by Ruby Vincent
The Execution
A Breakbattle Academy Novel
Ruby Vincent
Published by Ruby Vincent, 2019.
Copyright © 2019 by Ruby Vincent
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
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Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
The Judgement
Mailing List
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chapter One
“We are still investigating these incidents, but you should know, the evidence points to him.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You have no evidence.”
My eyes flicked down. The rug had been replaced. No doubt because of me.
“This symbol first appeared the day Mr. Manning and his organization protested at the basketball game.”
“His organization? He did not form it nor does he lead it,” my mother replied. “There are almost thirty other students in that club. They all knew about the protest and any one of them could have done it.”
“We are looking into them as well.”
“Are you?”
I like the new rug, I thought. The brown goes nicely with the red wallpaper.
“We are, Ms. Manning, but there is the question of motive,” Whittaker replied. “Your son suffered a series of battle defeats at the hands of the Elites. I’m told he also went out of his way to get close to the students who battled him and then they were attacked.”
“You’re suggesting there is something sinister about my child’s willingness to forgive and make friendships with those who beat him,” Mom shot back. “Is that concept so foreign? Do you not want students to brush off their defeats? Are grudges and rivalries what you hope to cultivate through your battle system?”
He’s got new photos, I mused. The guy he’s with looks kind of familiar.
“Absolutely not, Ms. Manning,” Argyle cried.
“Then I don’t understand why you are using these friendships as evidence.”
“He was able to get close to them and learn their routines,” Whittaker stated. I wasn’t looking at his face, but I imagine it was the usual mask of polite blankness.
“Are their routines top secret? No one could have known when they got up to run, or where they kept their gym bags?”
“Yes... others may have known.”
“And we’ve established that others also had access to the mattress pad to plant these stickers.”
There was a pause while I tilted my head back and contemplated the crown molding. The intricacy was exquisite. The E dorms were nothing to sneeze at, but this was by far the most gorgeous room in the academy.
“Yes, the pad was out of his possession for a few weeks,” Whittaker said. “It was won by Cole Reed, but as he was one of the victims of the prankster, we don’t believe he was involved.”
“Did he not allow anyone else into the room during the time he had it? Were his eyes on it every minute of the day? Was he not the student who had a harmless uniform switch instead of being drugged or almost blinded? So it could be feasible that he was involved but was smart about covering his tracks?”
I always marveled at Mom’s ability to silence people with questions they knew the answer to. Her talent was no less effective today.
I dropped my head and took in Argyle’s and Whittaker’s stony faces. Neither one made a move to answer her.
Mom didn’t slow her roll. “I believe the only thing we have evidence of is that you have no grounds to expel my child.”
A vein jumped in Whittaker’s forehead as he nodded. “We have taken expulsion off the table.”
“You will also take suspension, detention, and further meetings such as these off the table. Zeke has done nothing wrong. You will not treat him otherwise.” She got to her feet. “We’re done here. Let’s go, Zeke.”
I stood and followed her without a word or backward glance.
The sun was setting on Breakbattle Academy when we walked out onto the expansive lawn. A muggy heat blanketed the campus and no cool breeze blew to provide relief. Not that anyone but us needed it. The grounds were completely empty.
My first year of Breakbattle Academy ended hours ago. It was a surprise when Argyle knocked on the door in the middle of my packing and said we were needed in the principal’s office to discuss there being a second.
We approached the car and spotted Jordan’s head bobbing to the music. I could sing along to every line; she had the noise so loud. She lowered it when she spotted us through the window.
“How did it go?” she asked.
I slid into the backseat and slammed the door. “Mom handled it.”
“I knew she would.” Jordan twisted around in her seat. “What’s the punishment going to be for those bastards? Your principal better have expelled them.”
I cut eyes to my mom as she rounded the hood for the driver’s seat. “We can’t talk about this now.”
“What do you mean?” She noticed where I was looking. “You did tell her they attacked you, right?”
I pressed my lips together.
Her eyes widened. “Zee! You have to—”
“I’m going to handle it myself,” I got out in a rush. I snapped my mouth shut just as Mom opened the door.
The ride home wasn’t quiet. Mom went on a tirade about pompous, mediocre men that let the tiniest bit of power go to their heads. Jordan didn’t help the situation by hyping her up and going on about making anyone who messes with me pay.
Mom parked the car in our drive and stormed into the house. I had a feeling today’s conversation would find its way into the book. It was Jordan who came around to help me with the bags. By help, I mean she planted herself next to the trunk and leveled me with a look I didn’t need to see to feel.
“Why, Zee?”
I stuck my head inside, reaching for my duffle. “No one else knows what they did,” I said simply. “I told Derek and Adam not to say anything.”
“Why would you do that?”
“My bruises have healed so Mom won’t know either.”
