Page 132 of The Ruthless Note

“Miller won’t like his authority challenged in public. It’ll make him more stubborn. We need another way to get our point across.”

“I’ll set up a private meeting.”

I nod. “We’ll end this on Monday.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

CADENCE

On Monday morning, I make eggs and toast for Viola long before she wakes up. After scribbling a note to let her know I’ve gone to school early for my work service, I head to Redwood Prep.

My steps slow when I near the main building. The sun is just starting to rise, its long, golden fingers clawing at Redwood Prep’s steeples like a monster out to claim its due. The lawn is immaculately kept with pruned rose bushes and a bust of the founder.

Redwood Prep seems more authentic when nobody’s here. In the eerie stillness, it can’t hide how monstrous it is. Darkness climbs over the windows like poison ivy, snaking its way right into the center of the courtyard.

The front door is locked so I take the side door. My steps echo in the darkness. I head straight to the janitor’s closet, remove gloves, a broom and a mop and get to work on the first classroom.

Brahms’Wiegenliedis playing loudly in my ears, transporting me to a world that actually makes sense. Somewhere Dutch Cross and his wicked fingers do not exist and the molten heat he rips from my body isn’t real.

As the song tickles my ear, calming and sweet, I find my pulse still isn’t slowing down.

The Halloween concert was a massive fail.

Not only did I play right into Dutch’s hands, but he knew all along that my phone was recording. Now I don’t have anything to trade with Jinx.

It’s enough to bring frustrated tears to my eyes. I’m not the damsel in distress waiting for Dutch to swoop in and save me. Hell, he might be the one to swoop in andruinme.

I really gave it my best shot, but once again, my attempts at gaining control of my circumstances crashed and burned.

Without something to hold over my enemies, Serena and I are at their whims.

No say.

No voice.

No way out.

Gritting my teeth, I attack my cleaning duties.

I’m working on my last classroom when, in the corner of my eye, I notice a shadow moving unlike the others.

My heart quickens and I immediately wrench my earbuds out. What the hell was that?

Redwood is infested with rich, privileged gremlins, but is it possible it’s being haunted by an un-dead rich kid too?

Footsteps thump toward me.

Steady.

Calm.

Determined.

Electricity skitters over my back.

I know exactly who’s coming.

And I would rather have taken my chances with a Redwood ghost.