Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76298 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76298 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
I laugh softly, almost unable to believe it. Two years ago, Dean Wotherspoon never would’ve thought to blackmail a student into doing his bidding, but the wily little prick must’ve learned a thing or two from me.
“You’re saying the dean owns your ass and you’re doing his dirty work.”
He scowls and nods. “Doesn’t feel good hearing it that way, but yeah, that’s the short of it. And before you say it, I know about your deal with the dean, too. He didn’t tell me any specifics, but I understand that you have something on him.”
“That cocky little fuck. I’m shocked he told you that.”
“He wanted to properly motivate you. That man really hates your fucking guts and he’ll do just about anything to make sure you go away.” His face darkens and he runs a hand through his hair. “I think Kaye’s in trouble.”
I let that sink in. I knew the dean was getting desperate, but Malcolm seems to think it’s worse than I feared. Would Dean Wotherspoon really kill Kaye to try to cover up his mistakes?
It seems like exactly the sort of idiotic move a pathetic moron would make.
Keep digging his hole, deeper and deeper, and hope it all works out.
“You’re going to take me back to Cask and help me get her out.”
Malcolm shakes his head. “No fucking way.”
I step toward him, jaw tense. “Do you want to survive this meeting? You better fucking say you’re going to help.”
He raises his hands. “I’ll help, but I’m not getting directly involved. If you want to get Kaye out, fine. I’ll show you how.”
Some of my anger dissipates. “And then what? The dean won’t be happy that you let her escape.”
“That’s why I’m here. It’s time that fuck get taken down a peg. Preferably down to the bottom of the sea.”
I crack a grin. “Now you’re okay with murder?”
“When it comes to him, absolutely. I don’t like being owned.” His hands clench into fists. “I don’t like being blackmailed by a piece of shit like him especially.”
“Looks like we have a mutual enemy then.”
“And you have the ammunition to ruin him.”
I nod slowly. “Say I do that. Say I make it so that the dean’s no longer a problem here anymore. What happens after? You know he might lash out.”
“We’ll deal with it together.”
“And if he tries to ruin you for the cheating thing?”
“I doubt he’ll do it. At this point, it’ll only look worse, and who will believe him anyway?”
He has a point there. If the dean admits that Malcolm got caught cheating, but Malcolm was never punished, any thinking person will realize what happened.
“All right then. You show me how to get to Kaye, and I’ll handle the dean. We work together on this.”
Malcolm nod to me once. “Works for me.” He approaches and holds out a hand.
I look at him for one long moment than grip his palm. We shake, but I don’t let go right away.
“If you try to fuck me, I’ll end you. Understood?”
“No need for more threats. We’ve got a common enemy.”
I grin and release him. He steps back, putting space between us, and glances toward the cave. “I’ve always wondered what you do in there.”
“Keep wondering.” I point him toward the Jeep. “Get in. I’ll have my people come out and we’ll head back to Calico House to plan.”
“Just make sure that whatever you do, the dean pays for all this shit.”
“Don’t worry. He’ll pay.”
I’m smiling as I shout for the others to head on out. We’ve got a girl to rescue.
Chapter 26
Kaye
One of the Cask guys comes back sometime after the dean’s gone to untie my wrists. It’s not the redhead, thankfully, but this one also gives me a lecherous grin as he does it. “You know, I’ve brought a few girls back here. Some of them like it.”
“I’m not one of them, asshole.”
He shrugs, gives me a water bottle, and leaves, slamming the door.
Time passes. The TV turns to static. I figure out how to restart the Rugrats and I watch the three episodes about six times in a row as the light outside darkens and the sun sets. Cask is quiet—I barely hear anyone moving around in the house above. I keep thinking someone will come for me, someone will give me something to eat, but there’s nothing. The water bottle keeps me hydrated for the most part, but I’m going to be thirsty again soon.
I’m going out of my mind. I’ve never been trapped in a room like this before. It’s too much and I can’t distract myself from the swirling thought assaulting my brain.
Emilio and my sister. Lucy trying to strangle him. The dean knocking her over the cliff. Emilio trying to save her.
Emilio lying to me, hiding things from me.
Fucking me and acting like he gave a shit.