Page 101 of Terror Tuesday

Who am I?

If only Naomi were here. I could tell her everything. She wouldn’t judge me. She’d hold all these secrets in her vault as though they were her own.

So I slump onto the mattress, still clutching the note in my hand…

Who do I go to?

Where do I belong?

A pounding on my door has me sitting up, hurriedly wiping tears from my face.

“Come in!”

Sora cracks it and shields her eyes with a hand. “Um, one of the president’s men is here to see you. Says it’s urgent.”

“President’s men?”

“Yes. Mr. Earl, I think.”

“Sora, I’m dressed. You can stop hiding.”

“No…th-that’s okay. Will you just come downstairs? He’s in the parlor.”

I’m not sure whether to laugh or sigh. So I sort of do both. “Sure. Maybe it’s about the party on Halloween and new rules or something.”

“I don’t know. Just, please hurry. He scares me.”

“On my way.”

When I arrive downstairs, I halt. The man’s stature is almost soaring, and he’s broad. Like a beast. Wearing a black suit and dark sunglasses, he looks intimidating.

“Miss Cardell? The president requests your presence for a special message. I’m to escort you over now.”

The way his body moves, it’s as if I have no choice. Instead of worrying about stupid sorority stuff, now I’m swallowing a heartbeat in fear that they know what I’ve done.

Is this it for me? Sentenced to death on Sin Sunday in front of the entire senate? My friends? My family?

By the time we reach the double walnut doors of the president’s office, I’m on the verge of having a panic attack. But, as I’ve been trained to do, I push my shoulders back and enter boldly as the enforcer opens them for me.

The president stands briefly with a nodding greeting, then waves at one of the russet wingback chairs in front of him. “Please, sit.”

Walking on shaky legs, I regret not wearing something more formal. My jeans and pinkOmegasweatshirt seem out of place here. Typically, I’d be in a skirt suit. Or a dress. Lately, I just haven’t cared…

I swallow as I sink into the tough seat and perch forward. “Am I in trouble?”

His dark eyes scrutinize my expression for a long moment, and I think my heart will explode with terror. “Not yet, Miss Cardell. But we do know you have been spending time with the man who slaughtered your classmates. Yoursisters… Your best friend.”

“He didn’t do it. I know this.”

The president sits back in his chair and crosses his arms. “I wish that were true, my dear. For your sake. For yourfather’ssake, I want to protect you. You’re a valuable asset to Northview University… Your future is bright. So bright… I’d hate to dim that light.”

My mouth remains closed. His words feel like a threat. I get the sense he does know that Vanq didn’t do it…

But he doesn’t care.

Vanq’s their fall guy, and he’s going to pay. Are they going to destroy me with him?

“I brought you in to do the right thing. Most sisters don’t operate with assignments like your brothers here. But you are very special. Unique.Valued. And I have a feeling you will choose what is right?”