"For visits, yes. But not for a while. I've offered to bring your mother with me when I come up."
"Can I see my friends, or even talk to them?"
"That'll be determined by the school. I'm not going to interfere with their program. You're here for a reason."
I whip around. "And why's that? Because I covered for someone who could destroy my friends' lives?"
Niall's face doesn't betray his emotion, but his eyes do. Sympathy reflects back in them, which only angers me. I don't want his sympathy. I want him to clear me, to get me back home.
"Do you want to tell me who he is?"
I grind my teeth together. Rage boils up inside of me, filling my eyes with tears. I don't know how to release it, fighting the urge to punch something.
My silence is my answer. And his is mine.
"I spoke with Dr. Kendall, and she's agreed to lift your probationary period this summer. Typically, new students aren't allowed to leave campus unsupervised for the first sixty days. But she's agreed to allow you off-campus access, as long as you keep up with your school assignments, don't miss curfew, and are accompanied by one of my sons."
"Why do I have to be with one of your sons?"
"Because both the school and I trust them. And I thought you did as well. Was I wrong to assume that?"
"Why did you tell Brendan and me to watch out for each other?" I ask to avoid answering, because I don't fully trust anyone, forget about the Harrison brothers.
"I only meant that since you obviously know each other, and have both been through a lot, it might be good knowing someone is looking out for you." Niall studies me, a worried line creasing his forehead. "Am I reading all of this incorrectly? I'm trying to do what's best for you, Lana, so if there's something I'm missing, let me know."
I can't argue with him. He knows more than I do about Brendan, his sons, and why he requested that I be sent to this specific school. Maybe it's as simple as the fact that Niall already visits regularly to see his sons, and other clients, so this is his default school for all the dysfunctional teens he represents. Or ... it's for a reason I don't understand yet.
"You have no idea what's best for me."
"Maybe someday, you'll see it differently," he replies solemnly. "I have to go, but call me if you need anything. You should hear from your mother tomorrow."
I don't look at him when he leaves, focused out the window, watching a butterfly flutter around the fragrant tunnel.
r /> When I finally turn around, Brendan is seated on one of the wingback chairs, watching me.
"You realize that your creep factor only escalates the longer I know you, right?"
"I like going unnoticed, until I want the attention."
I shake my head at his confusing statement. "Whatever." I swing my legs over to sit up. "What do you want, Brendan?"
"I believe we can help each other." He steeples his fingers with his elbows balanced on the arms of the chair, like a devious mastermind. When I don't respond, he continues, "I may be able to help you clear your name and get you out of here, if that's what you really want."
"In exchange for?" I ask, knowing there's more.
"Information."
"What kind of information?"
"Any that I ask for."
"Yeah, right," I scoff, standing to walk out of the room.
"You'll need me if Allie dies."
My heart misses a beat at just the thought. "They don't have a suspect." I start toward the door.
"They're going to find the witness."