“Lucy, tell me what’s happening.” Tony yanked me closer and squeezed me tight. “I have to know.”
“It’s beautiful. I wish you could see it.” Another tear slid from my cheek, dropping on his hand.
Tony gasped, turning his face to the sky. “I don’t know how this is happening, but I think I can see. It’s incredible.”
I glanced to my left. Will’s hand touched the sapphire, eyes glistening around the edges.
Shanda outstretched her heavenly arms, one toward me and one toward Tony. “You two take care of each other. I’ll be watching.”
I looked at Tony, and we both managed a twisted, tear-stained smile.
In an instant, the sky brightened to an even more brilliant white, as four streaks of lightning descended around Shanda.
The angels sang over her, two hovering on either side of her ethereal figure.
“I love you both.” She blew us a kiss as the four angels lifted her higher, a golden ray of light in a sea of sparkling white, drifting higher like a cluster of stars dancing in the sky. In a flash of glorious light, they were gone.
Shanda’s body went limp, but her lips were still moving. Tony and I leaned closer to try to hear, but there was no sound.
One last chorus of angelic music floated down from the heavens.
Shanda wasn’t trying to talk. She was singing with the angels. Her chest stopped rising and falling. Her lips stopped moving. For a moment, the world stood still. Silent.
She was gone.
Tears started streaming from my eyes. I reached for her hand and clung to it.
Tony wrapped his arms around Shanda’s dead body, cradling it in his arms and sobbing.
A team of gear-clad Guardians huddled around us. Tony gave his girlfriend one last hug, and eased Shanda’s lifeless body back onto the ground.
They were too late. They were all too late. And it was all my fault.
Chapter 28
I was numb. A living zombie. Things kept going on around me, but I couldn’t touch them or feel them anymore. Like I was floating outside my body, watching the world go on as usual. How could anything be normal? My best friend was dead.
I couldn’t go back to the dorm, couldn’t stay in the room we’d shared together. As soon as I had walked into our room, I burst into uncontrollable, gut-wrenching sobs, and Will had to escort me to the lobby. My eyes were raw from all the crying. The scratchy dorm tissues didn’t help either.
Within hours of the incident, Dad had shown up out of nowhere. Where’d he come from? Had Will called him? He talked with Will in hushed tones, and disappeared up the stairs. He did the best he could, gathering what stuff he thought I’d need and stuffing it in my pink suitcase. But I’d probably be wearing a summer dress to Shanda’s funeral, unless Brooke and Mindy stepped in to help out the poor guy out.
“Where’s Mom?” I rubbed my eyes as I stumbled out of the lobby door into the crisp April air. The sky was brightening, growing pink around the edges. When was the last time I’d seen the sun rise?
“She’s in jail, sweetie.” He could barely choke out the words. “They brought in all the Nexis members on suspicion of conspiracy to commit …”
Murder. He didn’t have to say it. We all knew it. Me and Will, Brooke and Mindy and Tony. The whole campus had probably heard by now.
My heart broke in a million pieces all over again. To think, my mother was one of those faceless Black Robes that just looked on and did nothing? I gulped as the air seized in my lungs, another sob threatening to break free. I guess Will had it worse.
I turned over my shoulder to wave goodbye to my suitemates. Brooke and Mindy’s somber faces reflected back at me through the lobby windows. Only a few days ago, the four of us had been chatting about our spring break plans. If only I could go back in time, back to our normal little world. But I couldn’t. My whole world was shattered now. It would never be the same.
The sun peeked over the treeline, reflecting its rosy hues on the Hudson. Yet it felt colder, emptier somehow without Shanda. Shanda was so much like a sunrise, bringing light and laughter and fun to each day. Exploding into the world with boldness and color. Sure, there was heat and fire and brashness, but she made sparks fly. Made people come to life. Helped me come to life. No one could deny that.
Will’s hand stroked my hair and Dad droned on about something, but none of it touched me. All I could do was watch the sun rise as we walked down the cobblestone, waiting with bated breath for the day to burst into life. As if it would somehow bring her back.
