She forces a smile. I pick up my duffel bag and head to the dark glass elevator. The doors open to a mirrored box outlined with gold trim and rails. An advertisement for the club hangs on the left of the doors.
Sconces line the third-floor hallway and the raggedy, flowered carpet looks as if it hasn’t been replaced in decades. The doors are freshly painted in the cream-themed color with florid designs over them. My room is next to the exit sign.
The squashed room holds two beds, an armoire, and a desk. It doesn’t have a balcony, of course, but the view of the courtyard is cozy to look at. I throw my purse and the duffel bag on the bed. My nervousness kept me from opening the duffel bag on the bus, but it’s time to see what Dad packed.
I pull out several tops and jeans. An envelope falls onto the covers. I can barely control my shaking hands to open it. My chest constricts; raindrops hit the window. I take a deep breath as I slide out the folded piece of paper.
Dear Elysia,
Seeing you blossom in Baton Rouge this past year made my heart happy. You made friends and smiled more than I’ve ever seen. It pains me to think you’ve not been afforded the same opportunities that others get. You’ve not been able to go to college under your real name, yet I’m so proud of you for taking the courses you enjoy most just to learn. You would’ve been a skilled ecologist if given the chance.
I blame myself for the things you’ve not been able to do, and you’ve never blamed me for it or questioned me or my guidance. When the feeling to flee surfaced a few days ago, I ignored it. I was praying it was false and would pass, as we’ve been here longer than any other place. I cried. I cried for you, mostly. Another place to settle, more friends to leave, a new job to find – this isn’t the life I’d want for my worst enemy, let alone for you – the only one I love on this planet.
I’m tired Elysia. I’m tired of running and moving. I’m sorry I ignored the call so long this time. I may have compromised us…I may have compromised you and I apologize for that, but I need to end this. We can’t keep running forever. I’m hoping to stop them from chasing us. If I succeed, I’ll see you soon. If I fail…I won’t fail.
Love you,
Dad
The rain pelts the windows, as tears fall down my face. The rain continues…for three days. My sadness shows in the constant patter of the water on the stones below and the ominous clouds in the sky; and then an unexpected anxiousness boils in my stomach as I hear the knocks at the door.
NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Lightning Struck
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Miranda Hardy writes children’s literature to keep the voices in her head appeased. When she’s not in her fantasy world, she’s canoeing in alligator infested waters, or rescuing homeless animals. She goes to coffee shops to do most of her writing while drinking tea. Unable to reveal too much, she has the most boring superpower ever (hint: you have to be a close relative for it to work). She resides in south Florida with her two wonderful children, and too many animals to mention.
Join Miranda’s newsletter and get exciting updates on upcoming publications.
www.mirandahardy.com
Jay Noel was born on an uncharted island somewhere in the pacific and raised by elves and fairies. Okay, maybe not, but Jay was always known to be one for daydreaming. Jay was actually born in New York, but currently lives in St. Louis with his family. He had a pretty normal childhood, except for that one incident where he gave Jeff Glass a bloody nose and lip in the second grade. But the jerk deserved it! He also attended Southeast Missouri State University where he played NCAA Division I tennis and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Jay has a degree in English and Education.
Join Jay’s mailing list and get exciting updates on upcoming publications.
Visit Jay’s book page to see what other publications are available.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The entire Black-Eye Kids series has been a pleasure to create, consisting of countless hours of writing, research, and brainstorming, but wouldn’t have arrived without the help from many wonderful people.
We’d like to first thank our families, who have been there for us, allowing us to spend our valuable time outside of our regular responsibilities in order to pursue our passions. We love you all very much.
We’d like to thank our editor, Todd Barselow, who helped us shape this exciting story, and is always a pleasure to work with.
Thank you Najla Qamber, who is the wonderful and amazing cover designer. Not only is her work fantastic, but she goes beyond to bring our vision alive.
Thank you to Dominic Reyes for the outstanding job he did with our brand logo. Your skills amaze us.
Finally, we’d like to thank the readers who honor us by reading this series. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Table of Contents
DEATH KNOCKS
Epigraph
1. Maverick
2. Maverick
3. Astid
4. Maverick
5. Maverick
6. Astid
7. Maverick
8. Astid
9. Maverick
10. Astid
11. Maverick
12. Astid
13. Maverick
14. Maverick
15. Astid
16. Maverick
17. Astid
18. Maverick
19. Maverick
20. Astid
21. Maverick
22. Maverick
23. Astid
24. Maverick
25. Maverick
26. Astid
27. Maverick
28. Astid
29. Maverick
30. Maverick
31. Astid
32. Maverick
33. Maverick
34. Astid
35. Maverick
36. Astid
37. Maverick
38. Maverick
39. Astid
40. Maverick
41. Maverick
42. Maverick
43. Astid
44. Maverick
45. Maverick
46. Maverick
47. Astid
48. Maverick
The End of Book One
MARCUS
Epigraph
1. Marcus
2. Marcus
3. Marcus
4. Marcus
5. Marcus
6. Marcus
7. Marcus
8. Marcus
The End of Book Two
DEATH RETURNS
Epigraph
Prologue
1. Maverick
2. Maverick
3. Astid
4. Astid
5. Maverick
6. Astid
7. Maverick
8. Astid
9. Maverick
10. Astid
11. Maverick
12. Astid
13. Maverick
14. Astid
15. Maverick
16. Astid
17. Maverick
18. Astid
19. Maverick
20. Astid
21. Maverick
22. Astid
23. Maverick
24. Astid
25. Maverick
26. Astid
Epilogue
Coming Soon another Dark Projects Novel:
Prologue
Chapter 1
Also by Jay Noel
Prologue
Chapter 1
Now Available on Amazon
Also by Miranda Hardy
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Now Available on Amazon
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
e.
Black-Eyed Kids: The Complete Series Page 47
