Page 138 of The Broken Note

Dutch pins his dark, threatening eyes on Harris. “Serena was falsely accused and we’re prepared to protest, speak to the media and do whatever we need to prove her innocence.”

“Redwood Prep doesn’t need that kind of negative attention,” Miller says.

Harris is sweating hard. “She’s just a scholarship student. Isn’t that what you said Miller?”

“She’s notjusta scholarship student. She’s one of us, and we want her back. Reinstate her. Today.” Dutch’s words are harmless, but his tone is clear. He’s not really giving Harris a choice.

Harris’s mouth trembles. “Since when were you working so closely with students, Miller?”

“I don’t think that’s the question that needs answering.” Miller adjusts his expensive tie and folds his hands over his knee. “Get the girl back in school, Harris. She’s suffered long enough.”

* * *

Jinx: The Royal Request That Turned Into A Coup

Mere mortals know to step out of a queen’s way when she’s on a rampage and Cinderella made the ground shake on her way to the government office.

Who knew our quiet and reluctant princess could make such a ruckus?

But a Queen of Hearts is nothing without her King of War. To fulfil Cinderella’s greatest desire, Prince Charming forged an alliance with an enemy.

Turns out love can bend a royal’s heart, but is such a sacrifice enough to win Cinderella over?

Only time will tell.

Until the next post, keep your enemies close and your secrets even closer.

- Jinx

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

DUTCH

Miller squints his eyes as I walk him out of Redwood Prep and into the sun. He stops in the doorway and stares out at the sprawling lawn.

“Harris might look like a fool, but he’s got a nasty temper. You and your crew better watch out.”

“We’ll handle Harris.” I shove my hand toward him. “Pleasure doing business with you.”

“A deal’s a deal.” Miller grins and accepts the handshake.

I nod. Last week, I paid Miller a visit and told him I’d get Christa into the best international music school. Zane, Finn and I have been offered invitations countless times but always refused. We didn’t want our music confined to anyone’s standards but our own.

Being on their radar means we’ve got contacts all over that institution. It was easy to make a few calls.

“My daughter needed a fresh start and I wouldn’t have been able to get her in without your help.” His eyes skate over the thick entrance. “Redwood Prep is my territory, but not even I could save her at the end. Hopefully, the ghosts of her past stay buried.”

“Nothing Christa did here will leave these walls. I’ll make sure of it.”

Miller slaps me on the back. “If working with you to help my daughter is any indication, I look forward to seeing what you’ll do when it’s time for the chairman re-election.”

Rather than answer, I jut my chin at the parking lot.

Miller slaps me on the back again and saunters away.

I head straight for Cadey’s locker, but she’s not there.Is she still with Sol?He warned us he was going to break the news today, but I don’t see why they have to hang out alone.

Or why they have to touch.