by W. J. May
“Of course.” Carter pointed to two chairs in the corner.
“But first, we need to talk.”
Rae glanced longingly at the window to her friends below, but realized she had a few questions for two-faced Carter. She’d seen enough psycho-ness for one night, and she intended to get to the bottom of it. She led the way to the chairs and dropped into one.
“I guess I owe you an apology… and an explanation.” Carter smiled, actually smiled and he didn’t seem so old when he did it. “I work for the Privy Council and they wanted me here. I didn’t want to come.”
Rae scoffed, unable to hold it back. “Yeah, that was a bit obvious. You’re pretty miserable.” The words slipped out before she realized.
Carter scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish, which weirded Rae out even more. “I deserve that. I didn’t want to have you girls here. It was Lanford’s idea and I seemed to be the only one who didn’t trust him. He wanted you, not the other girls, but you, here, away from your family so he could swoop down to protect you and have you trust him.”
Rae stared at the hem of her Tinkerbelle dress as the guilt she’d been denying rushed out of its hidden place and filled her up. “I did trust him. He was, or at least, he seemed to be sincere and genuinely concerned about me.” Slow tears started dripping from her eyes.
“He needed to find out your ink. I knew that’s what he was after, but I had no proof and it drove me mad. I finally had to resort to asking Riley for help. He’s a candidate for joining the academy.” Seeing the confused look on Rae’s face, he added, “It’s an intense training group of tatùs. Riley was more than eager to prove himself.” Carter shook his head. “It drove me bonkers having to hang out with all you kids when I should be out in the field. I’m a man of action, not subterfuge. I’m terrible at having to wait. And having to watch you and wait for Lanford to reveal himself as the bad guy would make anyone cross. I’m sorry for giving you such a hard time. It’s not your fault.” Rae had a hard time picturing him as some British version of a G.I. Joe, but she figured maybe it was different with tatùs. He patted her knee. “You’re a lot like your mom, you know? She had the same spunk, that inner fire which makes people want to be around you.”
Rae’s head felt as if it were spinning. Now he knew her mother? She had a million questions she wanted to ask him, but not tonight. “Will I have to leave the school now?”
“No. Now I think this is the safest place for you.”
He didn’t even hesitate when he replied.
Rae let out a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to go. “Are… are you coming back next year?”
Carter stood and crossed his arms over his chest. A small smile played on his face. “It seems Guilder is going to be in need of a new headmaster. Which is something I might be interested in. Especially when Rae Kerrigan has another year left and, as much as I hate to admit it, Guilder needs you girls here. It’s good for everyone.” He offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
They headed toward the stairs, moving aside to let the paramedics rush by. Alone on the staircase, Carter spoke again. “I’m sorry again about Lanford. I had no idea he was in league with your father.” He shook his head. “Everything checked out. He’d been here ten years and nothing showed otherwise to mistrust him. It was only a gut feeling I had. I couldn’t use my ink on him until tonight. Then I saw everything.”
“It’s not your fault, sir,” Rae said woodenly. It came out an automatic response, with no feeling behind it. The truth was, Rae didn’t know who was at fault and who wasn’t. At the moment, all she knew was that she wanted to get out of the towers and never come back.
Carter sighed. “I’ve disappointed you and, most of all, I’ve disappointed your mother. I promised her a long time ago I’d keep you safe.”
For a weird moment, Rae felt older than sixteen, her guilt, suspicion and hurt got pushed aside. “You can’t protect me, and you can’t undo the past. Lanford would’ve found a way to get to me one way or another. He said he’d been planning this for years.”
Carter paused on the stairs. “Can I ask you a question?” He waited until she turned to face him. “How’d you get out of those shackles tonight?”
“M-my tatù.” She felt like the wings were fluttering on her back, encouraging her to tell the truth. It was an odd sensation and caught her completely off-guard. “I-It’s the same as my father’s. But different. More.” She didn’t know how to explain it.
