Kings of Quarantine (Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep #1) - Caroline Peckham ,Susanne Valenti Page 0,64

at the back of the classrooms, runts at the front.

Miss Pontus started taking attendance, but she was interrupted by Headmaster Brown’s voice coming over the tannoy.

“Good morning students. As some of you may be aware, the Hades Virus has taken a turn for the worse overnight. The total number of live cases in the continental US has now reached over eighteen thousand and the number of dead has climbed to eleven thousand. The President has just now released a new statement on the current guidelines as for how this global pandemic is to be dealt with.”

A ripple of unease ran through the class as people whispered to their neighbours, shifted in their seats and generally looked uncomfortable as fuck.

“As such, the following is now in force in the state of Sequoia: one; there is to be a statewide lockdown. No one is allowed to leave their homes or place of residence unless it is in the pursuit of essential supplies or work. For the school itself, we have decided that means we must close ourselves off from the outside world entirely. The gates are locked and will remain so until further notice. We are in the uniquely fortunate position of already being an isolated community so we believe that for now, you can all continue to attend classes. However, you are allowed to leave if a parent or guardian comes to the school to collect you in person. In that case, you will be escorted to the gate and meet them out on the drive. Once you leave, you will not be permitted back into the school until this virus is eradicated.”

More mutters spilled through the room at that and I cut Blake a glance. He didn’t even seem to be listening to the announcement, twisting that damn Rolex in his hand like it was the only thing that mattered in the world.

“Two,” Headmaster Brown continued. “Social distancing is now in place. There are to be no more parties, no hang outs, no Netflix and chill with your bros-” Who did this asshole think he was? And he was seriously misunderstanding what Netflix and chill meant. “As of tomorrow, you will receive new timetables and some of you will find you now have classes in the evenings and at weekends and free time during the day as we split the classes down to make social distancing easier to maintain.”

“There’s no way in hell I’ll be changing my routine,” I murmured, pulling my cellphone from my pocket with the intention of sending him an email to remind him not to fuck with my system. And he could forget about changing up what Blake or Kyan were doing too. In fact, he could also make sure that our new pet project remained in our classes as well. I wanted eyes on Tatum Rivers as often as possible for more reasons than one. And with her dad on the run, it didn’t sound like she’d be getting out of here any time soon.

I was sure a lot of assholes would run home to Mommy, but that wasn’t on my agenda. Even if Father decided he wanted me home, my answer would be no. I liked being here. Living in my Temple. Ruling this little corner of the world with my best friends at my side. I wouldn’t be vacating the throne for some fucking illness.

“The third government guideline pertains to the hoarding of food and other essential items such as toilet paper. Though as you have these things provided for you, there is no need for you to concern yourselves with that. I just wanted to reassure you that we have no shortages here and have heard nothing to suggest that our upcoming deliveries will be short either.”

Note to self: lay claim to food and toilet paper before these face-stuffing, ass-wiping fuckwits get it into their heads to do it first.

“Lastly, I just want to reassure you that although times are tough in the outside world, we here at Everlake Preparatory School still have your futures at heart and will ensure to provide you with the very best of educations through these dark times.”

The announcement came to an end and Miss Pontus embarrassed herself by clapping. I mean, honest to fuck, it was like that woman tried to fail at passing the social bar. She fell silent quick enough, but you could practically taste her shame on the air.

I switched my cellphone on to send that email and paused as a bunch of