Page 45 of Nova Academy

‘The one everyone’s accusing of the assault? Do you think that’s a good idea if we’re recruiting Christianson?’the woman asked, and a chill went down my spine at somehow catching the attention of the very people for whom I was looking for. That wasn’t part of the plan… but after listening to what was said next, I considered if perhaps it should be.

‘He’s a wild card but put him on the list for now. If he’s still being targeting he could be open to a way out. We all know it wasn’t him, and we can show the Christianson boy the footage if they clash.’

‘Right. Keep an eye out. Anyone else?’

‘What about that Mercer kid? The one from Hastings’ team.’

‘The scrawny one?’

‘Small doesn’t mean weak.’

‘If you think he’d worth putting on the list then I won’t stop you, buthe’s not my first choice.’

‘I will. We don’t have much time left. Just until we land, and then it’s go-time. We need a complete list before then.’

The audio cut off then, and I mulled over what I had learned. They were after Reece, and they were apparently after me, too. I couldn’t allow them to get their hands on him, but what about me? It wasn’t in my plans to get caught, but perhaps going into The Program undercover was exactly what I needed to be finding a way to do. It would make things a lot simpler getting in and out if they gave me access.

I didn’t like it, but if I played my cards right I could potentially have the opportunity to be led directly to the very place and the people I was searching for. Or at least get close enough to figure it out from there.

A plan solidified in my mind, and I knew exactly what to do.

This was good. This was exactly what I needed.

CHAPTER 21

Adara

Something was wrong with Artemis. Something had happened that was making her act out by not doing anything at all. Once again, she had shut herself down, and that included attempting to negate our friendship.

But I wasn’t about to let that happen. No ma’am.

She was about to learn the hard way that she couldn’t get rid of me. But first, I needed to figure out the source of the problem. I knew without even having to try that she wouldn’t open up to me if I outright asked, but from how well the last confrontation with her went, I would have to bring the issue to her already uncovered.

And I knew just where to start.

Artemis had gone to bed without taking anything more than a buttered bread roll that evening, so I was free to corner whomever without risking her discovering my intentions before I could follow through. It wouldn’t stop me, but it would be easier if she didn’t fight me thewholetime.

While a little mystery was nice, this was getting tedious, and I wasn’talwaysa patient woman. I was looking forward to the time where we could simply exist in one another’s lives without all this hullaballoo, but I was aware I’d have to work for it.

When Reece got up to use the toilet, I waited for him in the main bedroom, ready to pounce as soon as he exited. And I did. Once that door slid open, I grabbed his arm and yanked him into the bedroom, locking the door behind me.

Arty had chosen a bunk from the other room to avoid sharing, so we had the room to ourselves.

‘What the fuck?’ he exclaimed as he fumbled to get his feet back under him. Then he eyed me appraisingly. ‘You’re stronger thanyou look for such a tiny little thing.’

I ignored the backhanded compliment and headed straight in for the kill. ‘What’s wrong with Arty? What happened?’

He relaxed when he realised I wasn’t going to attack him again, but his shoulders slumped defeatedly at my line of questioning. ‘I don’t know. He was fine yesterday. At least as fine as he usually is. I thought we were slowly getting him to open up, but every time we take a step forward it’s like we take ten more back right after.’

‘Well, did anything unusual happen? Anything that stood out to you? Anything at all?’

His mouth started to form the wordno, but then he hesitated. ‘Actually, yeah. Bromm.’

‘Bromm?’

He nodded once. ‘Bromm.’

I waited for him to continue, but he didn’t. ‘You’re gonna have to elaborate.’

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