Page 10 of Betraying Bexley

“I didn’t mean to get into a shitting match with the stupid bitch on the first day. I only meant to make contact, but, in case you’re blind, making contact with Bex, brings out all the bullshit those girls can muster. I wanted to introduce myself, because I knew it’d been a couple of days since Iliana had been at school. We had to reestablish our connection to Bex, fast or else we’d be farther behind.”

Noah blew out a rough chuckle. “You have a mouth on you, I’ll give you that. You also have a point. So, where did it go wrong?”

Bronx quirked a brow. “Who said it did?”

“Let me remind you, you went to the principal’s office,” Noah said, crossing his arms. “Technically, I’d say it went wrong.”

"So did Sasha." Bronx smirked. "She instigated it, so she got detention for a week. Myself, I got a stern talking-to with a warning to not make it a habit."

“It also puts a bigger target on Bex’s back,” Noah reminded her.

“Eito is with her in history, I have her covered for English, Alé for science and Alex for Math, plus we’re all with her at lunch and P.E.. We have her back.” Bronx shrugged. “My standing up to Sasha today allowed me a little bit of an in and I’m taking it.”

“And, what did you learn?” Noah cocked a brow.

“You, Mateo, and AJ and Scotty have known Bex longer than I have, and I saw how thin she was. She’s bordering on malnourished. I’m guessing, the only good food is the stuff here at the school, the rest of the time, I bet she scrimps by. She palmed her applesauce and drink and took them with her after lunch.”

“Fuck,” Noah snapped. “We’ve all had our hands pretty full with shit going sideways in Mexico and now with Raul. We should have been paying closer attention.”

“Not sure if you also know how bad her speech impediment is, but she can barely get five words out at a time.” Bronx clenched her hands into fists. “Everyone failed her from the beginning.”

“Mateo knows,” Noah whispered. His words were edged in heartbreak. “His hands are tied due to Raul. That bastard has fucked over his daughter at every point in her life.”

“Her wellbeing may not be our priority. Finding Raul is. I get it. She’s also a fount of knowledge about the Nieto Cartel. She can bring down so many more people given the opportunity, however, if she’s dead because she’s not eating properly, or has no will to live in a world who doesn’t give a shit whether she lives or dies, what’s the fucking point of this whole mission?” Pink tinged the tops of Bronx’s cheeks as she glanced away from Noah. “So, shouldn’t the mission now include her wellbeing? Shouldn’t we give a fuck about her too?”

Noah scrubbed his face sighed. The rough sound was tinged with guilt and irritation. “Yeah. You’re right.”

Bronx grinned.

"Don't let it go to your head kid. You're still on the shit list for your little stunt. It could have gone bad." Noah stood. "Fly under the radar. When it comes to those who bully Bex, defuse the situations as much as possible. When you can't, use the path of least resistance to get out of it and keeps your ass out of the principal's office. Got me?"

“Sure.” Bronx nodded. “Under the radar. Defuse the situation. Stay out of the principal’s office. What about the food thing?”

“I’ll talk to Mateo when I pick him up later,” Noah answered.

“What about the dry cleaners?” Alé hedged, since it appeared, they were done with the meeting.

“Follow her to work this afternoon. See who comes and goes. Remember it’s a front for Raul. When you’re done for the day, write up everything and send it in.” Noah cut his eyes toward Bronx. “I want everything from the incident in English written out. Put that brain of yours to use. Got it?”

She nodded. “Understood. I am sorry I hurt Bex today. She’s a good nut. She doesn’t deserve this and maybe, I can admit, seeing it instead of hearing about how they treat her, got me to take their bait. It won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t.” Noah strode to the door then glanced over his shoulder at Bronx. “Good job getting an in for us, Bronx, but finesse it. Don’t force it.”

“Yes, sir,” she replied.

Once Noah left, Alé turned to Bronx and let out a pent up breath. “That went better than I thought it would.”

“It’s my charm.” She shrugged.

He snorted. “Sure.”

The exited the room after giving Noah enough time to leave. Bronx made several valid points. How could they do their jobs without getting themselves dirty? They were supposed to befriend her. They were supposed to act like they had some affinity for her, yet they'd all, except for Bronx and Iliana, kept their distance. Alé realized a fresh set of eyes saw more than those who were in the situation, but Bex losing weight? No, they all missed it completely. And, again Bronx was right, she did more than they had.

Guilt ate at Alé as they walked down the hall, heading back to class. The meeting hadn't taken as long as he expected. But it made a lasting impact on him. "So, what's she like?"

“Bex?”

He nodded.

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