“Skinny dipping, what else?”
“You, me, and Locke naked,” I blurt out as he moves closer and shocks me by pressing his lips gently against mine before pulling away before it can be classed as a real kiss.
“That’s the plan,” he says, chuckling at my red cheeks and little smile.
“Quick,” Locke says and opens the door slightly, so we can slide in and stops my imagination from going into overdrive about the thought of seeing them both naked. Locke turns on the flashlight on his phone as we walk down the steep steps and I look down, seeing a lump of fabric at the bottom of the steps.
“What’s that?” I ask, but the twins don’t answer me as they both tense up. Logan quickly pushes me gently behind him as Locke steps closer. What don’t they want me to see? I look around Logan’s shoulder, and my eyes focus and take in the body at the bottom of the steps. I take an instant step back when I see the familiar white, long hair and black cloak, but then I notice the blood around his neck and all over his hair.
Mr. Layan is dead.
I spot a piece of paper in his hand. As much as I hate the man for what he did, I don’t want to see him dead like this. He deserved to die, but not having his throat slit and used to carry a message.
“What does the note say?” I ask as Locke steps closer and looks around before kneeling next to Mr. Layan, pulling the note from his hand. Locke comes over giving me a worried look as he shows me the note. My heart almost stops as I read the name at the top.
“It’s addressed to me,” I whisper, flipping the note over and reading the message on the other side.
Miss Crowe,
A present for you.
We shall meet soon,
—A Friend.
“What kind of friend leaves you a dead body?” Logan asks, having read the note over my shoulder.
“Not the kind of friend I’d like to keep,” I reply, feeling sick to my stomach.
“I’ll call Mr Daniels, you get Kenzie back to the cabin,” Locke says to his brother.
“Why are we leaving?” I ask as Logan already starts to tug me back up the stairs.
“A man who attempted to kill you shows up dead, and you’re the one to find the body—in a place you shouldn’t even be able to get into. Who do you think they’ll consider as a suspect?”
“Shit,” I mutter, seeing his point.
“Come on, Locke and Mr. Daniels will take care of it. But as far as anyone else is concerned, you never saw that body. Okay, Kenzie?” he says, hurrying me out the door. I stare back at the door as we walk away from it. “Are we clear?” he asks, sliding a hand into mine.
“Crystal,” I answer. I screw up the note in my other hand and shove it into my pocket, wishing I really hadn’t seen the body.
Chapter 28
Kenzie
I instantly regret the decision to have breakfast with my friends in the dining hall as soon as I walk in. Eyes follow me everywhere I walk, and silence or whispers are all I am greeted with. Great. News travels fast in the academy. I grab my food, then spot East, Kelly, and Enzo at our usual table and make my way over.
Taking the seat between Easton and Kelly, I silently push my food around my plate. Other than a few hushed hellos as I sit down, our table keeps to the quiet that encompasses the rest of the room. I shovel some food in my mouth, not really tasting it.
The silence is broken by the sound of laughter and chatting as the twins walk in, acting completely oblivious to the tension in the room. It has the effect of a popped balloon, suddenly everyone is talking again. They chat loudly as they grab their food and make their way across to us. They take their seats at the table, across from me and either side of Enzo.
“You all look cheerful today,” Locke says, tucking into his food like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
“Yeah, because dead bodies just fill us with cheer,” I mutter.
“He tried to kill you, Kenzie. I can’t say I’m filled with sadness,” he replies, taking a big bite of toast.
“Still, I don’t think that after we found—”
“So, Kenzie, what classes do you have today?” Kelly quickly asks, changing the subject. I’m about to ask her what her deal is, when I realise what I’d almost said. Shit. I almost blew the ‘who really found the body secret’ the very next day. The only people who know are Mr. Daniels, and the people sitting around this table with me right now. I need to keep it that way.
“Err . . . I only have earth class today, as air is cancelled . . . the normal teacher is still sick. Apparently, they’re one of those people who reject marked healing,” I answer.
“Who would reject healing?” Kelly asks, a frown crossing her face.
“I’m not sure, but after having healing not work properly on my stomach wound, I will never take it for granted again,” I reply.
“You up for cutting class today, Kenz?” Logan asks.
“Yes, because that went so well last time,” I whisper.
“You need a break, you’re exhausted,” he says softly, reaching for my hand across the table.
“Yeah, maybe I do need a break, but it can wait till this afternoon. If any of you have a free period, do you wanna come over to the cabin and hang out? I know Mr. Daniels is elsewhere today,” I ask everyone.
“I have a class, but I’m more than happy to skip it,” Locke says.
“Count me in,” Logan adds.
“I was meant to be in air with you, so you know I’m free,” East says, giving me a small smile.
“I’ll be there, Crowe,” Enzo answers, standing. “But, I’ve got something to do right now, I’ll see you all later,” he adds, and then turns and leaves, walking quickly and with purpose. He’s gone before we can ask him where he’s off to. I turn to Kelly for her answer.
“Well?” I ask, smiling.
“I’m free lesson-wise, I have plans, but can come later,” Kelly says softly.
“Plans?” I question.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” she says quickly.
“What are you doing?” I ask her, the look on her face making me concerned.
“Who are you, my keeper?” she snaps, standing up.
“Don’t snap at Kenzie like that,” Locke says to Kelly. Crap, what is even happening here?
“Kelly, what’s up with you?” I ask her, not really understanding the abrupt change in her behaviour.
“Nothing, I just have plans. I’m sorry for snapping. I’ll see you later,” she stumbles out as she turns to leave.
“Kelly, wait up!” I say standing.
“Just leave me alone, Kenz. I have something to sort out,” she replies. She quickly makes her way out of the dining hall as I take my seat again.
“That was weird,” East comments.
“No fucking kidding,” I mumble, staring at the door. What is up with her recently? I feel East nudge me gently in the side.
“Finish your breakfast, Kenz,” he says gently.
I push the food around my plate, making a show of taking a few bites so as not to concern the guys, but the food is tasteless. I look up at the door again. I will find out what’s going on with you, Kelly. Even if I have to follow you to do it.
Chapter 29
Kenzie