Page 65 of A Lesson in Deceit
“I don’t thinkanyoneactually speaks wolf,” I answered, translating.
Mateo’s mouth quirked up into a smile. “I like this one.” Corrin was snuggled up to their side, tracing her finger through their trimmed beard.
“There are actually people who do speak wolf, but why anyone would want to hear what this one has to say, I’ll never understand.” Jade plopped down in her chair with her own beer.
“I’m sure River could have read their mind and not ran away like I did.” Marianne took a sip of her drink. “I ran track in high school and I’m regretting not keeping up at least my stretching like I used to. My legs are killing me from all that running.”
“You ran for like five minutes,” I joked.
She balled up the paper from her straw covering and threw it at me. Mateo cleared their throat. “We’re getting someone to fix your car. You’ll be able to leave tonight, no problem.”
Marianne nodded, looking over at me as if I was meant to spill everything I was supposed to say right at this very moment.
The door opened and Mateo looked over their shoulder. They patted Corrin’s leg quickly. “Mi amor, there’s your girl.”
A tall girl with red hair down to her shoulders stepped inside. She wore leggings and an oversized t-shirt tucked into the front. A few other girls followed behind her. She scanned the room, catching sight of Corrin.
Her mouth opened and it seemed as if she wanted to laugh but no noise came out. She turned towards one of her friends, saying something and then turning back to head our way. “Corrin, how’s that cute little coven of yours?”
Corrin heaved out a breath. “Just fine, thanks for asking, Pen.”
“Funny, I heard one of your own just up and vanished and then got plopped right back into society, like nothing ever happened.”
Corrin’s face faltered for a moment. “How do you know that?”
Pen shrugged, “Just because I graduated doesn’t mean I’m completely above university gossip. I also know your pretentious little school isn’t doing fuck all about it.”
“Woah, what…” Mateo started, casting a look over at Corrin.
“We’re trying to fix that,” I cut in, knowing this little back and forth spat between them could have gone on for a while if I let it.
Pen swiveled on her heels to give me her full attention. “And who are you?”
I swallowed, throwing a glance at Marianne, who was desperately trying to keep up with the conversation. I pushed my chair back, stepping up to Pen who raised her eyebrows. “I’m the girl whose dad likely died due to someone associated with that coven, and I would like you to help me figure it the fuck out. You’ll know that Celica Coven isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and you’ll be doing me a large favor.”
Pen smirked, sizing me up. “I don’t care much about doing you a large favor, but you had me at proving Celica Coven is a shit show. What exactly do you need from me….” She sighed expectantly, waiting for me to give her my name.
“Riley.”
She nodded as if my name would stay in her mind until our dealing was over and she could forget about me. Pen tucked her hair behind her ear, tapping Mateo on the shoulder. “Do you mind letting us talk and getting me a drink?”
Mateo grumbled but got up. “We are still going to talk about this.” They gave Corrin a knowing look, walking over to the bar.
“Riley, what the fuck. This is about your dad?” Marianne scooted her chair closer to me.
“Yeah, I need to explain?—”
Pen cleared her throat. “Whatever you’re about to say can wait, I’m sure. You want me to put all the pieces together for you?” She blinked, waiting for my response.
“Maybe not those words exactly, but yes,” I said, leaning into the table.
Pen looked around at us and then started laughing. “Listen, the way my magic works is I need to be in the room where it happened. I need to touch things, stand in the same place as your dad and then the whole imagery comes to mind. It’s notas simple as you telling me some shit and I can just solve the crime.”
Jade huffed. “¡Que increíble!Why are you even fucking sitting here then.” She downed her beer, leaning back in her chair. Mateo’s sister didn’t know anything about, well, anything, and she was just as frustrated as me.
Pen let out another laugh. “I don’t want to step foot on your campus, that’s all. That doesn’t mean I can’t help you. You’ll just have to do a bit more work.” She swung her head to face Corrin.
My roommate pressed her lips together. “What do I have to do?”
