Kings of Quarantine (Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep #1) - Caroline Peckham ,Susanne Valenti Page 0,62

the virus. But surely Dad didn’t do this? Why would he? We were well off, we didn’t need the money. The Apollo Company had paid him six figures a month.

My breathing finally started to slow and I pulled myself to my feet, the trembling of my body finally easing a fraction. I switched the shower off, wringing out my hair and abandoning my uniform as I stepped out of the unit and a cold resilience ran over me. I wouldn’t need it anymore. I wasn’t staying here. I hadn’t wanted to be here in the first place. If Dad really was on the run, I’d find him. Help him. He’d always been there for me and I wasn’t going to abandon him now when he was thrown to the wolves. There had to be an explanation for this. The news had to be wrong.

I grabbed my phone and washed off the stew by the basin before heading to my room, having no towel to cover myself up. But no one was around and even if they had been, I didn’t think I could be any more humiliated than I already was.

I took a steadying breath as I headed into my room, hurriedly pulling on a pair of sweatpants and a sports bra before tugging a black hoodie over it. I threw all of my stuff into my suitcase as fast as I could then grabbed my backpack from where I’d stashed it under the bed and filled it with the last of my things. I took the letter I’d written to Jessica from my nightstand, tucking it carefully into the concealed pocket at the back of the pack to keep it safe, then shouldered the bag. I left my school books. I didn’t want any reminder of Everlake Preparatory and I could buy new ones for whatever school I ended up in next.

I tugged my suitcase along, heading out of the room and hurrying out of the building. I took my phone from my pocket as I walked in the direction of the main gate, bringing up the Uber app and tapping the button to get a lift. It started searching for rides as I upped my pace, making it past Aspen Halls and closing in on the gravel driveway that led out of this godforsaken place.

Screw all of them. I don’t need this shit. I just need my dad. That’s all I’ve ever needed.

The Uber app failed to find me a ride and I growled as I tried again, hunting the map for signs of any cars close by. There wasn’t one anywhere. I knew we were in the middle of nowhere, but this was taking the piss. I googled taxi services as I closed in on the gate, spotting Monroe standing by it talking to the guards beyond.

Just my damn luck.

Well he can’t do anything about me leaving. If I wanna go, I’ll go.

I clicked on the number for the top taxi firm and brought the phone to my ear. It went to an automated voicemail and I frowned as the woman spoke. “We’re sorry, but due to the new regulations enforced by the Governor of State, Troy Memphis, we can no longer provide our service. We value you as a customer and hope that-”

I cut the call, my heart beating out of rhythm as I tucked my phone back into my pocket. What new regulations?

I breathed heavily, making a new plan to walk as far as I could from this place. I’d hitchhike as soon as I could and head to my dad’s property in Elmwood Forest a few hours from here. I had a key, so even if he wasn’t there I could hole up in the house until I figured out what to do. And with the precautions Dad had taken about purchasing it as a doomsday safe house, I knew no one would be able to locate it but us.

I reached the gate, but Monroe stepped into my way before I could open it. There was a padlock and chain holding it closed and I frowned as I lifted my gaze to meet his.

His brows pulled together at my expression then he folded his arms. “And where do you think you’re going, princess?”

“I’m leaving. Open this gate,” I asked curtly.

“Leaving?” he scoffed. “Don’t you rich kids read the news?”

I ground my teeth, not in the mood for his attitude. “I saw the article about my dad and it’s bullshit.”

“Well, whether that’s true or not,