Page 4 of Betrayed

“I told Meg I’d paint the spare room this weekend. Want to help?”

“Sure. I’ll expect my usual fee.”

“Beer and pizza?”

“Beer and pizza.”

“You’re still a cheap date, Janerek.”

“Maybe, but I won’t put out for anything less than lobster and champagne.”

“Get back to work,” he ordered with a laugh.

“Yes, sir.” I saluted him as I walked out. You’d think it’d be weird working for my best friend, but thankfully, it wasn’t an issue.

Chapter 3

Blake

Icame downstairs late Sunday morning knowing I’d missed breakfast but dying for a coffee. Listening to Priscilla recap the party and brag about how successful it was, knowing she hadn't done any of the work didn't sound like fun, so I decided to go to my favorite coffee shop and do some homework.

As I reached for the door handle, I noticed a small white envelope on the floor. I covered a yawn as I bent over to pick it up.

That's weird.

No name. I turned it over. Unsealed. When I lifted the flap, I could see thick card stock inside.

Maybe someone dropped it last night.I’ll just see who it’s for.I slipped the letter out and unfolded it.Scanning the first few words, I looked for a name. I didn’t intend to read the whole thing—until I saw my name.

Davenport, Your daughter Blake is captivating. It’d be a shame if something happened to her before she graduates. Honor your word and nothing will.

I gasped as I backed away from the door.

It’s a joke. A sick one, but still a joke.

I wasn’t laughing.

“Dad!” I yelled as I ran to his office. Expecting someone to jump out at me, I looked around every corner. My heart racing with every step.

I almost crashed into him when I rounded the corner.

“Why are you yelling?” Priscilla demanded from behind him.

Dad put his hands on my shoulders and stepped back so he could see me. I must have looked terrified because he asked, “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

I shook my head. “No, but,” I looked down at the card clutched in my hand. “I found this.” I held it out for him.

“Seriously? All that for a card?” Priscilla dismissed me and went back to playing on her phone while my father took the now wrinkled paper.

He turned towards his desk as he pulled the paper flat. His abrupt stop told me he’d read it. His sharp intake of breath told me he didn’t think it was a joke.

Someone was threatening me.Us. But why?

Priscilla, engrossed in her phone, hadn't noticed his reaction, but looked up when she heard the fear in his voice.

“Blake, I don't want you leaving the house today.”

Any hope I had of dismissing the threat disappeared with his order.

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