Page 26 of Stalked

“Mind your business, squirt,” I say, but there's no heat in it.

Landon smirks. “He probably said something stupid. He always does.”

“You're one to talk,” I shoot back. “Remind me again who almost got kicked out of high school for calling the teacher names?”

“That was different?—”

“Enough,” Xavier cuts in. “This is supposed to be a celebration. Let's at least pretend we're functional for one day.”

We pose for photos, Xavier making sure Knox stands still long enough for the camera. I go through the motions, but my mind is still on Lia.

After we finish, I spot Anders and a few other guys from the debate team near the refreshment table.

“Congrats, man,” Anders says, clapping me on the back. “Heading to the party tonight?”

“Yeah, probably,” I reply, scanning the crowd again.

“Looking for Lia?” James asks. “She bolted pretty quick.”

“No, I'm just—” I stop myself. “Yeah, actually. Why would she leave so quickly?”

James shakes his head, but then Megan appears beside him. Her eyes narrow when she sees me.

“What do you want, Blackwood?” She asks coldly.

“Where's Lia?”

Megan crosses her arms. “Why do you care?”

“Just tell me where she is.”

She studies me for a moment, then sighs. “She had to go early. She's catching the Greyhound to New York for summer school at Columbia.”

My stomach drops. “Summer school? She never mentioned?—”

“She’s been signed up for months,” Megan says.

“When does the bus leave?” I ask, already backing away.

“Five minutes ago.”

I freeze. “What?”

“It was the twelve-fifteen. So, yeah, about five minutes ago.”

Without thinking, I turn and sprint toward Xavier, who's talking with some parents.

“I need your keys,” I blurt out, interrupting his conversation.

“What? No, we're not?—”

I grab his arm. “Please. The bus station. It's important.”

Something in my face must convince him because he sighs and digs in his pocket. “Don't scratch it.”

I'm already running before the keys fully land in my palm. The station is only ten minutes away. Maybe there's traffic. Maybe the bus is late.

I peel out of the parking lot, ignoring Xavier shouting something behind me. The speedometer climbs as I weave through traffic, running a yellow light.