Page 10 of Bleeding Hearts (Pine Valley College #3)
CHAPTER EIGHT
I can’t believe I have to act like nothing happened, sitting through classes like I didn’t see someone die last night.
Nobody helped. I didn’t help either. I’m no better than them.
People ran as soon as they realized what was going on, but some stayed to help me get the body to the beach, and then someone called the cops.
Before they got there, though, I was dragged away.
We all know the rules, and I hate it, but I can’t break them.
I need to be in the game for Lally, so I lost my morals, and now I can’t even think of everything moving on around me as I remember the way the person’s eyes were frozen endlessly in terror.
They died afraid, surrounded by people, but nobody helped.
Sometimes I wonder if this world is worth saving. Do we deserve it? Lally does, she deserves to be saved, so I fight for her. My only consolation is that she didn’t see it.
Sitting on the bench outside after class, I startle as lights on a police car flash. I turn my head to see two officers walking down the path from the library, each holding the arm of a student as they guide him toward the cruiser that just pulled up.
Standing with everyone else, I stare as they draw closer, and when they pass, my eyes widen further as I realize I saw this man last night. He was the one who turned back after almost drowning.
“Did you hear?” someone whispers to their friends nearby.
“Apparently his internet history was splashed everywhere this morning. He was reported to the school and the police.”
“What do you mean?”
I turn to them, and then back to the man. “He was watching kiddie porn. His computer was full of it. No one knows who exposed him, but it’s everywhere.”
I know who reported him—whoever is behind Risk. He quit, and I’m betting he tried to tell someone and paid the price.
I guess they were right. This game just became real.
It’s not an official meeting, but Autumn stands before me with Liam at her side. We are leaning against the side of the library since they asked to meet for an update. “Anything?” she murmurs.
“The first game was last night.” Glancing around, I lower my voice. “Someone died, Autumn.”
“I fucking knew it. There were rumors, but we couldn’t find anything. I even called some contacts at the morgue, but they are covering up the body. The family was probably paid off. And the kid on campus today?” she mutters. “Suspicious.”
“If you report it or spill their secrets, they spill yours,” I admit nervously. “That’s what I found out, so we need to be careful. They must have eyes and ears everywhere. I think this is way more connected than we first thought. This doesn’t just feel like a game. This feels like . . . power.”
“I agree,” Liam murmurs. “Some guys on the team are scared. They entered but are afraid to back out. They wouldn’t speak to me about it though.”
“We need to be careful. Alice, don’t go too deep into it, okay? Just stick to the fringes like we talked about and dig, nothing else,” Autumn reminds me.
“Of course,” I lie, my voice slightly high-pitched, but they probably read it as anxiety. “I’ll keep you updated on what I find.”
“Good, so will we. If you’re right, we need to move slowly and trust nobody. Fucking Risk, we can’t let it end like—” She slams her mouth shut.
“Like the night Tommy died?” I finish for her. “You’re right. This city can’t go through something like that again. There’s been too much death and destruction. We need to stop this. We will.” My phone buzzes, and I pull it out.
Gia: One of these days, I will stop updating you on my friend’s whereabouts, but not today. Lally is at Lola’s house party. She’s drunk. Good luck.
Swearing, I glance at Autumn and Liam. “Sorry, but I need to deal with this. Let me know what you find out, okay?”
“Sure thing. Are you good?” Liam asks. “Need our help?”
“No, I can handle this.” I slip my phone into my pocket, hoping I’m right, but Lally is my responsibility.
I should have known she would turn to drinking and partying after last night. I guess it’s time to clean up her mess again.