His deep voice mutters something about getting out of this damn maze, and I smile, jogging in the direction of my roommate calling me.
“I’m here!” I yell, and she meets me around the next corner.
“That was crazy!” Her voice is loud and excited, and I look in the direction I came, thinkingyes, it was…
It’s so dark, I can’t tell if he’s still there or if he slipped away. I only know tomorrow can’t get here soon enough.
15
Dirk
They’re gone,and I lean against the hay wall, trying to catch my breath. I need to find Sharon and Pamela, Pamela’s wife, and Amelia, but for a minute, I’m lost in the crack cocaine that is Reanna Lorak.
I’ve always been in control. I’ve never needed anyone. I’ve worked long hours, stayed awake all night, tracked criminals, found missing persons… But I’ve never foundtheperson.
Then she appeared.
I don’t even remember when the change happened. She has me in knots inside and out. She’s beautiful. She’s strong and stubborn, but she’s also vulnerable. When she asked me why I came here with Sharon, my own jealous feelings about her with that shithead Evan were reflected back at me in her eyes.
This has gone too far… She’s a wild card. She’s lethal to my career.
I can’t wait to see her again.
Scrubbing my hands over my face, I’ve got to get out of this maze. Taking off at a jog, I listen closely for the sounds of my party. I go a bit farther, then I shout, “Sharon?”
A few more paces and I jump back as an actor lunges from a dark corner.
“Seriously, dude.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “You could get punched doing that.”
He hisses, not breaking character, and heads back into the darkness. I’ve decided the last job I’d ever want would be “zombie actor” in a haunted house, when I turn and almost head-butt Landon O’Toole.
“Fuck,” I hiss. “Watch where you’re going, Toole.”
Did I just say that out loud?
Yes, yes, I did, and his brow lowers in annoyance. “Professor Winston, are you here alone? Odd choice.”
Not half as odd as you, I do not say.
“I got separated from my party, but are you… alone?” I look behind him, not seeing anyone.
“I’m with my daughter. She’s talking to one of the actors.”
“Didn’t know you had a daughter.”
“I didn’t really see the need to get chummy, since it’s unclear how long you’ll be with us.”
“Is it?” I start to walk, ready to be done with this windbag.
Naturally, he follows me. “Let’s just say I’ve heard some concerning rumors of late regarding you and a certain female student.” He pauses, and a chill drifts down my spine. “Rumors that make me less optimistic regarding your tenure.”
That stops me, and I turn to face him. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Her scent is still on my fingers, the memory of her soft body wrapped around mine, of me bending her forward in the hay and fucking her hard from behind.Did he see us together?
A humorless smile curls his lips. “I’d be lying if I hadn’t noticed her myself. She’s a very attractive young woman, and nothing’s more appealing than forbidden fruit.”
“Just say what’s on your mind, Landon.” I’m ready to punch this guy in the face.