“Tell me why, Zee.”
I grabbed the duffle and lifted. I hitched it onto my shoulder and it was promptly pulled out of my grasp and tossed back into the trunk.
“They assaulted you, Zela.” Jordan tugged on my arm and pulled me around. I let her gather me in her arms. “They beat you up and stripped you. They can’t get away with that.”
My hands hung by my side, not returning her embrace. She squeezed me tight, as if trying to push her comfort deeper into my skin.
“Don’t worry,” I said softly. “They won’t.”
THERE WAS NO SUCH THING as a typical summer for me. For other kids, freedom from school meant water parks, family visits, and slipping into near-vegetative states in fron
t of the television, but for me, there was always a new place, a new town, a new life to adjust to, so there was no such thing as typical—until now.
I woke minutes before my alarm clock and shut it off before it could blare. A quick trip to the bathroom to brush my teeth and tie up my hair and then I was ready.
My yoga mat unfurled and softly fell to the carpet. My limbs gave into the stretch, singing out as the kinks and knots formed in the night loosened. Three weeks into summer and I had my routine down. Morning yoga to relax my body, and then push-ups, planks, and lunges to strengthen it.
“Hold it there,” said the woman in the workout video who had become my daily companion. “Don’t forget to breathe.”
I finished the video, then started another one. My muscles ached under the strain, but not as bad as the start of this summer, and nowhere near where I was before I came to Breakbattle. The workout routine ended and I was out the door before the man said goodbye.
“Where are you going, Zela?” Mom called from the kitchen.
“For a run, Mom.”
“Excellent, my only one.” I picked up the pride in her tone. The use of her pet name for me was a giveaway. My only one. The only child she would ever have. “Mind and body, Zela. You are embracing and building the sources of your power. Today, I made quinoa fruit salad and avocado toast for breakfast. We will continue this healthy track together.”
“Sounds delicious. See you in a bit.” I slipped out the door before she could heap any more praise on me. I was building the sources of my power, but not for reasons she would ever approve of.
The sun beat on the pavement, giving rise to a thick, sweltering heat that made the air hazy. I was warm from my morning workout, and as I picked up speed, beads of sweat collected on my forehead. I pushed myself harder than usual today. For the first time since the start of summer, there was going to be a change in the routine.
A familiar car was parked in my driveway when I returned. Jordan looked up from a bowl of breakfast that was most likely mine.
“Hey, Zee. Ready to go?”
I shook my head. “I have to eat and change. What are you doing here? I told you I was leaving today.”
“That is why I’m here. I’m coming too.”
I blinked. “I’m sorry. What?”
“My mom called Adam’s mom and she said I could stay. Not for the full two weeks, but I’m coming up with you now.”
“Again. Why?”
She ripped a bite off my avocado toast and swallowed before answering. “You’ve been super weird since you got back, and I’m worried about you.”
“Jordan!” I hissed. I ducked out of the kitchen to make sure Mom wasn’t nearby, and then returned to the island. “I haven’t been weird,” I said softly.
“Yes, you have. Worse, you aren’t talking to me about it and you tell me everything. From now on, I’m going to be all over you until you tell me what’s going on.”
Sighing, I tilted my head back to the ceiling and asked for strength. I forgot how persistent my cousin could be.
“Can you at least leave me some breakfast?” I finally said. “I have to shower real quick and then I’ll be back down.”
I hoofed it upstairs and washed the morning from my skin. The heat on my achy muscles was soothing, but not enough to slow my mind.
What do I do? Should I tell her the truth?
You tell her everything and she’s always backed you up, another voice reminded me. She won’t stop now.
By the time Zeke returned to the kitchen, Zela had made up her mind. Jordan moved on to my smoothie. She froze with her mouth hovering over the straw when she saw me.
“You’re dressed as Zeke? Why? I thought Adam knew who you were.”
“He does.” I took my seat and rescued my food from her. “But his mom doesn’t. I honestly don’t know what she’d do if she found out, and I can’t be kicked over to the girls’ side. Not now.”
She snagged my hand as I reached for the fork. “Zee, why would you want to go back to that place?”
“Nothing has changed. Derek and I left things in a weird place. He didn’t seem angry with me for lying. He was actually nicer than he had ever been to me those last couple weeks of school, but that could just be because he felt sorry for me. Since then, I haven’t heard a word from him and I can’t lose the progress we’ve made. He saw me as a friend. I can’t let that change.”
“I get the stuff with Derek, I really do, but what about those other guys? The Elites have it out for you, and worse, they know your secret.”
“They won’t tell anyone.”
“How can you be sure of that?”
“They just won’t.”
Her eyes narrowed on me. She must have picked up something in my tone. “Zee, what is going on with you?”
