Page 109 of Massacre Monday

“Did you check the hospital?—”

“Yes. No signs. None in the student clinic, either. The police would make us aware if they knew anything, too.” Running his palms down his black trousers, he stands. “My father and I will find himtoday. And whoever has him…they will pay.”

I give him a nod. “Good.”

Without a parting word, he leaves as slyly as he arrived, taking with him the chill in the room. When I’m around Aiden Cardell, I feel like I’ve just interacted with a robot, or, more accurately, a serial killer.

I skip my classes, not wanting to interact with anyone. But after a shower and change of clothes, I get hungry enough to venture toward the student center to pick up lunch. They have well-cooked food, and I’m craving something homey, more than a frozen dinner or a sandwich, which I have at home.

Home…

It’s become that now but feels empty without Ryan. The absence of him is too much. My heart has been sucked into a black hole.

Gwen.

Mitch.

Ryan…

If someone is coming for me, why don’t they takemeinstead? Maybe the goal is to weaken my resolve so much that I long for death. An image of Ryan in pain enters my mind, but I quickly push it away.

It’s easier to focus when I enter the cafeteria and see Oz sitting with someDeltabrothers, including Apollo. My jaw clenches as I spot them, and the two exchange glances, as if actively trying to ignore my presence. Heat lights up my face as I think about scolding them like children for their antics on the roof the other night.

After grabbing some hearty stew and sourdough bread, I balance a bottle of water on my tray and skirt toward their seats. Both lean across the table, talking in low voices, but as I approach, they straighten and greet me.

“Hey, sis,” Oz says, and Apollo nods politely, but shyly.

As I set my food down, Apollo takes a big stretch with his arms wide, his black button-down shirt coming untucked from his trousers. He always dresses like a miniature mafia boss.

“Well, I gotta get ready for tonight. Good to see you, Pip.” With a toss of his longer black locks, Apollo stands abruptly and leaves in a hurry on his leather loafers.

“I didn’t even get a chance to speak to him,” I complain to Oz, then shovel in a big bite. The heat of it soothes my rumbling belly.

“Yeah… You know, with the game going on tonight, things are hectic. I should probably go soon.” His eyes shift from side to side as irritation makes my neck tight. I can’t hold it in any longer.

“It’s been almost two weeks since we actuallytalked. Then you shoot up my boyfriend’s party last weekend!”

“Sorry, but we’ll do something soon.” My twin looks as if he’s debating on staying or going while his eyes focus on something behind me.

I glance over my shoulder at a group ofBetas, including Chase and Logan. “Worried about taking them on tonight?”

Oz scoffs a laugh and stares down at my tray. “No.”

“Will you stay with me, please? I-I need company. Plus, I want to know what you were thinking by coming to Luminescence.” I’m not quite sure how to keep something as important as Ryan’s disappearance from him, but if I keep stuffing my face, maybe I can keep my mouth occupied.

“O-okay.” He watches behind me some more, then glances toward the food lines. And around the room. Then my tray.

“Why aren’t you looking at me?”

His light brown eyes widen as he mocks my stare. “I’m looking right at you.”

“Is something going on?”

Reaching across the table, he grabs half of my bread, then shoves it in his mouth and chews while saying, “No.”

He’s lying. I set my spoon down with a clang. “You fucking know something.”

“Lower your voice, Pip.Vengracurus!”