Page 19 of Carved in Ice (Made of Steel 3)

“Me? You almost shot a child.”

“That…that’s an exaggeration.”

“You’ve completely lost control, Sadie. I vote that you can no longer leave the apartment. All in favor?”

“Fuck you, V.” My words were icier than I had meant for them to be. “I’m not some animal that you can keep caged up in your secret lair.”

“It’s your apartment.”

Why was he acting like a stubborn five-year-old? God, I wanted to strangle him. “I’m going out.” I needed some fresh air before I did something I regretted, if it wasn’t already too late.

“No you’re not,” he said. “We haven’t voted yet. All in favor?”

“Don’t bother voting on my freedom. Because even if you do say I can’t go, I’m leaving anyway.” I stood up.

“Maybe you shouldn’t leave right this second, Summer…” Eli’s voice trailed off when I glared at him.

Was he seriously agreeing with V? I thought we had been on the same page today. And last night. Screw him too. “I’ll even leave my gun here so you can all feel better.” I reached into my sweater and pulled it out.

Liza immediately put her hands into the air and her eyes grew wider than usual, if that was possible.

Did she really think I was going to shoot her? I set my gun down on the table. “Have fun with your vote. Obviously I vote nay, not that my vote ever seems to matter.” I stormed past them and the ground lit up red underneath my feet. Screw you too, Athena.

Chapter 9

Monday

The happiness I had finally just grasped was slipping through my fingers. It was one thing to be ignored. Venom being thrown at me for no reason was completely out of line. What the hell had even set V off? According to Liza they had a super great date earlier. He should have been chipper if anything.

I balled my hands into fists and stared out at the city. The blanket of snow should have been calming, but it wasn’t. It made the taste of blood fill my mouth.

I took a deep breath and watched my exhale fog the air in front of me. Mr. Crawford was alive. I wanted to feel relief. But what if he was working for Don? I exhaled again and stared at my breath. What if he was my father?

“I thought you hated the snow.” V stepped up beside me and stared out at the city street.

“Yeah, but I didn’t used to.”

“What made you change your mind?”

I kept staring out at the snow. “Why did you come up here, V? I know it wasn’t for pointless small talk.”

He sighed and the air from his breath collided with mine. “Eli and Liza both voted with you. You’re free to do as you please…under the other rules of course.”

“Right. Only come outside at night unless I’m wearing a disguise. Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to be alone.”

“Do you though?”

I finally turned toward him. “Yes.”

“Liza told me that you said the therapist helped.”

“That’s perfect. How about the two of you keep talking about me behind my back and leave me alone?”

“Whatever you want, Sadie.” He started to walk away.

God, it hit a nerve every time he called me that. “Would you just call me by my real name?”

He kept walking away from me.

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