“They’re not going to say anything,” I repeated. “They’re not going to get away with what they did to me. They’re not going to sleep a fucking wink without my face slipping into their nightmares.”
She slipped her hand out of mine, eyes widening as she drew away.
“The single most important thing after getting closer to Derek... is making every one of them pay.”
Jordan stared at me as I picked up the fork and stabbed a piece of strawberry.
“That’s the truth,” I said. “But it doesn’t look like it’s what you wanted to hear.”
She was quiet for a long time, studying me as I calmly ate my breakfast.
“Zee,” she began. “That is... exactly what I wanted to hear.”
I paused mid-chew.
She hopped out of her seat and ran around the island. I squeaked when she seized my shoulders. “You better not let those bastards get away with what they did. I want you to give them hell. Every. Single. Day! I want them naked on the fucking floor crying their eyes out!” She shook me. “And don’t let up until they beg, beg, for forgiveness! You understand me?”
I didn’t have to nod my head as her shaking was rattling it for me.
“You just tell me how I can help.”
Despite everything, I smiled. I was lucky to have her. Even if she was the only one who could know the truth. At least someone did.
ADAM STOOD ON THE TOP of the stairs, waving as the car approached. He didn’t come along to pick us up, choosing instead to let his driver come and get us. It still boggled my mind that I had friends with drivers and—
“Shit,” Jordan breathed. “Look at this place! It’s unreal.”
Esme ran out of the manor as the driver parked the car. Adam grabbed the giggling girl and draped her over his shoulder.
“Hey, Jordan. I heard you were coming.”
“I have to thank your mom a million times for letting me stay over. Mine won’t let me stay the whole time though. She doesn’t want me to impose.”
I climbed out of the car and walked around the trunk.
“It’s not an imposition,” I heard him say. “It’s pretty chill over here with a new baby in the house. You’re going to help us polish off the food our chef stuffs us with, and see if you can keep up with me in the pool.”
Esme was wrapped around Adam’s shoulders like a feather boa. Her face hung upside down, hair almost brushing the stone steps, and that did not stop her from sticking her tongue out at me.
“Hey, Adam. Thanks for inviting us.”
“Of course, Zel— Zek— Zel—”
I decided to save him. “Let the wig be your guide,” I said as I gestured at my get-up. “Call me Zeke.”
“Zeke, I’m glad you’re here.” He flashed me a smile—that sweet Adam smile that said more than words needed to. “Come in. I’ll show you your rooms.”
“Rooms plural?” Squealing, Jordan raced after him. “There’s a good chance I’m never leaving.”
I followed at a slower pace. Adam dropped Esme off in the living room and let Jordan into her temporary room. The last thing I saw was her flinging herself on the bed before we moved on to mine.
“You’ll have y
our old room next to mine,” he said. “Like I said, we’re keeping it pretty chill. I’m going for a swim later if you guys want to join.” He peered at me over his shoulder. “You can chill by the pool.”
“Sounds good.”
“Want to hold Jessie?”
My face lit up. “Can I? I’d love to. Where is she?”
He laughed. “Dang. That finally made you smile. If you’re not careful, I’m going to start thinking you only like me for my baby sister.”
I giggled. The sound was foreign for how long it had been but, but still, it felt good. “I liked you before the baby, remember? I just like you more now.”
We cracked up and I felt something loosen inside of me. Coming here had been the right choice.
An hour later, Jordan and Adam were splashing in the pool while baby Jessie chilled in my arms. The six-month-old relaxed in one arm while I read with the other. We found her awake in her crib, nibbling on her toes, so we snuck her out for some sun. Jessie was so ridiculously cute not even Adam could call her a wet sponge anymore. Every five seconds, I bent and nuzzled her chubby cheek.
In the pool, Adam reared up and whacked the ball over the net. Jordan leaped and sent it back before disappearing under the water. He and Jordan had gotten into a rather intense game of pool volleyball.
“Gonna have to do better than that, Moon!” she crowed. “Volleyball’s my game. You Breakbattle kids don’t know nothing about that.”
He laughed. “I’m taking that challenge. Loser washes the dishes!”
I rolled my eyes at their antics. I did love that they were heading toward friends though. Adam was quickly becoming an important person in my life; he should be friends with the other one.
I heard the sound of the sliding glass door behind me.
“There she is. I see you boys liberated Jessie from her crib.”
I grinned as Val stepped around the lawn chair. Her figure cast a blessed shadow over us. “We couldn’t help it. She’s only gotten more adorable since I last saw her.”
“That she has.” Her face was the picture of love and gentleness as she bent to stroke her daughter’s cheek. “I’m going to take her and give her lunch, but I wanted you guys to know you had a visitor.” She raised her voice so Adam could hear. “You might want to come out of the pool now, baby.”
