Page 117 of The Friend Scheme
“How fast do you think you can get into your suit?”
“Pretty fast, why?”
“Do it. Tony and Vince are already in the car. He’s vulnerable, but we need to act fast.”
Vince.
“Do you need me? I have school tomorrow, and…”
“Dude,” says Luke. “Do you really think Dad will be okay with you sitting this out? He’s the guy responsible. We need to make him pay. Key word:we.”
He’s right.
Dad would never let me sit this out.
I close my door and lightly slap my face a few times to try to totally wake up.
Come on, dude, get back here.
As quickly as I can, I get dressed in my suit. I haven’t done my tie up yet, but I figure I can do that in the car. I push my feet into my dress shoes. Last, I retrieve my mask. I look at it for a second, then I shove it in my pocket and step outside.
Luke is still out in the hallway, leaning against the wall.
“Have you got your mask?”
I nod and show him.
He stares at me for a second, and I think he’s going to say something. But then he just turns, and we go through the house. Dad is waiting for us. He’s leaning against the kitchen island.
“Make him pay,” he says. “I would, if I was strong enough.”
“We will,” says Luke.
I just nod.
Then we go out the front door to a burner car that’s waiting for us in our driveway.
Inside, classical music is playing. Tony is in the driver’s seat, and Vince is beside him.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” asks Tony.
I nod and put my seat belt on.
Tony starts the engine and pulls away from the curb.
I feel queasy for the entire drive.
This is so wrong.
Someone is going to die tonight, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.
They tried to kill my dad. I should want this. I should need this, like everyone else in the car needs it.
I don’t, though.
I stare out the window. It’s pitch-black outside, and the road is empty.
I’m too scared to even cry. Mostly I feel like I’m going to throw up.