She wasn’t coming back. I’d watched her disappear to a far better place than here. A part of me longed to go with her.
Bright flashes popped and crackled in my vision. Maybe this was it, maybe it was time to join my friend. My heart swelled with mixed emotions.
But the flashes only multiplied as we approached the parking lot, accompanied by voices on top of voices. A crowd of people swarmed the entrance, blocking out the Montrose sign. Security guards struggled to hold a perimeter, but arms and microphones and bodies reached through it. Undulating with questions and flashes.
“What’s going on?” I couldn’t make out anything beyond gibberish.
“It’s the media. They’ve been here for hours,” Will whispered in my ear.
“There’s an investigation. They’re talking about shutting down Montrose.” Dad wrapped an arm around me as we approached the crowd.
“Good,” I said through clenched teeth. Shanda would like that.
Two security guards peeled themselves away from the paparazzi, flanking us on each side. “Let’s get you out of here.” They mauled a path through the crowd and escorted us to Dad’s car.
“Where are we going?” I asked as I buckled myself in the front seat, Will and my pink suitcase in the back.
“My hotel room. Excuse me, our hotel room now.” He turned the key in the ignition and wove the car around dozens and dozens of reporters. “We can’t go home. Not yet. The police won’t let us. They want us both to give statements for the sentencing hearing. You and Will, especially.”
I craned my neck to look at Will. “Are you staying with us?”
“Excuse me?” Dad coughed and cleared his throat, his voice turning stern. “Did you think you were staying with us, young man?”
I glanced in the rearview mirror and found Will cracking a smile.
“No, sir. My dad’s flying in from Chicago to stay with me until the trial’s over. We might end up in the same hotel, though.” His lips quirked.
“I don’t think so,” Dad bellowed.
Will chuckled under his breath and I quickly turned around, eyes front. The sky was clear and golden as we drove through the Bronx. My lips curled in the makings of a grin as I tried stifle a laugh. Shanda would’ve cackled out loud at that one. And my heart sank all over again, remembering she’d never laugh again. At least not here on earth.
***
The ethereal strains of Ave Maria were floating over my head, up and away into the chapel’s rafters as the pallbearers marched down the center aisle with Shanda’s casket. But I didn’t feel any of it. Throughout the whole beautiful, sad funeral for my best friend, all I wanted to do was cry. Curtis and his family sat in the front pew, and he dabbed his eyes a few times. But I couldn’t muster up one tear. Not a single tear. Was I that heartless?
More like heartbroken. And numb. How could any of this be real? Shanda had been alive only a few days ago. Beautiful, vibrant, and full of life. It seemed impossible that her life could be snuffed out so quickly—by one senseless bullet. The anger churned into my fists as I curled them into fleshballs my side. Because there was nothing else I could do. After all, I was too helpless to stop my best friend from being shot. Just a helpless little girl, without a single shred of hope to spare.
As the chapel doors opened, a brilliant burst of light colored the dimly lit chapel, illuminating the drawn faces packed into every pew. Dad reached for my hand and squeezed. Apparently everyone was standin
g now, filing down the aisle pew by pew as Shanda’s family led the way out. I hadn’t noticed. I kept looking for something in the light. A twinkle, a hint of warmth that suggested my angel was still there. Just as well. Shanda needed him more now.
Will squeezed my shoulder as I finally hoisted my body out of the pew. Then I saw it. An extra twinkle dancing on Curtis’s shoulder as he walked through the door. A spark that flitted to Tony next, pinged off his forehead, and floated above me for a few seconds, before zinging into Will.
The warmth seeped into my skin. I knew he would take care of her. She’d be okay, maybe even better off than she’d ever been down here.
A lone tear broke through the dam, tracing its way down my cheek.
Will wrapped his arm around my shoulder, smushed me into his side. “She is better off.”
I jerked my head to give him my worried bulldog look.
He just shrugged. “Guess I needed to hear that one, too.”
