Night School: Resistance (Night School 4)

A brief silence fell.

‘Maybe you’re right.’ He ran his hand across his jaw; the chains clanged. ‘That was a bad night.’

‘But you stayed loyal to Nathaniel even after that.’ Allie couldn’t let this go. She needed to understand. ‘Why, Jerry? Jo liked you. You knew what Gabe might do. Knew how vulnerable she was. And yet you still delivered his notes to her. You opened that gate.’

His eyes looked yellow in the harsh fluorescent light. But he didn’t shout this time.

‘She was a good girl,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry it happened like that. Nathaniel thought Gabe was in control. He was wrong.’

‘You were both wrong.’

Allie had heard enough. Jerry obviously had nothing to tell her but excuses and vindictive self-justification. She took a step back.

‘Wait,’ he said again. ‘You have to know about the parley.’

‘Then tell me.’ Allie seethed with frustration.

He leaned forward and spoke urgently. ‘Don’t go to the parley alone. Nathaniel will make you agree to go alone – don’t do it. Take someone with you. Someone you really trust. You won’t get out of there otherwise.’

Allie’s mouth went dry. What did he mean she wouldn’t get out?

‘What is he planning?’ she asked. ‘Tell me.’

Jerry shook his head. ‘I can’t tell you any more than that. I’m sorry. But please believe me. It’s important.’

Allie studied him doubtfully. ‘I don’t get it. If you hate Lucinda so much, why would you help her granddaughter?’

He held her gaze and, for just a split second, he was Jerry Cole again, science teacher, Night School trainer and all-round nice guy. His eyes were warm and distracted.

‘I have my reasons for hating your grandmother. But I have no reason to wish you harm. Just … take my word for this, Allie. Take someone you really believe in with you. You’ll need them.’

Seeing that flash of the old Jerry, Allie’s heart ached. Why couldn’t he have been who he said he was?

It’s so hard to believe in anyone when everyone lets you down.

Behind her the door opened, creaking on its old iron hinge. Apparently Raj thought this discussion was over.

Allie took a last long look at the science teacher. He peered at the door behind her with hungry eagerness. As if he hoped it was opening for him. For his escape.

She thought of Jo and Ruth – lives over so young. Of Sylvain beaten and bleeding. Carter nearly dead. The scars her own body now bore. And she didn’t walk to the door.

Instead, with purposeful steps, she crossed the room until she stood within reach of the man complicit in all of it. Then she drew back her hand and slapped him with such force her hand burned.

His chains rattled as he took the blow. When he lifted his face she could see the shape of her palm rising red on his face. And the cool calculation in his gaze.

‘That’s for Jo,’ she said.

She was almost at the door when he spoke again. ‘Remember, Allie. Someone you believe in.’

‘Screw you, Jerry.’

This time she didn’t look back.





29





Twenty-nine





‘I really trusted him. How could he be such a bastard?’ Jo looked over at Allie, cornflower blue eyes wide.

The sun turned her short blonde hair into a golden halo.

‘Who? Gabe?’ Allie was confused. For some reason she couldn’t remember how this conversation had started.

Jo gave her a withering look.

‘Jerry, of course. God. And I had such a crush on him.’ She gave a rueful sigh. ‘Honestly. I had the most appalling taste in men.’

They were walking through a meadow. The sun was so bright it seemed to wash out the sky. The ground was soft beneath their feet. Yellow and orange wildflowers grew tall enough to brush their knees. It was wild and beautiful all at once. Like Jo.

Allie looked around, suddenly aware she was lost. ‘I don’t know this place. Where are we?’

‘I love it here.’ Jo’s dimples deepened. ‘I come here all the time. It’s peaceful.’

A warm breeze ruffled her hair. Around her the flowers yielded to the wind, bending gracefully, like dancers.

‘But Jerry …’ Allie said. ‘Is he as bad as he seems?’

‘Oh yes, Allie.’ Jo’s expression grew serious. ‘He’s very dangerous. Please be careful.’

‘I will,’ Allie assured her. A sudden sense of fear pierced her heart. Something bad was going to happen. She reached for Jo’s hand but she was just out of reach.

‘You must,’ Jo said. ‘Please, Allie. Don’t end up like me.’

She looked down.

Allie tried not to follow her gaze but she couldn’t stop herself. She had to look.

On the front of Jo’s white dress a red stain blossomed and grew. Soon she was soaked in blood. It ran from her fingers in streams. Puddled on the ground …



With a strangled gasp, Allie sat straight up in bed. She looked around wildly, tears wet on her cheeks.

Morning light poured through her window. The sky outside was blue. It was going to be a lovely day.

And Jo was still dead.