“Only one way to find out.”
More people run past. I tap the shoulders of no less than three students, trying to get their attention. Everyone ignores me. I look over to Lincoln, who’s been trying to do the same thing. No one’s talking to him, either, and he’s supposed to be a teacher. Frustration constricts my neck.
It’s Friday morning. We have until sundown today to get that codex to Antrum’s courts. There’s no time to get caught up in student-body drama.
I’m calling in my secret weapon.
Angling my head over my shoulder, I talk from one side of my mouth. “Go get me one, boy.”
Lincoln grins. “Hey, now. Did you just give your tail an order?” That man does so love it when I’m sneaky.
“Mmmmmmaybe.”
Another student jogs right by me. Clasping my hands behind my back, I pretend to be fascinated by the clouds. It’s important to look innocent at times like this. The moment the girl is level with me, my tail juts out and yanks on her kneecap. Because she’s human, she doesn’t see a thing. Well, other than the pavement coming toward her face.
Ah, the things I do to save the after-realms.
Before the girl can topple over, I step in to steady her, making sure to get a tight grip on her upper arm. “Are you all right?”
“Fine. Excuse me.” She wiggles in my grasp, but I am not letting go until I get some answers.
Lincoln moves to stand before both of us. “Juliana. I thought I asked the class to return to their cabins.”
Huh. Leave it to Lincoln to have everyone’s names memorized after a day. I eye Juliana from head to toe, trying for some sense of recognition. If Lincoln asked her to return to her cabin, then Juliana must be in my gym class. She’s blonde haired, brown eyed, and pretty. I vaguely remember her.
Maybe.
Okay, I have no idea who this chick is.
What can I say? I’m more of a warrior than a secret agent. In my defense, though, my classmates were only marching around in circles, so it’s not like I got a quality look at them.
“We did return to our cabins,” explains Juliana. “The guards just came and got us. We’re going treasure hunting today. And the headmaster has upped the prize. All the students who help can make a ten-minute call…To anyone they want!”
My brows lift. A ten-minute call is a big deal here. “Define treasure hunting.”
Juliana bobs a bit on the balls of her feet. “The headmaster is digging some hole on the east side of the island.” She pulls harder against me. “I have to go. They’re handing out shovels and work gear in Jamboree Hall as we speak. We don’t have a lot of supplies, so if I don’t get there soon, I won’t be able to pitch in.” She lowers her voice. “Please. I really want to call my parents.”
Damn. She’s so wide-eyed and pathetic it’s like trying to hold back a puppy. “I think that’s all we needed to know. What do you think, Linc—” I clear my throat. “I mean, do you need anything else, Mr. Prince?”
“One last question before you go,” says Lincoln. “Do you know what you’re digging for?”
“It’s some kind of artifact.” Juliana’s eyes widen. “A coin. That’s it.”
Lincoln and I share a knowing look. Great. We’re finally about to get off this freaking island, and now is when Prescott rallies to find Lucifer’s coin. The “come to Acca” talk last night with Blaze must have really lit a fire under his butt.
Thanks for nothing, universe.
I let go of Juliana’s arm. “Good luck.” She takes off like a shot for Jamboree Hall. I set my palms on my eyes. “Do you ever wonder if maybe we’re cursed?”
Lincoln chuckles. “In my opinion, our glass is half full.”
“How do you figure that?”
Lincoln sets his hands on my shoulders and angles me toward Prescott’s office. “Everyone’s off at the dig. There are no guards at the office door.”
“Oh, yeah.” A zing of happy moves through my nervous system. “Let’s do this.”
“Great scalas first.”
Smiling, I rush up the short flight of steps to the front door and try the handle. Unlocked, yes! After pushing the door open, I peep into the office. The place looks exactly like it did before—all burnished steel and disinfected perfection. “No one’s in here.” I step inside.
Lincoln follows close behind me. “Where did you say the codex might be hidden?”
“In the place Prescott truly considers his library.” I gesture toward Prescott’s desk. “His collection of Lady letters is in here.” Plunking down in the chair, I yank on the largest handle. The drawer slides open with ease. All those ooey-gooey love notes still remain in their perfect little stacks. A shiver of disgust rolls over my shoulders. There’s no unseeing what was written in that message. Sweaty post-sex chest hair.
Moving on.