Page 100 of Mayhem At Prescott High (The Havoc Boys 3)
“Sara Young used her as bait,” I say, because I'm not sure how much of what I told Oscar has made its way around the group. “She purposely let what Kali told her slip. I'd thought she was the lawful good type, but it appears she's willing to play dirty to get what she wants.”
“She's been sniffing around the cemetery, too,” Aaron adds, and I glance back at him, passing the cigarette over. “Our boys trailed her up there this afternoon. She walked around and took a ton of pictures, including one of Penelope's shattered angel statue.” My blood chills as I see four metaphorical walls closing in on us. “She didn't notice Neil's grave site though; there've been a half-dozen new bodies buried there since we paid the place a visit.”
“We're going to have to kill her,” Oscar says, accepting a fresh cigarette when Vic offers one and lighting up. I just stare at him because I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen him smoke, drink, or light up a bowl. Jesus.
“No, we're not,” I say as Hael comes swaggering up the drive to stand beside us. He looks at me because everyone else is and lifts a questioning brow. “We're not going to kill Sara Young. That'd be pretty hard to get away with, don't you think?”
“There are ways to make it happen,” Oscar explains, still smoking. I notice that his knuckles are bloody and raw from his fight earlier. My first instinct is to bring his hands to my lips and kiss away the crimson. I scowl instead.
“Well, I have a better idea.” I take a deep breath, formulating an idea in my mind. “But clearly, there are other things brewing in the city tonight. What's up?”
“Mitch is trashing all our favorite hangouts, trying to bait us out of the woodwork,” Victor explains casually, still watching the crowd. “He wants to take us on tonight which, normally, I'd be more than happy to do. But with the police already watching the school, we can't take any chances. Killing several dozen Prescott High students is not an option.”
“So what do we do?” I ask, glad beyond all rational belief that I am not the leader tonight.
“We play a very careful game,” Victor says, nodding his chin at Hael and Aaron. “Make sure everyone stays in pairs tonight, and put guys on all our houses. We're going to be proactive, not reactive. Mitch will not bait me into making a move I don't want to make.”
“Are we sending any guys to the drive-in?” Hael asks, sipping on a Dr. Pepper. Sounds like Mitch and his clowns are at Wesley's. They better not mess that place up; it's the only decent burger place in town. Victor shakes his head once, rubbing at his chin in thought.
“No, but I want you and Cal to head over there and see what's going on. Mitch knows we didn't touch Kali; everyone knows it was Stacy and her girls. This is just an excuse to get us riled up, and I don't like it.” He turns around to look at me, and exhales sharply. “And you, trailing Oscar and leaving campus by yourself? I'm pissed.” I open my mouth to protest, but Vic puts up a palm to shush me. Frankly, I'd like to bite the tips of his fingers off, but our entire crew is here, and he is the boss. “Listen to me, Bernie.” Vic walks over and crouches down in front of me. “If my mother is working with the Charter Crew, then she'll have a plan in mind. Her best bet is to catch me in a crime … or make me a widower.”
The blood drains from my face as Vic reaches out to touch the side of my throat, fingers playing across the bruises there. The look he shoots Oscar's way is toxic, but when he turns back to me, he's all leader, all matter-of-fact and shit.
“You will go home with Aaron and Oscar; the rest of us will monitor the Charter situation from afar.”
My blood chills and I frown, but I can't argue against Vic's logic.
“Fine, but I want a full report in the morning.”
Victor grins at me and presses a scalding kiss to my cheek.
“Yes, my queen,” he says, rising to his feet and turning back to the gathered Havoc crew. “Alright, friends, it's time to divvy up responsibilities.” Victor goes about directing people while Oscar finishes his cigarette and then heads straight for Aaron's Bronco.
“Stay safe,” I tell Callum and Hael, giving each of them a kiss on the cheek. “If either of you dies, I'll be furious.”
“Duly noted,” Hael replies with a grin. Callum just winks at me, which I don't like. I give him a look before peeling off to follow Aaron to the Bronco. Thank god Sara Young hasn't found this place yet, but I'm worried it's only a matter of time until she stumbles upon it.
