Games We Play (Thistle Cove 2)

He stares at me, all the compassion drained from his eyes. “These are bold and preposterous accusations.”

“It’s the truth.”

“You know nothing. All I’ve done is work hard for this town. And yes, that includes my students—some young women that need help. It also includes the young men that I assist in building, not just athletic careers, but character. I know you’ve got it in your mind you’re some kind of Nancy Drew that will solve all the crimes in Thistle Cove to absolve your guilt over abandoning your friend in her time of need, but it won’t. Rose is gone because she was a troubled young woman. Not because of any kind of inappropriate relationship.”

“You took advantage of Rose—your closeness to her family, to Juliette.”

The flicker of a smile tugs at his lips. “Oh, someone taking advantage of Rose, that’s the truth. Who had a jealous grudge against Rose? Who was the social outcast? Who immediately hooked up with her boyfriend days after she went missing?” His jaw tightens. “If anyone had a motive to get rid of Rose Waller, it was you.”

The accusation hits hard—the truths and the lies. “You’re seriously trying to pin this on me? I know what you did, Chandler, and I know what you’re doing.” I take a step forward. “I think you’ve always had a thing for the strong girls at Thistle Cove. I also think you like it rough, and I think that sometimes you get out of control. I may not be able to prove you murdered anyone, but I think the administration would be interested to hear about the special assistance you’re giving female students.”

“Who do you think they’re going to believe? The hometown hero or the pesky, jealous teenager?” He holds my eye. “I think it’s time for you to leave and while you’re at it, take a long, deep look at yourself and why you’re fabricating this story.”

I open my mouth to say something else, to try to get him to budge, but a movement in the doorway forces both of us to look away. Juliette stands in the hall, eyes dark, expression sad.

“Kenley?” she asks eyes flicking between me and her father. “Are you okay?”

I nod, swallowing back a surge of emotions. “Yeah, I was just talking to your dad about some yearbook stuff.” I check the time. “I really need to go. Sorry I can’t stay to finish the cake. I’ll tell Senor Cortez tomorrow.”

I walk down the hall, Juliette follows. I grab my backpack and my coat off the hook.

She doesn’t speak, but I feel her eyes on me as I walk out the door, the sensation heavy with knowledge and the accusation. I’m threatening to blow up her family. And for some reason, I don’t think she’s going

to be the one to stop me.

32

Ezra

Game day goes by in a blur. Class, lunch, pep rally. The whole school is excited about the game. Coach is fired up—giving a rousing speech to the packed gym. For the first time, I feel like a quasi-celebrity, or as I like to call it, the Finn Holloway effect. It’s noticeable as I walk through the school in my purple and gold tie; teachers, students—male and female—look at me differently.

Not like a thug.

Or a drug dealer.

Or a delinquent.

And as good as it makes me feel, boosting up my already inflated ego, none of it matters. Only one person’s opinion matters, and I’ve been scared as hell to talk to her for the past two days.

I still can’t believe my father did that.

The game’s at home and since Coach doesn’t want us on the road or late, the Booster Club set up a dinner for us in the cafeteria. The cheerleaders, dance team, band, trainers, and everyone else affiliated with the team. I don’t know if it’s Coach Chandler’s motivational speech or what, but it feels good to be part of something bigger than myself.

“Okay guys, it’s about time to suit up,” Coach says once we’ve finished eating. I stand and walk with Finn to toss my trash. I’ve just dumped my plate when he jabs me with his elbow. I look up and he nods to the door that leads to the hallway. Kenley waves from the opening.

“Come on,” Finn says, taking a quick look over his shoulder to see if anyone is watching. Most of the team is heading out the opposite door, toward the locker rooms.

We slip out the door and into the deserted hallway.

“Hey,” Finn says. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” Kenley smiles at the two of us. “Just wanted to wish you luck before the game.”

I’m a little nervous about seeing her. I feel so shitty about how my dad treated her the other day. We’ve texted and talked a little in class but there hasn’t been time to really get into it.

“You nervous?” she asks us.

Finn shakes his head. “Nah. Just another step toward the prize. Brookside is going down.”