“Did you make the ice?”
Rae nodded, her mind picturing the prison room. If her tatù wanted her to tell Carter that much, then…what about the rest? “Sir, have you ever heard of something called ‘H-O-C’ or a hoc file?”
He shook his head slowly. “I’ve never heard of it.”
“It’s something my father and Lanford created.” She went on to explain about the video in the laptop and what little detail the headmaster had provided, knowing in her heart that she needed to pass this information on to him.
“Interesting.” The dean ran his fingers along his chin. “I’ve spent a lot of time working on your father’s jobs and experiments. Most of his interests and agendas were very secretive. Only those close to him knew, and even then, it was always very little or bits and pieces, no one but Simon had the complete picture. I’ve…the Privy Council has spent years trying to find those who’ve worked for or with your father.”
“I, uh, kinda fried the computer and there was a camera in there. I don’t know how much it recorded…” Rae couldn’t help but feel proud of the admission even knowing she may have destroyed vital clues.
“We’ll see what we can salvage from the laptop and we’ll check into the camera, too.” Carter flashed a quick smile. “Your friends are waiting outside for you.” He opened the door.
“Thanks.” She looked at the dean, who beckoned her forward a few more steps.
“May I suggest we try and keep most of this quiet? You know which friends you can trust. The rest will know the truth soon enough. Or at least, what needs to be told.”
“Yeah, I think I know what you mean.” She started toward her friends. She glanced back. “Th-thanks…” But Carter had disappeared, “Sir,” she whispered to the closed door. Maybe having him back next year might not be a bad thing.
As she turned to the parking lot, Molly came running, tears coursing down her cheeks. She enclosed Rae in a tight hug. “I can’t believe it! You’re okay! I’d have been a total mess. I’d have electrocuted everything inside, burned everything down and probably fried myself in the process.” While she babbled on, Rae stared over her friend’s shoulder and spotted Devon standing by Julian’s car. She wanted to run and wrap her arms around him.
She never got a chance. Soon, everyone stood around her hugging, some crying and laughing, all at the same time.
“Rae, your outfit’s ruined.” Molly exclaimed as Rae threw the blanket onto the back of Julian’s car.
“It’s all right. I don’t have any intention of ever wearing it again.”
“Hey, watch the car.” Julian’s lips twitched.
She gave him the bird and laughed at the surprised look on his face.
“Uh… Rae?” Haley stood a few feet back from everyone else.
Rae’s guard instantly came up. “What?”
“I’m, uh, I’m sorry I was kind of a bitch to you.” Haley stuffed her hands into the oversized men’s tux jacket she wore. “You know, the trying to hit you with the darts, the note in Professor Stockheed’s class…all of it.”
Molly leaned in front of Rae and pointed a finger at Haley, little sparks flying from it. “You’re just apologizing ‘cause you don’t want to get screwed over by Rae’s tatù.”
Haley turned red and opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Maria elbowed her. She glared at Molly, then Maria. “Look, I said I was sorry. I won’t pester you anymore.”
“How about we head back to Aumbry House?” Julian said, “I’ve had a vision Madame Elpis isn’t going to m
ind if we all crash in the Game Room tonight.”
Rae grabbed his hand. Your vision turned out to be spot-on. Everything you drew was about tonight. I was the one who didn’t look closely enough at it. I won’t make that mistake again, I promise. The eye had been the dean watching over and protecting her. She understood it now. She watched his eyes grow large, obviously shocked at hearing her voice in his own head and then he nodded in understanding. She let go and rubbed her hands along her arms. The cool night air made her shiver.
“I’m giving Rae a lift,” Julian said. “You all can walk back.”
Devon came over and hugged her tight. “I’m really glad you’re okay.”
Devon’s warmth seeped into her core. He felt so good and everything suddenly didn’t seem so awful. He slowly, almost reluctantly, pulled away.
