Page 282 of Knox Academy Omnibus
“That’s good to know, but it’s more like the role of a personal assistant. This is what we are willing to pay you, along with housing and a company car.”
I slide a piece of paper across the scratched, worn tabletop and she unfolds it. Her eyes go wide, and she looks across at me with her mouth gaping.
“What’s the catch? Because when things seem too good to be true that means they usually are.”
“You will have to attend Knox Academy classes, not a full class schedule since you will have duties as my personal assistant. I’m also offering the chance of a scholarship position to an elite private school to your brother, but it’s only an interview and he would have to do the hard work.”
“Why me?”
“My boyfriend sees something in you, and I trust him.”
“And what if I say no?”
“Then we do things the hard way.” I sigh. “You have a court hearing coming up, where someone from my company will attend and you will be spared jail time in exchange for a three-year program at Knox Academy. Which is like a damn prison anyway – trust me, I know. The downfall to that is that you won’t be offered the paid job, and there’s no children’s housing on campus.”
“You would separate us?” she snarls, feeling backed into a corner. I don’t blame her.
“The way I see it you have two options – and that was more than I was given. I had to move countries and was ripped away from my family. Yes, it worked out in the end for me, but you have a sibling to think about. My butthead brother is old enough to look after himself. I’ll give you time to think about it.” I also slide a business style card across the table. I may have squealed a little when Sawyer handed me a box of matte black cards, with The Order logo and my name and number on it. I feel like a freaking boss handing my first one over, but this isn’t a game. I like this girl, and she really does need me. And if Kalen thinks I need her too, I’ll trust him on it.
“You have until the night before your court hearing to let me know. I suggest you consider both options. Option one is a job that can provide your brother with a better life, and also one for you, but just know there is no walking away once you’re in. And option two is that you come to Knox and do your three years, then you’ll be free to walk away once you are done.”
“What do you mean, there’s no walking away?”
“You’re a smart girl, I’m sure you can figure it out. I look forward to hearing from you.”
With that, I stand and push my chair back. I don’t know what I would do in her position because I have reasons to be in The Order, but her? She could still make a life for herself outside of all this. She follows me to the door and just when I’m on the threshold, she hesitates.
“Amelie?”
“Yeah?” I say turning to face her, one foot already out the door.
“What’s your boyfriend's name, the one who wants me to have this job?”
“Kalen Knox.”
“Motherfucker,” she mumbles, probably hoping I don’t catch it. But I do.
“Care to explain?” I snap.
She shakes her head no.
“You should ask him.”
I nod and step outside, not surprised when she slams the door behind me.
I don't expect to hear from her for a few days.
Jasper watches as I walk closer to the car. I jump in the passenger side and I'm grateful he has the heat on for me.
He wastes no time driving away. I look at him and instantly know that he’s called someone. He’s way too quiet. I put thatinformation somewhere safe. Jasper has a tell, and it might come in handy one day.
"So, who did you call?"
"I still answer to Sawyer until I'm told otherwise. It's a direct order from Monty. Until you’ve done all your training, you don't have the authority to dismiss me."
I snort at his words and shake my head. “He told you to say that, didn't he?” Jasper smiles and nods. Damn Sawyer. I need to find a way to get him to teach again. There has to be a way. Surely I have the connections now?
Jasper drives us straight to Knox Academy where Elsie is waiting impatiently.
