Page 116 of The Friend Scheme
“I almost hope that’s true.” He leans in close, so he’s whispering in my ear. “You might be a traitor, but I hope you aren’t a coward as well.”
I straighten up and stare him down.
“Just get on with it, then.”
I don’t know where this bravery is coming from.
I guess it’s because Jason’s life is on the line. I can’t let anyone hurt him.
“Okay, then,” he says. “Let’s start. Tell me who you’ve been spending time with.”
Vince runs the blade along my skin, walking in a circle around me. There’s not enough pressure on it to cut, but I know that’s coming very soon.
I start hyperventilating.
As much as I want to be brave and not give him any satisfaction, I know he’s about to badly hurt me. Right now he’s just playing with me. But soon, I’ll feel the real thing.
“Just a friend,” I say. “That’s all we are, I swear.”
I only just manage to say it, because I’m shaking so much.
“You’re lying,” he says.
“I’m not, I promise I’m not. Please don’t hurt me. Dad will kill you if you do.”
“Who do you think asked me to do this?”
He slowly moves the blade down, closer and closer, until it’s touching me. I struggle, but I can’t move, and then I feel the cold of metal on my skin, and I go totally still. My heart is pounding, and I want to scream, but it’s trapped in my throat.
“Last chance,” he says. “Tell me everything.”
I shake my head.
He tilts the blade slightly so the edge is touching me…
And then he presses down.
A thumping on my door pulls me from my dream.
I sit bolt upright and touch my chest.
I can still feel his knife cutting into me. I pull my blankets away and see that my skin is fine. I’m wearing a white tank and my boxers.
It was just a dream. I’m okay.
The knock sounds again, a fist pounding against my door.
I slide out of bed and walk over to my door. Moonlight streams in through my window, and my curtains flutter gently. I unlock my door and swing it open. Luke is standing outside, wearing a black suit.
He’s holding his mask.
“Good news,” he says. “They found him.”
I rub my eyes. “Found who?”
“The man who shot Dad. How fast can you get ready?”
“Huh?” I say.