Before she could react, Julian wrapped the blanket back around her and gently pushed her toward the passenger seat. “Race you back to the dorms, Dev.”
He drove off to the student parking lot, leaving Devon behind.
Chapter 25
Hidden Wishes
The next day, Dean Carter informed the entire school during dinner that Headmaster Lanford had suffered a heart attack the previous night after a fall and had passed away. The dean wouldn’t go into details, but the look of shock on the faces of the students made Rae wish she could disappear. Only Julian, Devon and Molly knew the truth. At least, from her end of the story.
So Lanford was dead. She didn’t care. She knew she should, but she really just wanted to forget. She needed something to help her do that, so she refocused on classes, and didn’t even mind when the dean took over class in the Oratory. His attitude had changed dramatically, making it easy to engage him as a teacher and Rae began to enjoy class again. Carter never focused on or brought any extra attention to her, and she appreciated it.
The ten remaining weeks of the school year flew by. During one of the final dinners with the entire student body, Carter stood and walked to the podium. “I have a few announcements to make. First, I’d like to let everyone know I will not be returning as the dean of Guilder next year.” He paused, then grinned. “I’ll be returning as Headmaster. Someone needs to keep a good eye on you folks.” He waited till the students quieted. “Devon’s father, Randolph Wardell, will be the new dean of Guilder. All the professors are in full agreement he will do an excellent job.”
Rae sat at a table a few rows away from Devon. She smiled and clapped with the other students.
Devon seemed slightly embarrassed, but stood. “My dad’s pleased to have been offered the position.” He smirked. “And I’m happy to be graduating.”
Students erupted in laughter throughout the room, everyone but her. Rae didn’t want to think about next year without Devon. Maybe, if he was gone, she’d get rid of the crush she had on him. But who was she going to talk to about her father? Or how frustrating her ink was? Or help her deal with all the baggage and crap that had come with Lanford’s actions? She blinked rapidly, forcing the sudden tears away, and tried to push back down the anxiety that had tried to rise up and overtake her.
Carter clapped his hands for attention and everyone once again settled down. “I’d also like to mention Riley Johnson has been offered a job and is finishing the year at his current location.”
Rae’s eyes flitted around the room. The students didn’t bat an eyelash with this news. Seniors must leave quite often before the end of the year, probably secret jobs from top secret tatù businesses. No one cares that Riley left or why. No one really knows what happened that night. Molly threw an arm over Rae’s shoulder and gave her a quick squeeze, without saying a word. Rae smiled at her friend. Someone did care. She wasn’t alone, and it was nice to be reminded of that every once in a while.
A few days later, Dean Carter asked Devon and Rae to meet him in his new office in the Oratory building. Carter sat behind the desk, hands interlaced casually across his stomach in a distinctly relaxed posture that Rae had never seen him in before. He spoke first to Devon. “I’m hoping you’ll come back next year, as a paid employee of the college. I’d like you to continue helping Rae with tutoring and training with her abilities.”
Devon’s and Rae’s mouths both dropped open.
“One of the reasons is that you know the whole story. Rae will need someone to work with and she’s comfortable around you.” He straightened and rested his large hands on top of the desk. “We’ll offer you living accommodations, of course. There are two penthouse suites above the senior’s floor on Joist Hall. One would be yours. You won’t have to live by your father or answer to him – just to me.” He chuckled, like it was some kind of private joke. “You’ll be paid a very fair salary and any university correspondence courses you take will be paid for by the school.” Carter twiddled his thumbs and smiled pleasantly.
Devon glanced at Rae and then took a few moments before answering. “I’d be honored to help as best I can.”
Rae wanted to jump up and down. YES! However, the feeling was short-lived when Carter spoke again.
“We’ve been working diligently, but haven’t been able to find out anything more about Lanford or your father’s connection to him.” He nodded at Devon, but looked at Rae. “Devon’s been caught up to speed completely with what happened the night of the dance. The laptop was unsalvageable. The Privy Council hasn’t found any records or anything else regarding this so-called HOC file. Hopefully, the two of you may be able to uncover some information next term.” He stared down his nose at the both of them.
