Page 57 of The Other Side
I narrowed my eyes at the new nickname. “I don’t think we should let anyone know we’re working together.”
He cocked his head, not understanding.
“We need to keep up appearances at school, where I’ve been very vocal about my dislike for you.” I eyed him nervously, unsure of how he would take my suggestion.
“You’re right.”
I straightened. “I am?”
Chance crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Yeah. The faculty definitely knows, and I’m sure some students are aware—plus, you rarely eat at the dining hall. We should go about our business as usual and keep our investigation between us…”
He paused.
“That means you can’t talk to Lenny or Jolene about anything,” Chance finished hesitantly.
“I wouldn’t involve Lenny, but I don’t think I can lie to Jolene—she’ll know something is up. Plus, she helped me figure out who you are—or were. She’s going to ask me what happened on Monday. What am I supposed to say?” I didn’t disagree with him, but I felt guilty not including her in some capacity.
“You don’t have to lie to her, but maybe just don’t tell her the whole truth,” he suggested.
“So I shouldn’t tell her you’ve been stalking me and taking creepy pictures?” I held up the folder he’d given me.
He shook his head, amused. “Never going to live that one down, am I?”
“Not ever.”
“I know she’s your friend, but we need to be careful. We can’t trust anyone. She’s too close to the headmaster.”
“She wouldn’t tell him anything,” I argued.
“Not intentionally, but her desk is right by his office. And other than you, he’s the only person who knows I’m a Roberts. I’m sure he’s wondered what my motives were for applying to teach here.” Chance wasn’t going to budge.
“I’m not good at lying.” I slumped against the table.
Chance paced back to me, leaning against the table. “Don’t look at it as lying. You’re only keeping information from her to protect her, and to protect us. She would understand.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “We can’t risk her knowing anything, especially if it means she could become the next target.”
I let myself look up into his darkened eyes. He was trying to protect all of us.
“Okay…”
“When can we get into the records room to check on those missing girls without worrying about running into Jolene or any of the other admin staff?”
“We’ll have to wait until tomorrow night—the staff is usually all gone by nine.”
“Not tonight?” Chance asked anxiously.
“Too many students around. Remember they have evening study sessions on Sunday nights in the dining hall.”
“Shit, I forgot. Okay, Monday night it is.” He took a beat. “I’ll go grab us food.”
“I have some tests I need to grade.” It wasn’t that I didn’t want to work on the case anymore, but it felt like we were at a bit of a standstill.
“You don’t mind if I’m up here, do you?” he asked sincerely, giving me an out if I wanted to be alone in the lounge.
“No, I don’t mind.”
Somehow, Chance Harper was weaseling his way even further into my heart.
