Page 65 of Web of Lies

Their eyes dart around our surroundings, bodies taut, looking for danger all around. Seger’s fists open and close, his jaw ticking, probably grinding his teeth to nothing but a powder. Zepp rubs at his jawline, carefully taking everything in and storing the information for later. These twins—they may look identical, but they couldn’t be more different.

And as for me, I can’t seem to keep my eyes off their backsides. I mean, holy toned asses, Batman. I never thought male butts were attractive. But on these two? I need Jesus.

They’re so nice and ample, two perfectly shaped and toned butt cheeks clinging to their jeans. With broad shoulders, it complements them in every way. Ugh. I’m supposed to hate them. When did all this get turned upside down? When you discovered Magnolia might not have told the truth, for some reason. Why would she lie, though? Why mention this group of friends, making up stories about how they tormented her and lie about it all? What’s the point of that?

I huff and puff behind the boys still, clinging to my bookbag. Damn cardio, I need to run more or at least get in shape. Seger keeps a tight hold on to my cupcake until we manage to zig-zag through the maze. Left. Right. Left. Left. Right. And finally, we sit down on two stone benches, next to a moss-covered, flowing fountain. Weeds and grass come up around it, and old leaves litter the grounds. It seems no one has taken care of this spot in a very, very long time.

I sit across from the boys, only a few feet between us. Our eyes stare at each other, waiting for someone to break into conversation.

“What do they have on you two?” I ask again, leaning my elbows on my knees. Zepp narrows his eyes on me, mimicking my movements.

“The fuck?” Seger mutters, swiping a hand down his face. “How the fuck do you know that? I mean… seriously? How the fuck?” He looks at his brother, who is still staring at me.

“What did you do with Cruel’s phone?” Zepp asks, pursing his lips.

“I asked you a question first,” I state, not giving him an answer.

Seger snorts, hitting his hand across Zepp’s chest. “I think you finally found your match, asshole.” Zepp stares daggers into Seger’s head, but then turns his attention back to me.

“What did you find?” Zepp asks again.

“I want pancakes on Mondays and French toast on Tuesdays. I want the bacon and eggs and sausage hash on Wednesdays. And the sushi, I miss their sushi.” I tap my chin, trying to come up with more food they have forced me to miss.

“Food? You’re thinking of food right now?” Seger asks in exasperation. “Seriously?”

Zepp nods, eyes gleaming with respect. “A compromise.”

“Biscuits and gravy on Thursdays and Fridays. I want dining hall food every day. And those cupcakes.” I smile, looking over to Seger, who perpetually rolls his eyes at my words.

“Fine,” Seger spits. “Fine, fucking, fine. Since your fine ass can’t come into the cafe, we’ll get you some.”

I grin at that, rubbing my hands together. Even though it’s their fault I can’t come in, I don’t blame them. It’s whoever is pulling the strings that’s responsible for everything. Someone is holding something terrible over their heads to bend them to their will, and I will find out who.

“I’ve missed it so much,” I breathe, looking towards the clouds. They’re puffier today, resembling a cat chasing yarn in the sky.

“What did you do with Carter’s phone?” Zepp asks again, breaking through my drifting mind.

“I mirrored it,” I say, still looking up at the clouds until a choking noise brings me back to the two boys in front of me. Seger looks utterly confused with a twisted-up expression. But Zepp? Oh—Zepp looks like he wants to drop on one knee to propose.

“You, what now?” Seger asks, throwing his hands all around.

“You’re a genius. And what did you find?” Zepp asks, leaning in toward me further now.

“Nothing,” I say through a shrug, looking back towards the sky.

“Nothing?” Zepp asks, defeat filling his voice.

“Yeah—nothing, until I broke through hisAntiEyes.”

Seger sighs dramatically. “Fucking computer nerds. What the fuck does that even mean?”

“It means Cruel had a program on his phone to hide anything and everything he did from the naked eye. But Kaycee broke through it,” Zepp breathes, barely above a whisper.

“You fucking what?” Seger asks with concern. “Jesus, he’s going to kill you, more than kill you.” He shakes his head.

“He already tried,” I say casually, with a shrug.

“But you mirrored it?” Zepp asks again, bringing me back to the conversation.