That was a lucky break. There were so many ways that last bit could’ve gone wrong.
But I let it go. I have enough going wrong in the moment, there is no time to dwell on the past. Besides, that operation is in the hands of others now.
I’m just slipping my arms into my suit coat when my father appears at the top of my stairs. He smiles at me.
I scowl back at him. “What’s up?”
“I just wanted to see how you were getting along. It’s your engagement party, after all. A proud moment for me.”
“Hmm.”
My father looks at the valet and says, “Leave us. I’ll take it from here.”
The valet bows to him, then disappears without a word.
My father waits until the sound of the valet’s footsteps on the stairs is no longer audible, then walks over to me and straightens my coat. “Nice tie. And Mona’s clip. Fitting.”
“How did you know I got that from Mona?” Like I need to ask. They watch everything.
“She told me.”
“Oh,” I say. He smiles at me and for some reason chills run up my spine. “What? Why are you here?”
“This is a big moment for us, Cooper. You’re officially a man after tonight.”
“Whatever, Dad. I think I need to go find Isabella.”
“She’s already at the tomb.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m afraid I can’t say. But I wouldn’t worry about it.”
“I’m not worried. But I think I’ll just skip the party and go right over to the tomb. I haven’t seen Isabella in almost a week. I miss her.”
My father’s smile does not crack. “You have one more task to complete before we can bestow any more gifts on you, Cooper.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Jack will explain. He’s at the Alumni Inn waiting for you. I would ride with you, but I’m heading to the tomb instead. I’ll see you later, OK?” He squeezes my shoulder and again, he smiles at me. Then he hesitates. “Remember that talk we had on the porch at the beginning of the semester?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“It’s important that you remember it.”
“Why are you being weird?”
“Goodbye, Cooper.” And then he really does walk out.
I stand there at the top of the steps, a chill suddenly running up my spine. Because everything about that conversation felt very… final.
Something is wrong.
I hop down the stairs and rush into the hallway. I look around, but he’s not here. Then I go to the front door and step outside into the cold. There are footsteps in the snow leading into the woods.
I let out a breath. He went to the tomb, just like he said. Why am I freaking out?
My phone buzzes in my pocket. The screen ID says Jack. “What?”
“Where the hell are you? It’s nearly ten o’clock.”
“Is Isabella there?”
“Yes.” He says this without hesitation.
“Can you pass her a message for me? I think she has her phone turned off.”
“What message?”
“Tell her to meet me at the tomb. Right now. I’m not coming to the party.”
He’s silent for a moment. But he recovers quickly. “Cooper, she can’t leave. And I need you here to greet the alumni.”
The alumni. Right. “Jack. You just lied to me. I know Isabella is at the tomb. Dad just told me. So what the fuck is going on and why do you need me at the inn?”
He pauses for what seems like a very long time, but it’s probably only two or three seconds. “Lots of members are worried about you, Cooper. They don’t think you’re Fang and Claw material.
“Since when?” My heart begins to thump erratically.
“Never, actually. It was Father who pushed for you to be in. None of us wanted you in.”
I take a breath and calm myself. “So. OK. What’s that mean?”
He’s silent.
“Jack?”
“What do you think it means, Cooper? If you’re not with us, you’re against us.”
Ohhh. Right. My father’s words from the beginning of rush come back to me then. He said something like… You don’t get to walk away. You have to fight your way out like everyone else. “I’m not against you, Jack.”
He sucks in a breath of air. “I’m afraid it’s out of my hands now, Cooper. You get one more chance to prove to the Chairmen that you’re in. That you’ve got our backs.”
Chairmen? Is there more than one? “OK. How’s that work?”
“Just get here. You’ll see. Ten minutes, Cooper. If you’re not here in ten, we’re done with you.”
The call drops and my father’s last words echo in my head.
Goodbye, Cooper.
He really did mean goodbye.
The Alumni Inn is located right on the highway near the main entrance to High Court Prep. It’s decorated for a blue-blood New Year. The bare branches of the massive tulip trees have been strung with white lights and the trunks have been wrapped in blue and gold ribbon. The parking lot is filled with luxury sedans and the limos line the highway on the opposite side of the road.
I leave my car with the valet and text Jack as I push my way past several crowds of old people.
I’m here. Where are you?
Room 310.
I have an overwhelming feeling of dread as I climb the stairs and picture the last time I was here—running down the back-entrance steps with Cadee over my shoulder. I was kidnapping her, per my father’s orders. It was the day I dragged her into this world.
It is a day I wish I could take back.
The hallway on the third floor is busy. Lots of doors are open, people spilling out of rooms holding champagne glasses, laughing and smiling. The music from downstairs is muted, but the thumping of the bass makes it through.
I hate this night already.
On this night four years ago Ax, Lars, Cadee and I were outside in the woods sneaking sips of whiskey in the cold. We were laughing and smiling too. The music from inside was also muted, but the beat found its way into the bare trees.
It was a fun night. Four friends—because at that point, that’s what we were. Four friends just hanging out. Being ourselves, enjoying each other, and looking forward to starting something new.
And then we went our way and Cadee went hers, and nothing was ever the same again.
We never even saw it coming.
That’s the difference between then and now.
Now, we know it’s coming.
“Come in, Cooper.” Jack opens the door and waves me forward.
Immediately, things get weird. There are several monitors on a long table under the window. Each of them has a four-view split screen from various angles. Some indoors, some outdoors. Some of them show rooms inside the inn.
“What the fuck is this?”
I turn away from the monitors and look at my brother. How did I get him so wrong? Am I just stupid? Or is he just that good at lying?
“Have a seat, Cooper.” He pans his hand to the two plush chairs in the center of the room. They face each other. And it’s only now that I notice there’s no bed in here. I would never make it as a detective. My observational skills are complete shit.