Page 87 of Bleeding Hearts

I will be gone.

It has to happen now before they vanish without a trace, thinking they got away with it.

It’s now or never.

They’ll be distracted tomorrow, dealing with the bodies and aftermath, so this is the chance I need.

I have the footage, now I just need a helping hand to put it all together. They control everyone, but they can’t control free information on the internet.

I have to do it for every life that was lost and the ones that were almost taken.

With or without the money, we all lost, and those behind Risk must pay.

If it’s the last thing I do, then I’ll be happy.

With a heavy heart, I walk outside and toward the car at the curb. Opening the door, I meet Leo’s worried gaze. He looks scared. “Are you ready?”

I climb in and shut the door, meeting his eyes once more as the car darkens. “Are you?”

“No, but let’s do this.” He puts it in gear, and then we are off. I glance back at my dorm where the woman I love sleeps.

They have to know she isn’t involved. I have to make sure of it.

I will always keep her safe, and as I turn away, I know I’m lucky I got to have her for as long as I did. I glance at Leo, and he gives me a knowing look. We are both risking everything, but we have our reasons.

The game asked what we are willing to risk.

Well, they are going to find out.

ALICE

Sighing happily, I snuggle into the warmth as my mind and body wake up. When I open my eyes, sunlight streams into the room, which is strange since Lals always keeps the blinds shut for me until I’m awake. I search the bed, but she isn’t here. Frowning, I sit up and turn around. “Lals?” It’s quiet, so I slip from her sheets and check the bathroom, but she isn’t there either.

Confused, I pace around her room before heading to my phone on her desk. There is a note above it.

A crude heart is drawn on the front. It almost looks like it’s bleeding from her terrible coloring, which makes me smile. Opening it, I reread it a few times in confusion.

I’ll be back later. Don’t worry, it’s just something I have to handle. Everything is okay. Alek and Evan will be with you soon. Go have fun and spend time with your brother.

I love you.

Your Lals

Grabbing my phone, I shoot her a text.

Alice: Are you okay?

Alice: What are you up to?

After I shower and dress, she still hasn’t replied, so I send her another message.

Alice: Don’t worry about the money. We’ll figure it out. I love you.

My phone vibrates just then, and I smile, but it’s only my brother.

Alek: I’m downstairs. Evan says hurry up or the ice cream will melt even though I told him not to buy ice cream or to bring it in my car.

Smiling, I shake my head.