“What about the camera on the ceiling?” Rae asked. Maybe Devon and she could get some extra correspondence out of it during the summer months. And I’ll, of course, focus completely on Devon – I mean on learning.
“It was wireless, connected to some kind of satellite we weren’t able to trace.” Carter leaned forward and shuffled a stack of papers against his desk. “If we learn any vital information over the summer, I’ll let you know. If you are able to recall anything between now and the start of the new school year, write it down and let me know. The Privy Council will continue to search for anything connected to your father.” He pointed to the door. “Now, get out of here and spend a bit of time with your friends before you fly back to New York for the summer. I’m here if you need me.”
They walked down the hall and through the empty Oratory quietly together. Devon spoke once they got out into the sunshine. “I hope you don’t mind if I stay on next year.”
“No, no, not at all,” she gushed. “I mean, I really appreciate you being willing to stay here. It won’t be too bad with your dad? Doesn’t he want you at Oxford or something?”
Devon grinned, his adorable dimple popping through.
“Nah, I’ll deal with him. It’ll give me some time to figure out what I want to do with my life.” He stopped talking but stared at her, as if he had something more to say.
When the silence began to get awkward, Rae shifted her weight and glanced toward the playing fields full of students. “I should probably get back to Molls. She gets a bit paranoid now when she doesn’t know where I am.”
“I have to ask Carter something, so I guess I’ll see you later?” He didn’t wait for her reply, but headed back toward the large Oratory doors. Just before disappearing, his hand shot out to keep the door open and his head popped around. “By the way, Rae.” His dimple flashed again, “Tell Molly she did a cool job on your hair. It totally suits you.” Then, he was gone, and Rae was left feeling vaguely let down.
Chapter 26
The Letter
Rae finished packing her suitcases and checked her watch. She needed to hurry. Julian had probably fallen asleep waiting for her downstairs. She needed to be at the airport about two hours before her transatlantic flight took off. She did a final check around the room to make sure she had everything. When she came back in seven weeks, she’d be living in one of the rooms on the floor above and wouldn’t be coming back to this room. It’s a bit of a shame…<
br />
Part of her felt sad to leave, but she wanted to head back to America and spend some time with her aunt and uncle. Hopefully, Uncle Argyle would be willing to tell her about her mother and grandfather and even talk a bit about her father. She could get information out of him which she couldn’t get from anyone else, if she could get him to talk.
Rae headed down the marble stairs with her new, larger suitcases, courtesy of Molly, and set them by the door. She ran back up to grab her duffle bag. She had already said good-bye to everyone except Devon. He’d seemed preoccupied when he popped by yesterday to say good bye to Molly. She’d wanted to give him a proper farewell, but he’d left before she had a chance. Plus, she wasn’t quite sure how to handle him now…after their awkward conversation outside Carter’s office.
Julian stood waiting in the foyer. He took her suitcases from her and set them by the door. He smiled his warm, friendly smile. “I have something for you.” He handed her a white envelope.
“What’s this?” The blank cover of the envelope gave away nothing.
He scratched behind his ear. “I had a vision early this morning and thought maybe you could help.”
Rae opened the envelope with apprehension. The last time he’d handed her a vision it hadn’t turned out so well. However, the reveal was anti-climactic. Inside was a piece of paper with nothing on it. She stared at Julian, confused.
“Rae, this is going to sound kind of corny but…pretend it’s a letter. I know I didn’t draw anything on it, but just work with me here for a moment.” He paused and gave a small smile when Rae nodded. “That paper’s trying to tell you something, you just need to open your mind to what it says.”
She blinked, trying to make sense of what Julian was asking. She held the sheet with both hands and tried to pretend she was about to read a letter. She closed her eyes and exhaled a long, slow breath.
