Page 133 of The Deceptions

Franco nods. "It seems to be that way. Although pinpointing who it is will be difficult. But seeing how they're picking off students, you boys should keep an eye out and tabs on your peers and administrators. You never know what wolf is hiding with the sheep."

Something in the back of my mind wonders if it's him. Could he be responsible for this? It's a possibility. If someone is stealing internal organs and what... selling them on the black market for a profit? Then Franco would be all over that. He'd love to tell you he has a moral compass and he doesn't get into the flesh trade—AKA—human trafficking, but that would be a lie. Franco will do anything to earn a quick buck and expand his empire.

So, is this out of his league?

"Will do," I say, tipping my beer in his direction like I didn't just fully accuse him of the crime in my mind. I have to have proof. And with how relaxed and off-putting he's being right now, he's my number one suspect. I mean, he employs escorts in his casino/hotel for the purpose of entertainment. They're willing, of course. He wouldn't force them to do it. But what if they say no?

My trust in Nathanial Franco is nearly at zero. It wasn’t always like that. Franco was the man who rescued me from the Hell I was in. He tried to save my brother, but Wilder turned his nose up at that. Idiot. Or maybe not. Maybe he was on to something, but I’d never tell that asshole that. Not when he’s constantly scowling and sneering in my direction.

Fuck my brother. Fuck Franco.

Over the years, Franco has been spiraling higher and higher, becoming way too powerful for his own good. Like a king with too much wealth and power over his subjects, expecting everyone to bend at the knee. The only thing I can count on with him is the paycheck he gives me and the funding for school. That’s all I want from him.

The day we can disappear as planned can’t come soon enough.

"Anything specific we should keep an eye out for?" JJ asks stoically, folding his hands on the island.

Franco slowly moves until he's standing in front of us all. "Anyone sneaking around at night?"

I snort. "Everyone sneaks out of the dorms. Fight night. Parties. You name it, they're doing it."

Franco nods a few times. "So, no one is abiding by the curfews meant to protect them."

"No," Hux answers before I can. "But most of them didn't see the carnage last year. Or throughout the summer." Two more bodies showed up during our summer break. Of course, we're here at all times. We have our eyes on the city. But we were busy with jobs and all that good shit to keep our eyes peeled for an ax-murderer running the streets.

"Any insights on the cameras?" He turns to JJ, cocking his head.

"Nothing," JJ retorts with a frown. "It's odd. It's like the entire security system at every store throughout the city was down at the same time."

"Very strange, indeed. It seems someone within the shadows is playing a very dangerous game with my citizens and the students of this university that I’ve heavily invested in.”

"It appears that way," JJ says in a formal manner, matching Franco's light tone.

"I expect answers, boys. We can't have this shit hanging out in our territory. We need to eliminate the threat before..." He lifts his chin.

"Before he becomes too big," Hux finishes his sentence with a stoic nod filled with understanding.

"Exactly. Now, enjoy your night. I have gamblers to watch over. And remember, tomorrow we're going to East Point, up north to engage in conversation with the Blue Spiders to form an alliance and all that fun stuff. It seems the Briar Cove chapter has already locked in with the fucking Viotto’s." He practically spits the Viotto name, sending a spear through my heart.

I wish I could go a day without hearing it and thinking about her.

It hurts way too damn much.

I blink several times. "Conversation? Are we hauling?"

Franco grins, turning to gaze at me. "It wouldn't be a conversation without a little tit for tat, now would it? You three are responsible for packing the goods."

"Of course, Sir," JJ retorts quickly.

"Then, see you at nine A.M." He stares each of us down before leaving the mansion.

I slump my shoulders and chug the rest of my beer. "What exactly are we hauling to meet these new fuckers? And in East Point? Isn't that like five hours away?" I groan. I hate car rides. But I know JJ does, too, especially. Especially after whathappened when he was a kid. He practically freezes inside the vehicle until he takes his meds and calms down.

"You good?" Hux asks each of us with a pointed brow.

"No. I'm not fucking good. I need to beat the shit out of a punching bag before I can even think about sleeping," I grumble, downing the rest of my beer and throwing the bottle in the recycling. "You coming?"

Huxley shifts when his phone vibrates again. He peers down at it, but gives nothing away.