Page 19 of The Invite
Tick. Tock.
Tick. Tock.
Tick. Tock.
The clock chimes in time with my heartbeat and I wait for Mr. Crane to speak up. He seems to be at a loss for words, his face expressionless as he stares hard at the Dictaphone I placed on his desk twenty minutes ago.
Luck was on my side because it never turned off. It ended up recording a muffled version of the entire conversation between Augustus and me—the full sordid tale of what transpired last night, how unapologetic he is, and his plan to repeat it.
It turned out to be an ace up my sleeve.
The proof that will become my saving grace.
“This is shocking and abhorring, to say the least,” says Mr. Crane after clearing his throat. Scrubbing a hand across his jaw, he regards me with sympathy. “I’m very sorry it happened to you and I’m glad you came straight to me first.”
Whether or not he helps me get justice in the way I want, I won’t be going to the cops. It’ll be opening a can of worms that’ll eat me alive.
I don’t tell him that.
“I cannot believe Augustus would do this. He’s one of the top students in our school. Exceptional in studies, debate, sports… you name it.”
It’s probably the reason why teachers are lenient with him, because it didn’t appear it was the first time he entered the class late.
Thank God I had proof or else Mr. Crane wouldn’t have believed me when I accused his star student of a crime.
Before coming to him, I looked up Augustus Grayson—yes, Scarlett is his twin sister; his Irish twin, that is—in the student’s database. Augustus isn’t just one of school’s top students. He’s first in everything.
Apart from this, I didn’t bother learning more. My priority is to get him punished so I can live my life without looking back over my shoulder.
“He also had a friend, Mr. Crane,” I reveal.
“Who?”
“Maverick Sinclair,” I reply, and demand, “I want them both expelled.”
“You’ll be ruining their lives.”
“If I don’t, they’ll be ruining mine.” I’m aghast he would even suggest it. “Did you not hear the same threat I did? You have a responsibility toward your staff too.”
He raises his hands. “Yes, yes… you’re right. I apologize.”
“They traumatized me, Mr. Crane. I got lucky when that girl showed up when she did, or else I would’ve been in no shape to turn up this morning. I won’t sit by idly while they do this to another innocent girl, who may not be as lucky. Don’t tell me it’ll ruin their lives when they are remorseless about what they did.”
“I understand your anger, Nessa. However, I have a responsibility to investigate and listen to all the parties involved before I make such a big decision. But rest assured, it will happen today and I promise that your safety and well-being are our top priority.”
“Fine.”
A look of relief crosses his middle-aged face. “Let me make some calls and gather everyone involved before we discuss this further.”
I sit back and watch him call his assistant, who he instructs to get Augustus and Maverick to his office immediately. Next, he phones their parents and asks them to come to the school saying it is urgent.
Meanwhile, I’m on pins and needles. Low-key nervous to face Augustus again, his last words ringing in my ears like a bad omen. I haven’t taken a moment to let them sink in. BecauseI’m spooked by the confusion and contradicting emotions I’m having when I allow myself to feel.
Most alarming is the fact that while I had no qualms about replaying our conversation, I couldn’t bring myself to hand over the sketch he drew. It’s still sitting heavily inside my purse. The weight of it taunts me that I’m a hypocrite. Tormenting me with a sick truth that a gray part of me enjoyed his touch.
Perhaps my body is still dazed and running on adrenaline and not understanding the enormity of the danger Augustus poses.
After all, I haven’t had a chance to process it all.