Before I could wrap my mind around what just happened, how my angel spoke to both of us at the same time, Dad stopped before we reached the foyer.
He craned his neck down the hallway and gave me an odd look. “I know you want to go to the wake, honey, but there’s something we need to take care of first.”
“Dad, what’s going on? What are you talking about?” I studied his face.
His eyebrows were all bunched up like he was holding something in that couldn’t be contained. “I can’t explain out here. Let’s go down the hall and talk.”
“Okay. This isn’t weird or anything.” Like a dutiful daughter, I followed him down the darkened hallway, pulling Will along behind me.
Once we were a good distance away, Dad stopped again. And stared Will down. “This isn’t any of your concern, young man.”
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Please, not your ‘young man’ speech again. This is so not the time.”
Will laced his fingers between mine. “Wherever she goes, I go. Sir.” At least he had the good sense to nod politely.
A familiar little tingle raced up my arm, and I squeezed his hand.
“Not this time.” Dad gave me his serious face. “This is Guardian business.”
I clamped my eyes shut. “I’m so sick of this,” I whispered to the darkness. The broken pieces that were left of my heart turned to ash. Lord, give me strength.
Finally I opened my eyes and stared at my Dad. “Is that all the Guardians know how to do, turn people into spies? Look what’s it’s done to you, to James, to Shanda.” I could barely choke out her name.
His eyes softened around the edges, and he ruffled my hair. “I know this seems like the worst time to do this, but we have some decisions to make. And fast.”
“Oh, Dad.” I didn’t know where to start, didn’t have the energy.
His eyes jerked toward the library door. “There’s no time for this now. There’s an emergency, and you need to know what’s going on.”
Will cleared his throat, stiffening like a statue at my side. “It’s about my mom, isn’t it?”
Dad’s face dropped. “I’m afraid so. But that’s all I can say.”
The claws of fear seized my lungs, and I forgot to breathe. I gripped Will’s hand tighter.
Will ran his free hand through his golden hair, gaze darting from me to my Dad. “If that’s the case, couldn’t I come, too? Maybe I could help.”
“No, I’m afraid they’ll never allow it.” Dad’s face fell as he lowered his voice. “You know how paranoid they are.”
Squeezing my hand, Will nodded. “I understand. I’ll just wait out here for you, sweetie.”
I gave him a side hug and tried not to notice my dad cringing at that last word. “I’ll be right back.”
Will took his post near the library door as I followed Dad inside, who shut the door behind us.
The usual collection of Guardians were huddled up in the middle of the room. Mr. Harlixton, Bryan and his parents, along with Tony, Brooke, Laura, Lenny, and a few other teachers I didn’t know were Guardians.
The door opened again and Curtis walked in, a strained look on his face. “This better be good.”
My heart emerged from the ashes, and I rushed over to hug him. Strangely enough, he hugged me back, much like my own father would. For a moment we just stood there, two broken hearts trying to help the other. If that was even possible.
Mr. Harlixton cleared his throat. “I am sorry we have to do this now, but it’s an emergency. Mrs. Stanton is about to be released on bail.”
“What?!” Curtis roared, face ashen. “This can’t be happening.”
Tony’s face grew red. “How could you possibly know that? The arraignment isn’t until Monday.”
“I know.” Mr. Harlixton’s voice was measured and even. “Our sources tell us that Nexis has bribed a court clerk to make sure the judge presiding over the arraignment is one of their own.”
“Don’t you guys have judges, too? This can’t be happening.” Curtis pounded his fist into the table so hard it echoed in the silent room.
“We tried the same tactic. They just had more money. I’m sorry, Curtis. It’s out of my hands.” Harlixton’s face went pale as he wrung his hands, looking helpless for the first time since I’d known him.
Then it hit me. The truth slammed me smack-dab in the face. “She’ll be free?” I croaked, taking two steps back, looking at my dad for help.
He rushed over to me, wrapping me in his bear hug. “It’s going to be okay, Lucy. We won’t let anything happen to you.”
