My phone rings from the inside pocket of my jacket. I frown at the unknown number, ready to ignore it. But it could be Memphis. I turn to Noah. “I’ve got to take this.”
I walk out into the foyer and answer. “Hello.”
“Hey, is this Royal?” asks a voice I don’t recognise.
“Yes, who’s this?”
“It’s Finn, Memphis’ friend. Have you heard from him today?” He sounds a bit panicky.
“No, nothing since he left a voicemail on Saturday.” Why is he calling me?
“Have you really found someone else? Because if you have, then you’re a total fucking bastard and a coward, and you can go to hell. But not until you tell me if he’s called you tonight. He went to collect a pizza over an hour ago and hasn’t come back. According to the pizzeria, he didn’t collect it.”
Now I understand the panicking. “No, I haven’t got anyone else. Memphis is it for me. What happens when you call his phone? Has he got a new number? I can’t get hold of him.”
“Yeah, he threw his other one at the wall. Okay, I’m back to square one. Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
“Apart from being a stupid dick, I went up to Lincoln with two of my brothers to have a word with his ex. To warn him off Memphis.”
“You drove all the way here and didn’t come and see him? What a fucking shitty thing to do. You really are an arsehole, and you don’t deserve him.”
“You’re right, but that’s not going to help you find him.” Could what we did to Mansbridge tip him over the edge? He could have him hostage. “Is Mansbridge up to taking him? He was furious when we left.”
“Yes, he’s totally able to do this. I’ll go to his house.”
“No, call the police. Wait, no, don’t do that yet; they won’t take you seriously. You know Mansbridge has record for violence?”
His silence tells me the answer—no, he didn’t know. How the hell can I get there quickly? There isn’t an easy way. “I’ll getMatt to take me, and before you start telling me I’m a dick, he’s changed. He’ll do this for me.”
“I’m at my school prom until eleven. I can be on the road as soon as it’s done. It’s going to take me about three hours, maybe less if the roads are quiet.” I look towards the ballroom, and Noah is there, his phone glued to his ear, his lips moving fast.
“Okay, I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Royal. Simon is a prick and hates losing anything. I’m worried, really fucking worried.”
So am I. Has messing with him sent him over the edge. He is all about appearances, so it’s a very possible chance I’ve caused this. “Keep me updated.”
I get back to Noah. “What did Saint say?” I know Noah will always keep his master updated on anything to do with the family.
“He’s on his way here; you can leave as soon as he gets here. Drake will drive you.”
It’s only fifteen minutes until two of my brothers pull up. It’s a good thing we’ve got a good relationship with the school through the gym. Saint standing in for me won’t cause any problems.
I give Saint a hug and climb into Drake’s black BMW 7 series coupe. “Ready?” he asks as I slide my seatbelt over my chest and click it into place.
“Is this another part of you we’re not allowed to ask about?” I say, but I’m not really in the mood for talking.
“Yeah, we’ll save it for another day. We’re not going to hang around on the road. I’m hoping to cut a lot of time off the journey.”
“I’m leaving it up to you. I’m going to keep in contact with Finn.”
I don’t get an answer from Finn for another hour. “Talk to me,” I say as soon as we’re connected.
“We haven’t found him yet. Simon’s house is all dark, but I think he may be in there and ignoring the doorbell. I’m trying to call both their phones. If I can hear any ringing, then I’ll keep trying to get in.”
Drake seems to pick up even more speed. I don’t know how he’s going to keep us clear of any speed cameras or unmarked patrol cars. I trust him though. The miles click by, and Finn doesn’t call at all, so I’m guessing there’s nothing to tell me. I sit more upright in my seat as we get into the city. It’s late now, and most houses are shrouded in darkness as the homeowners sleep.
Ten minutes later, we’re back outside Mansbridge’s house. There’s no sign of life from it or any sign of Finn, until a car door opens, the internal light illuminating the young man getting out. The driver’s door stays shut. What’s going on there? Isn’t he interested in helping Finn find his best friend?
“Are you Finn?” I ask as he gets closer to me.
