Page 52 of Web of Lies

Me:

Nothing I can’t handle.

Tristan:

Give me their fucking names, I’ll write the walls with their fucking blood

Me:

Jesus…… what’s gotten into you today?

Tristan:

No bullshit? Just some fucked up things going on… can’t talk about it.

Me:

No bullshit? Me too.

Tristan types out a long and drawn-out process to track the camera placed in my room a week ago. It’s a process, something that will take some time to dial into, but it’s an idea at least. Better than I had before.

Seger:

You fucking coming? It’s 4. Unless you’re dead… which wouldn’t fucking surprise me.

I frown at his message. How the hell did he get my number? Freaking Chase. Ugh. I type a few lines into the computer, beginning my manual trace—part one, and sit back. Leaving it for the next few hours it’ll take to break down the security codes, I drop Carter’s belongings into my pocket again, intending to drop them in the library. Somewhere he’ll find it again. So, he will think he lost them and will never find out I took them. Again, death and all, I’d like to stay alive.

Me:

On my way, I lost track of time.

Seger:

And I thought you’d be the punctual one, glad you’re not dead.

Me:

Right. Give me a minute. Still alive, thanks.

Seger punches the library table as I push through the glass doors. His face turns red with anger, growling under his breath. He snarls, hitting the table again and again, reddening his fist to the shade of a tomato.

“Mr. West! If you continue that ruckus, I must ask you to leave,” the librarian hisses towards our table. The veins in her forehead protrude, giving her face an almost purple appearance.

Seger’s nostrils flare in irritation, fingers strumming wildly through his hair.

“Math threatening your puppy?” I ask, sitting across from him. I grab my books, spread them out, and then snatch the offending math paper in front of him. Another F. It’s only the first week of school, and he’s already failing this course. Fantastic. I have my work cut out for me. Good thing Seger is a quick study.

“Not math,” he fumes, placing his forehead onto the table. “Stupid fucking BULLSHIT,” he grumbles towards the floor, whisper-shouting his words.

“Mr. West!” The librarian yells again, climbing to her swollen feet.

“Fuck off! You have a job because we pay your over-inflated salary! Sit down,” he growls, staring over at her with malice dripping from his words.

She pales, stumbling to her seat, fumbling with the computer in front of her. Trying to pretend a student didn’t put her in her place.

“That wasn’t very nice of you,” I say, peering at him from across the table. A grunt and a middle finger greet me. I sigh. We won’t get anywhere with this math if he keeps acting out. Although I’m finally glimpsing the real Seger, Magnolia described once or twice.

“What’s wrong, Seger?” I ask, placing my hands under my chin. I lean my elbow onto the table, chills racing up my spine.