Hot tears welled up again. “How can you guarantee that she won’t come after me? How can you guarantee anything? She’s probably already ordered her little minions to put a hit on me. Even if she’s locked up, what’s stopping her?”
“Probably your bodyguard boyfriend,” Bryan muttered, but not low enough in the silent library.
All the Guardians turned to glare at him as I shot him an evil eye. Brooke slapped his shoulder.
Tony elbowed him in the ribs. “Dude, not cool.”
Curtis dropped his head and turned to me. “Lucy, I’m sorry. I didn’t even think about what this means for you.”
“I know. It’s okay. I want her to pay, too.” I glanced at him, and his eyes met mine for a moment. He didn’t need to apologize. We understood each other’s pain.
Mark Cooper spoke up. “Believe me, the Guardians will do everything in their power to make sure Rosalyn Stanton pays for her crimes.”
“Thank you,” Curtis mumbled.
“And what about Lucy?” my dad asked. “How do the Guardians plan to protect her?” Folding his arms across his chest, he cocked his head. Daring the Guardian Council to impress him. A look I knew all too well.
A hush descended on the room as every head turned to look at me.
This time Cindy, Bryan’s mom, took a few steps in my direction. “We’re going to send her to Europe.”
Strange emotions waged war within me. Emotions I hadn’t felt in days, like happiness and joy, clashed with the anger and betrayal of everything that came along with that dreaded continent. But my brother was there, so a surge of excitement won out.
“James? You mean I get to see James?” A small sort of smile played with my lips, as if they couldn’t decide which direction to go.
That’s when a torrent of shouts erupted from the Guardians.
“You’re not sending my daughter to Europe without me!” Dad roared.
Cindy shook her head. “No, of course not, you’ll be coming, too.”
“You can’t be serious?” Bryan yelled a little too loudly. “It’s not safe over there. War’s already broken out. She’ll be in danger.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, bro.” Lenny rolled his eyes at Bryan. “She’s in way more danger here.”
Professor Harlixton held his hands up until the clamoring questions ceased. “After what happened here, under our watch, Nexis can’t go unpunished for their crimes. It’s inevitable. The Guardians are going to war against
the Nexis Society.”
A note of finality punctuated his last words. A hush fell over the room.
“It’s about time.” Curtis broke the silence, stepping forward. “My daughter didn’t die for nothing.”
“Mr. Jones is right.” A surge of Shanda-esque boldness coursed through my veins as I moved into the middle of the circle, right next to Shanda’s dad. “Let’s face it. I am the Seer. Everyone knows it, even Nexis apparently.”
Every eye in the room widened as all stares landed on me. Brooke and Laura gasped at my boldness, as Bryan shook his head at me. Tony just smiled like a proud papa.
Crossing my arms over my chest in a Dad-like move, I stared at Harlixton and the Coopers. “I refuse to be blindly led by you people anymore. I need some guarantees. If you want this Seer on your side, you’ll have to meet my demands.”
“Which are what exactly?” Mr. Harlixton asked through clenched teeth, glancing at the Coopers.
Narrowing my eyes, I took a good look around the room. I had the Guardians in the palm of my hand now. “If war is going to break out anyway, I want to be made a full member of the Guardians.”
The Guardian leaders huddled up, and my dad marched over to them, looking like he had a lot to discuss.
My gaze landed on Curtis, and I knew exactly what I had to do. “And I want Shanda to be instated as a Guardian member posthumously. She made the ultimate sacrifice. It seems only right.”
Curtis turned my way and nodded. “It is right.”
The Guardian ringleaders stopped whispering and gaped at me, but made no objections.
“And Will, too.” I leveled my gaze at them. “He risked everything to protect me, even turned on his own mother just for the chance to save Shanda’s life. He deserves to be a member.”
“Now, wait a minute.” Bryan puffed out his chest and squared off with me, jaw twitching like crazy. “There’s no way we’re letting him in.”
I winced as he said the word “we.” How did I not see this before? Now it was crystal clear to me where this boy’s true loyalties lay. And they were never with me.
Crossing Nexis Page 28
