“The similarities to the way they were cut up. Normally a person cuts at the joints. This person was cut in random spots. That is abnormal. We had a meeting last night in town with the mayor and sheriff...”
“There’s something else,” I say, and three pairs of eyes turn to me. “Emily.” Bennet’s brows pull together; I’m sure he’s searching his memory bank.
Luke goes rigid. “Madeline?—”
They gave us information. I want to do the same. She could be in danger. “She’s in town, and she has history with Coach Murphy.”
“Emily?” Bennett repeats her name.
“Phipps.” His face flashes with recognition.
Bennett sits back in his chair, his breakfast forgotten. “She lodged a complaint a few years ago about her. Right as I was taking over as acting dean,” he says quietly. “I had a counselor speak to her, thought a woman would be better, but she recanted everything.” I can tell he hadn’t been happy about that.
Paislee reaches across the table, finding Bennett’s hand. He grips it like a lifeline.
“She wants to talk to me,” I say. Okay, maybe she agreed to talk to me.
“You think that’s a good idea?” Bennett asks. Luke gives a quick no, but Bennett keeps going. “This can’t be a coincidence.” I nod in agreement.
“See?” I elbow Luke.
“Then the cops should talk to her,” Luke grumbles out.
“No, an authority figure had her recanting her story. A coach crossed lines with her. I’m sure she lacks some trust. I am not threatening. I’m a student and a girl.” I half plead for him to see reason, wanting him to know I have to do this.
“You are not going alone,” Luke says, his voice flat and final. He looks at me, jaw set, eyes hard. “If you want to talk to her, fine. But I’m coming with you.”
“Luke—”
“No.” He leans forward, elbows on the table, pinning me with that stare. “That’s the deal, Madeline. Take it or leave it.” I don’t want him to scare her away. I mean, his reputation is that he’s an asshole.
I open my mouth to argue, but Bennett cuts in. “He’s right. You shouldn’t go alone. If Emily has information about Murphy, if she’s connected to this somehow?—”
“She’s not dangerous,” I protest, having a gut feeling.
“Maybe not,” Bennett says quietly. “But whoever killed Murphy is. And if Emily knows something, she might be in danger too. Her telling you would also put you in danger.”
“Madeline,” my sister says softly. “You always want to see the best in people.”
Luke reaches over, taking my hand in his, his grip possessive. It always is, and I don’t hate it. “I’m not trying to control you,” he says, and I give him a look. “Okay, maybe a little, but I’m trying to keep you safe.”
I look at him—really look at him—at the fear underneath the anger, at the way his thumb is tracing circles on my palm like he needs the contact to breathe. He’s terrified. For me. Because of me. He didn’t grab my hand because he thought I needed comfort; he needs it. That breaks me open.
“Okay,” I agree. “You can come. But you have to let me lead. She’s trusting me, not you.”
He nods, relief showing on his handsome face. “When?”
“Today,” I say. “After the assembly. I’ll text her.” I want to be at the assembly so I can read people’s faces.
Luke sits back, his arm going around my shoulders again, pulling me close. “We stick together until then. No wandering off.”
“Deal.”
Paislee clears her throat, looking between us. “Just... be careful. Both of you.”
“We will,” I promise her.
Luke’s hand gives mine a tight squeeze under the table.
