The High School Reunion From Hell - Saranna DeWylde Page 0,39

talked about it. But I don’t understand why Lindsey was trying so hard to make everyone think she had an affair with Dallas. Oh shit! Almost forgot to tell you, Brooke, but Lindsey had a tattoo of that sigil behind her ear.”

“So that marking either means they work for the group,” Brooke began. “Or they’re property of the group. You know, the way they brand cattle?”

“I didn’t think of that!” Lila Jean blurted. “Didn’t you say that the guy who was murdered at Hawthorne Park had what you thought was a brand?”

“It could have been a tattoo or a brand,” I corrected.

“You know what this means?” Brooke asked.

“We need a get a look at that body,” I answered. “But there’s no way I’m getting past Sheriff Meekers.”

“Brooke could do it,” Lila Jean offered, closing her eyes and tilting her head up into the sun.

“You’re going to think I’m an asshole, but it actually sounds like fun.”

“The only thing Meekers hates more than me is vampires,” I said.

“Billy Ray Meekers is dumber than a box of hair and the only reason he keeps getting elected sheriff is because no one else wants the job. A vampire could bite his left ass cheek and he’d never know it,” Brooke said.

She was correct. I couldn’t count all the times he’d screwed up an op for me because he was determined to meddle in vampire affairs without an understanding of how things worked.

“So tonight, we’ve got a two-pronged attack. We put in an appearance at Trivia, then Lila Jean, you and Brooke will drive back to Leavenworth and get a better look at the Hawthorne Park body, and I’ll head to Gabe’s.”

Lila Jean smacked the back of my head.

“What the hell was that for?” I rubbed the spot where she’d clocked me.

“Didn’t we just say no one was to go anywhere by themselves, including you?” Lila Jean answered.

Brooke pursed her lips. “You did agree. I heard it.”

“I won’t be alone. I’ll have Gabe walk me.”

“I don’t like it,” Lila Jean replied and crossed her arms over her chest.

“To be fair, you don’t like anything,” Brooke said.

“I like lots of things. Just not things that put my bestie in danger.” Lila Jean shoved my shoulder.

“I hear you, I do. Only right now, what are our choices?”

“Trivia. Morgue. Then Gabe. We can be in and out. And you can stop and grab your kit.”

Brooke grinned. “She’s got a point.”

“Counterpoint: if the trafficking ring is after me, it puts you both in more danger. I don’t want to be absent from the hotel that long. What if they come looking for me?”

Lila Jean knew we were at an impasse. I didn’t like to worry her, but it was best if I stayed more visible. Then they wouldn’t be looking to put a target on the backs of the people I loved.

Chapter Eleven

I checked the daycare app to make sure Vlad was still getting along okay. I missed his big head. I had the overwhelming urge to go kiss him. I made myself a note to check with Emily and see if she freelanced. She was so good with him and that would solve part of my issue with hanging out my own shingle.

He and Mina were chasing each other around the dog run and having a grand time. He stopped to look up at the camera, as if he knew I was watching him, and his mouth hung open and he panted happily.

I was going to be on my deathbed by the time he passed that ring, I was sure of it. At least in that eventuality, no one could blame Vlad for eating anyone. Of course, I didn’t want to spend the next forty years picking through his poop.

Obviously, I’d do it, but I wouldn’t be happy about it.

I’d had my fingers on my phone to text Ryder, but I didn’t want her anywhere this hotel. Not until I slayed the shit out of these traffickers. I’d have to use other means. I had both Marc and Gabe at my disposal and between them, they had to be able to get me the supplies I needed.

Lila Jean and I met Brooke, and Cornflake outside the small ballroom. The place looked like it had been decorated by teenagers, which was Cornflake’s intent, so I’d say it was mostly a hit.

Until she wrinkled her nose looking at the hashtag who remembers poster. “I really should have thought that one through a bit more.”

Lila Jean giggled. “Whore members.”

“Whore members,”