Page 54 of Massacre Monday
The board doesn’t make threats. They make examples. Every fraternity brother senior year had seen the tapes of mutilated corpses. Of duct-taped mouths and crying eyes begging for release while being tortured. We understood the risks.
Not following orders means you don’t live to follow any again. And the board would assign initiates to start with my sisters, or my mother, to make examples out of us to force my father’s hand.
But this second term of my agreement is one my father can’t see. My deal with Max only stands if I complete the president’s task—and that part I’ll handle alone. For Penelope Lynn Freidenberg.
Thewaythe president says things seems hollow and I can’t help but feel as if there’s a hidden message I’m not clear on. I decide to formulate my own plan and go for the checkmate instead of sacrificing pawns.
“I agree. She would be aperfectmatch for him. She’s young and has a stellar reputation, as you’re aware. Their bond would last for decades in the political realm.”
“Yes, I’m exceedingly glad you seem to understand. But about your father?—”
“I’ll convince him. He’ll listen to me and let my sister marry him once he’s available and his short mourning period has passed.”
Harvey’s face forms an unreadable expression. Part of me wonders if it’s meant to make methink. I stand and grip the back of the chair before leaving.
“Not to worry, Mr. President. I always finish what I start.”
Leaning back in his chair, he spins the antelope carefully and smiles. “I do believe you will, Mr. Cardell.Tenebris invicti.” Darkness is invincible?
Shaken and not knowing why he would say something similar toTheta Rho Zeta’smotto so loosely, I echo our usual response to the call. “Tenebris unitas.”Darkness unites.
As far as I know, Harmen Harvey is notTheta. In fact, I’m not sure which fraternity he graduated from.
He only gives a small chuckle, as if I’m missing the punchline to a joke.
In the hall, my father paces, a wild look crossing his eyes. When I open my mouth, he presses a finger to his lips, reminding me to stay quiet.
Outside on the lawn, he glances over his shoulder, then proceeds to his black Bentley. We both slide inside, and he turns to me, a frantic expression covering his face that looks like a mirror of mine. “What did you promise?”
“Relax, old man. I got it.”
“Ryan, you need to let me in on what was said. I can help you.”
He starts the car and heads down the lane to the gate while I glance out at the bare October trees. A few leaves still cling to the branches, but the biting wind knocks them off in clusters. “No thanks. I just need my partner-in-crime.”
When he drops me off at my place, his silent ire floods the car. I wouldn’t give him any details about my plan or even mention what the president and I discussed. He’ll just have to be patient.
Elina’s standing outside of my door, giving the best impression of someone who looks shattered. Her blonde hair clings to her cheeks, wet with tears, and she has the gall to sniffle in front of me. Like she’s hurt.
Guess her father hasn’t told her everything yet.
My stomach churns, thinking about that last kiss we put on for the cameras. On the rooftop of Luminescence. I swiped at my mouth slyly as soon as no one was looking. Then chugged my bourbon to get the taste of her off my tongue.
Hiding the revulsion from having to hold her hand. Pretending to want her. Putting on the performance that the board demanded. Long enough to get them off Dad’s back.
Only long enough to keep our family alive…
I sidestep her and unlock the door, hurriedly waving her inside with no warmth. She flips around and narrows her blue eyes. “I heard some things…”
A clank cuts through the tense atmosphere when I drop my key in the bowl, then cross my arms and lean against the brick wall. “What did you hear?”
“That I’m not appointed to you any longer. But Daddy didn’t say why or towhomI’m supposed to be with now. Ryan, you can’t do this to me! I’ve postedpictureson Pixtagram already! What will I tell people? The engagement party is planned, for fuck’s sake!”
“Oh, E. Cheer up. You can use all of that with your new…well,familiarboy toy.”
Her eyes flash, as if she understands who I mean, but then she plays dumb. “Whatboy toy?”
“Chase Warrick of Warrick Jewels. The guy you’ve been fucking for a year.”
