It was the same words Drake had said to me the other night at the gas station. I thought it was just an odd coincidence until he continued, “All you had to do was give me a chance and hear me out, but no. You were too fucking good for me...”
I had no idea how he’d gotten access to the school’s intercom, but I didn’t take it as a good sign. To get there meant he’d gotten past not only Braylon and Timms, but Widow and his prospect Jackal as well, and that thought terrified me. I was frozen with fear. All I could do was sit there and listen to Drake’s insanity. “That was a mistake that’s going to cost you dearly.”
As I sat there in the pitch dark, I thought about everything Drake had just said and was riddled with guilt. I should’ve known that there was a reason why he’d shown up at the Manor looking for me that day. He was getting a lay of the land, which explained how he knew exactly where to find us. He must’ve used the fire as a decoy to lure us away just long enough to get inside. I couldn’t understand how he’d gotten past all the security cameras. Not that it mattered now. He and his people had infiltrated us, and it was my fault. I’d tried to be careful and watch my back, but clearly, I’d failed miserably, and now everyone at the Manor was paying for my mistake. The thought consumed me with regret as I listened to Drake growl, “It’s time to face the music. Come out of hiding, or I’ll put a bullet in your buddy’s head and finish him off.”
“No! Don’t!” Braylon shouted. “Stay where you are!”
“Don’t be a stupid bitch. Come out or he’s as good as dead. It’s your choice.”
“Kiersten, don’t!”
There was a loud burst of static, and then the microphone clicked off, leaving me spiraling with doubt. I knew I couldn’t sit there and leave someone I cared about to die—even if it meant putting my own life in jeopardy. I took a deep breath, trying my best to calm my racing heart, then forced myself out of my hiding place. With Braylon’s gun in hand, I crept down the dark aisle of the classroom. When I made it to the door, I eased it open and stepped into the hallway. I’d only taken a few steps when I spotted Widow across the hall. His weapon was in his hand, his finger on the trigger, and he had a fierce expression on his face. He saw me but didn’t speak. He simply shook his head, warning me not to go any further.
I knew he was trying to protect me, but I couldn’t stop. I had to get to Braylon, so I mouthed, “I have to help Braylon.”
He shook his head once again—more sternly this time, but I didn’t heed his warning. Instead, I continued forward and prayed I could get to Braylon before Drake did something we’d all regret. Cautioning me yet again, Widow hissed, “Goddamn it, Kiersten. Don’t take another step.”
“I’m sorry, but I have to do something.”
“Jackal is headed that way. Just go back and hide like Braylon told you!”
“I’m sorry. I can’t. I just can’t.”
Without giving him a chance to say anything more, I rounded the corner and continued towards the office with Braylon’s gun at my side, trying my best to conceal it. When I made it up front, Braylon was no longer lying on the floor. All that remained was a small pool of blood, which only added to my terror. I stepped toward the office door and entered, only to find that the room was empty. I knew they’d just been there. They had to be close, so I opened each of the closets and the private bathroom, but there was no sign of Drake or Braylon.
I stood still, wondering where they might be when Jackal came charging into the room. While he had the same intense expression, he and Widow were polar opposites. Where Widow was older with a beard and a tall, muscular build, Jackal was young and handsome with light golden-blond hair and a slender frame. Without saying a word, he raced toward me and tossed me over his shoulder, then charged out of the room. In a blink, I was face down on the floor, and Jackal was piled on top of me. I had no idea what he was doing until a loud explosion erupted from the office, and debris flew through the air.
I realized then that Jackal was using his own body as a shield, making sure I wasn’t harmed in the explosion. I lay there for several moments, thinking he’d move once the dust settled. He didn’t. He remained perfectly still even when I whispered, “Jackal ... Jackal?”