of one person, but you keep pushing him away.”
“I’ll text you.” She brushed her lips across his, then headed for her next class.
Trevor was the perfect distraction, but as soon as she walked away, the heaviness settled over her again.
31
Lila James
* * *
“Would you stop that pacing?”
Lila turned to Morgan, irritation stabbing her like tiny knives. “We need to go to the police! How did you talk me into coming home?”
He adjusted himself on the couch. “Because I need my rest after being shot.”
“You’re resting now. I’ll go to the station.”
“I’m not sure that’s the best idea.”
She tightened her upper lip. “And why not?”
“We don’t have any proof.”
“I’d say we have more than enough! She has his coat, Morgan. We might not be able to get it, but she can’t keep it from them.”
“You think she still has it?” He shook his head. “She either burned it or trashed it or dumped it somewhere as soon as we left.”
“I should’ve grabbed it!”
“No. We did the right thing. She asked us to leave, so we did. Had we not, she could’ve come after us for harassment.”
“That’s what you’re worried about?” Lila excla
imed. “When she’s done something to Atlas?”
“We don’t know that.”
“Nobody else has more motive than her! I’m going to the station, and you can’t stop me.”
Morgan pinched the bridge of his nose. “Would you listen to me? What worries me is that she might be innocent. If she is, this kind of an accusation could ruin her career.”
“Now you’re worried about her, all of a sudden?”
“We just need to think.”
“I have been! Everything points toward that floozy! That predator. She’s an adult in authority over the kids in her care. It’s her responsibility to protect them, not to groom them into a relationship with her.”
Morgan drew in a deep breath. “And if she’s not doing that—”
“Then she can prove it herself. That’s not our job! If she knows where the boys are, that’s all I care about. I’m done arguing. That teacher can clear her own name if she’s innocent.”
He pushed himself off the couch. “I’m going with you.”
Lila froze in place. “But you need your rest.”
“And you need my support. I’m the one who spoke with Ms. Johnston and put it all together. I should be the one to tell that story.”
She struggled to find her voice. “Really?”
Morgan nodded. “We’re in this together. Will you give me a minute to change out of these sweats? They’re not going to take me seriously if I walk in wearing these.”
“I doubt they’ll care since you just got out of the hospital.” She helped him up the stairs, then sat on the bed as he pulled off his sweatshirt. Struggled to get it off, actually. “Let me.”
“I can do this.”
“Oh, stop being a prideful dog.” She jumped to her feet and reached for his sleeve.
He chuckled. “Prideful dog? I haven’t heard that in a long time.”
Lila couldn’t help smiling at the rusty memories. “That’s what you and Ellis used to call each other when you were working out together.” She studied his chest and let her gaze linger down to his waist. It looked like Morgan hadn’t given up the gym despite his hectic schedule. It had been a long time since she’d noticed.
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