Breaking You (Blackthorn Elite 2)

Still, things are much better than they were before, and I do feel good about the future. That is until I walk by the bulletin board outside the library.

Right there in front of me, in black and white, is a flyer with James’ picture on it. In big, bold letters, it says MISSING PERSON underneath his photo, and all I can do is stand there staring at it, willing an explanation to pop into my head as to why he would be missing.

Warren didn’t… Oh, god. Lifting a hand to my chest, I try and calm myself down. I can’t jump to conclusions and assume he would do something like that. He couldn’t have. He beat James up, but he was alive when we left.

Like a detective, I try and piece everything together in my mind. Warren took me back to his place, and he didn’t leave again, so it couldn’t have been him, right? I need to ask him and see what he says and go from there.

Somehow, I get my feet to move and exit the building, walking toward the cafeteria where I’m meeting Warren and Easton for lunch. The entire walk, I’m filled with worry, wondering what the hell happened to James that night. Yes, what he did was wrong, but that doesn’t mean he should die, and we all know that when someone goes missing, they generally don’t just reappear alive and well.

Entering the cafeteria, the sounds of silverware clanking and people chattering meet my ears. Right away, I notice there are more of the flyers taped to the walls in here. I spot Warren sitting in our usual spot, a tray that’s partially empty in front of him. Easton is sitting to his right, and Parker, his other best friend, sits across from him. There is one spot to his left open that I know is for me.

As I cross the room and see all the flyers, I suddenly start to feel like I’m in a horror film, his image appearing in front of my eyes over and over again.

“Hey, babe,” Warren greets, his smile falling when he sees my horror-stricken face. I slink down into the seat beside him and start to chew on my bottom lip nervously. “What’s going on? Why do you look like you’re going to be sick?” he asks.

“Did you do it?” I twist in my seat and look up at Warren. His jaw is sharp, his eyes hauntingly beautiful, and I still can’t believe that we’re doing this.

Confusion overtakes his god-like features. “What are you talking about?”

I point to the nearest flyer and watch as he pieces the puzzle together. The air in my lungs stills as I wait for his answer.

“I don’t know what that’s about. Parker took care of him.” Warren looks away and pierces Parker with a hard gaze.

Parker took care of him… What does that mean?

“If this is about James going missing, I don’t know what the hell happened. I waited until he woke up, and then I told him to go home. He was disoriented and could barely walk but he got up, and started walking away.”

“Are you sure?” I whisper as if the FBI or someone is listening.

Parker leans across the table, “Yes, I’m sure.” He whispers back in a mocking tone.

“Well, forgive me if I jump to conclusions,” I roll my eyes and relax a little knowing that Warren had nothing to do with his disappearance.

“I’m an asshole, sweetheart, but not a killer.” Warren leans into my ear and whispers. Goosebumps erupt across my skin and a shiver ripples down my spine. “Plus, I was with you all night, tending to your hands and knees.” I know that, but the fact that we were the last people to see him doesn’t sit well with me, and I know how violent Warren can get, and I was totally out of it that night.

“What happened to him then?” I ask anyone who is listening.

“Maybe he got eaten by wolves,” Easton adds, and for a second, I forgot he was even sitting with us.

“Doubtful,” Warren replies, rubbing at his chin.

“I can have someone check the video surveillance and see what happened after he walked off? But I’m pretty sure the police already took a look at it, so if they didn’t find anything, I doubt we will,” Parker suggests.

“Yeah, let’s do that. I would still feel better if I knew,” I agree, the knot of worry unraveling a little more in my belly.

“What you mean is, you would rather make sure I’m not lying to you?” Warren snaps.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” I murmur, even though it’s partially true. If I’m honest, I do worry that he is lying to me.

“Why do you even care, Harper? I heard what he did to you. Warren told us. If anyone should want him to disappear, it should be you.” Easton pipes up.