Page 151 of In Death, Love Survives
We approach Caleb, who’s standing around with Eddie, Ted, Jake, Adam, and someone I can’t make out. Ted notices us first, and his face pales.
Everyone looks serious as they one by one turn to face us.
“What’s going on?” Nova whispers.
“We’re about to find out.”
We close the remaining distance, and Caleb nods before giving us space to join their circle.
“What’s with all of this?” I ask.
That’s when I spot the man of the fucking hour.
“Toby.”
Nova’s expression falls as she scoots her body into mine.
“I’m out. Came to cash in on your promise once I was free,” Toby says to me.
He looks over at Nova, and a wide smile stretches across his face.
“Dr. Fletcher. I barely recognized you.”
“Toby. You’re free?” she asks, confused.
“Good behavior.”
“Oh, well, that’s wonderful.”
“Nova, baby, why don’t you go get us a couple of drinks?”
Knowingly, she agrees and leaves the circle.
“What the fuck are you doing here after ignoring Eddie’s calls? That doesn’t feel like you want to be part of our club.”
“Hey, man, I wanted to talk to you. And only you.”
I look over at Caleb, who doesn’t seem to have known that. Then over to Eddie, who’s nervously twitching, looking at the ground.
Fucking Eddie.
“What is it?”
“I want protection.”
I throw my hands in the air.
“From fucking who?” I shout.
“The Vipers.”
I sigh and scrub a hand down my face.
“Tell me what you know first.”
“They’re planning something big. I don’t know what, but man, that guy Sam Snow back at Roper State fucking hates you. This is personal, man. You better watch your back.”
Sam fucking Snow.
