The Cursed Series, Parts 3 & 4 (Cursed #3-4) - Rebecca Donovan Page 0,24
not true. He knows so much. And he’s lying about almost all of it.
When I consider everything that’s happened—from Allie, to the paternity tests, to the Harrisons and now Ashton—Brendan is at the center of all of it. Always the one with the information. How’s he getting it? And what’s he planning to do with it?
I stop by Ashton’s, but there’s a sign on her door: Do not disturb. Sleeping. I leave her and decide to go for a walk to clear my head. Figure out what to do next. Or what not to. Because some of it … I shouldn’t know. Some secrets are meant to remain buried.
While passing by the birch forest, I hear Dr. Kendall’s sugary voice. “How did the tour go?”
“I think he’ll like it here,” Sophia responds.
I sneak closer, wondering who the new student could be. But it’s only Sophia and Dr. Kendall.
“Wonderful. What would I do without you?” Dr. Kendall pats Sophia on the head like she’s a pet.
I cringe. So weird.
“Oh, here’s the key card.” Sophia holds out a white electronic card attached to a black coiled bracelet.
“I already locked the office, and I’m late for a dinner reservation. Why don’t you give it to Mrs. Seyer to return to the office in the morning?”
I eye the small rectangle dangling from her fingers, and a plan begins to form. Maybe I can finally get some answers … while sinking to Brendan’s level.
I wait until Dr. Kendall disappears inside before pretending to notice Sophia. I smile. “Hi, Sophia.” She jumps. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s okay,” she says, averting her eyes and moving to enter the Court.
“What are you up to?” I walk beside her, trying to sound as cheerful as possible, but I kinda suck at it. Which is obvious when she eyes me warily.
“Um, nothing. I was going back to the dorm.” She stops, concern suddenly widening her eyes. “Why? Did something happen? Is Ashton okay?”
The reaction seems a little odd, but so is Sophia. “No. I mean, she’s still not feeling great. But she’s getting better. I was just asking because I wanted to talk to you about something. Except it needs to stay between us. You can keep a secret, right?”
“Of course,” Sophia exclaims like I just asked her if the sky was blue. “Whatever I can do to help.”
We enter a garden with a hidden daybed tucked into a shrubbery alcove.
I direct Sophia to sit next to me and lower my voice conspiratorially. “You warned me about Brendan. That I shouldn’t trust him. I should’ve listened to you.”
Sophia peeks around the hedge like someone could be lurking. “I thought you should know. To stay away from him. He’s not a good person, Lana.”
“I know.” I take her hand, coaxing her gently, like pulling at a loose thread. “And I’m afraid he’s going to do something terrible unless we stop him.”
“What do you mean?” Sophia’s smoky eyes round in alarm.
“I think he’s planning something, but I need proof before I can say anything. Will you help me get it?”
“What kind of proof?”
“It’s in his dorm room.” I shift my eyes to glance at the key card still in her hand. “Can you get me in?”
Sophia hides the card in the pleat of her yellow-and-turquoise striped skirt. “I’m not supposed to use the master key card for anything, except the tours.”
“How would anyone know? I mean, would they even check? They trust you, right?”
“Yes. I take my responsibilities very seriously.” She looks horrified by even the suggestion of breaking the rules.
“As you should. But what about our responsibility to protect the students of Blackwood? Like … Ashton.”
Despite their obvious differences, I know Sophia looks up to Ashton. Admires her for her brazen, outspoken demeanor. And Ashton looks out for Sophia, including her in our group whenever possible so she has a sense of belonging. I’ve seen it. It’s the craziest pairing but kinda endearing at the same time.
“You know Ashton’s in love with him, don’t you?” I say this like it’s a sad admission and I pity Ashton.
Sophia makes a disgusted face. “I have no idea what she sees in him.”
“Me either.” I replicate her expression. “So, will you help me? For Ashton?”
Sophia is quiet for a few seconds, battling with her inner morals. With a deep exhale, she concedes, “Okay. But we can’t get caught. My parents will disown me if I get kicked out of Blackwood.”
“No matter what happens, I promise to take all the blame.”