The Risk (Kings of Linwood Academy 3)

“That’s good. I hope everything works out. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

“I will, thanks.”

As we’ve been talking, Lincoln has slowly positioned himself between me and his father, not cutting us off entirely, but making sure distance remains between us. I know he doesn’t suspect his dad of being a murderer anymore either, but the relationship between them is complicated, to say the least.

When I glance back at Mr. Black, it strikes me how tired and worn out he looks. I guess fending off a conniving maid who deliberately got pregnant to try to screw him out of his money and marriage is wearing him down.

It also sent him running into Judge Hollowell’s camp in an effort to improve his social standing.

“Well, I won’t keep you,” Samuel says, putting on his usual air of joviality, although it’s easy to see it’s a lie. “But Lincoln, when you have a moment, could you come find me in my study? I’d like to have a word with you about something.”

“Yeah. Sure.” Linc’s dark brows pull together, wariness crossing his features before he inclines his head toward me and River. “But I’ve gotta drop them both off first.”

“Of course. No rush.”

His dad nods at us and heads back the way he came. I glance at Linc as we resume our course toward the motor court.

“Any idea what that’s about?”

“No.” His jaw works, and I can feel his internal tempo speed up with agitation. “But I’m sure it’s not good. Everything around here has been a shit show lately.”

I slip my hand into his and squeeze, and he looks down at me, his expression softening for a second. But the agitation doesn’t leave him as we get into his car and pull down the driveway.

He’s dealing with a lot right now, and I hate to add to his stress. But there’s something I’ve been thinking about ever since we woke up, and I need to say it.

“We can’t wait any longer.” I speak up as we near Dax and Chase’s house, turning in my seat to let River see my face. “We need to find some connection between Iris and Hollowell. And if we can’t find this Waverly girl, then we need to look into our other options.”

Linc shoots me a sidelong glance before his gaze moves back to the road. “No. Following Judge Hollowell, getting anywhere near him, is too dangerous.”

I shrug, not backing down. “Maybe. But we’re reaching the point where playing it safe is just as dangerous. If we sit back and stay safe for much longer, he’ll win anyway. We need to do this.”

Lincoln’s hand tighten on the wheel, and River speaks up from the back seat. “Low, if Hollowell sees you anywhere near his house, or even near his office, he’s gonna figure out that you know.”

He’s right. I know that. I can’t stop picturing the way he looked at me when I stepped out of his hold at the courthouse—the slight tilt to his head, the assessing look in his eyes. He’s probably already suspicious.

But we’re out of options.

I glance from Lincoln’s hard profile to River’s concerned, intent expression, turning in the seat even more to face him.

“We won’t let the bad win. You promised.”

10

River caves first. Then Lincoln.

When I tell the twins the plan after I’m dropped off at the Lauders’ house, they’re both even more adamantly opposed to it than Linc and River were.

But eventually, they agree too.

It may be stupid and dangerous, but what I’m coming to realize is that w

e’ve just been dealt a really crappy hand—and there’s no changing that fact. We don’t get to swap cards or ask for a redeal. All we can do is play our hardest and bluff like hell.

All five of us ditch school the next day. I’ve given up worrying if my grades suffer or I flunk out of school. I don’t want to stress mom out, but in the big picture, it’ll be worth it. I’d rather cause her short-term stress and get her out of prison than play the good little student and graduate from Linwood with straight A’s and a parent behind bars.

Judge Hollowell is presiding over a case, and we were able to get the schedule of the trial by calling the county clerk’s office. The good news on that front is that we know exactly where he’ll be and when.

We arrive at the courthouse in the late morning, when we’re sure Hollowell will still be in the building.