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“I can’t. I have to meet with Dean Grundy; he said it was urgent. I’m pretty sure Fox or Jack can take you, unless you want to reschedule for tomorrow?”

“Once Luk comes home, the only thing I want to schedule is a naked exploration of all of you. I’d rather catch up with Tali while Luk is still driving. I haven’t seen her in ages, and she probably wants me to help pack her latest orders or run a fresh scent past me. It’s not like I can breeze in and out because we haven’t spent any quality time together outside of classes.”

I plant a kiss on the top of her head, the place where the glorious rose-gold strands meet the ash-blonde ones. She’s so freaking stunning, my cold, cruel, empty heart skips a beat, but only for her. If I have to share her with others, I will, because it means a part of me is still a part of her. I’d rather timeshare, than no share.

“I’ve been summoned by Grundy too. Fox, can you take Aspen to see Tali, please? Hopefully, we won’t be too long, and we’ll all be back home by the time Luk rolls in. Not in your shit truck either, take one of the other SUVs, just to be safe.”

Fox grunts a nod, his speech coming along better, but he won't be pushed, not unless it’s a little tree doing the coaxing. She’s incentivized him with oral sex. The longer he attempts to talk and recover his lost speech, the longer his dick stays in her warm, wet mouth. A genius move on her part, and Jack and I are wondering what we need to forgo to receive the same treatment. At first, the words were simple and singular: love, want, need; then they transitioned to affirmations. “I love you, and that feels so good.” Fox claimed his voice when the crash claimed his family. In all the years since, no one deserved his feelings or private thoughts; not his therapists, and definitely not his foster families. To him, Aspen was more than a pretty face with a banging body. She was a champion for the underdog, and a vociferous objector to the conformist ass-kissers she loathed. Why was her hair streaked with rosy pink? Because she fucking could, that’s why. The color of her hair had no bearing on her sweet nature and brilliant mind, and once she let you in, truly into her psyche, you were indeed blessed to be invited there.

Jack and I watch Fox steer her down the mountain, while we follow separately, taking the turnoff for campus while they continue straight ahead and into the town of Wyldan proper. Aspen texts us that Fox is grabbing gas and getting the mechanic at the shop to check the rear tires because a warning light is on. Sure, that’s the responsible thing to do. What she neglects to tell me is that she took off on foot to continue to where Tali is staying, and that Fox would come collect her once the tank was full and the issue with the rear tires or faulty sensor could be rectified.

Jack and I slump into the chair across from Fredrick Grundy, his appearance showing every year of his advanced age. The liver spots are darker, the lines around his eyes and mouth that little bit deeper, and the hair sparser and whiter. Christ, he’s had a time of it.

“What is it?” I venture as the Dean sighs, adjusting his thick tie.

“Some unsavory news, unfortunately. I had hoped Professor Donnelyn could join us, being senior faculty, but she was unavailable…”

“What’s wrong?” Jack doesn’t sound panicked, but he is alarmed. I’ve heard that tone before, and it sends icy waves down my spinal column.

“There has been a development,” he begins, steepling his fingers and looking from Jack before his gaze swings back to me.

“Go on,” I urge, agitated.

“Elijah, I fear most of this started long before you returned to Wyldan. As you know, when Stacey passed away, the coroner was reluctant to leave an open finding on her case. Some undiagnosed epilepsy. We all grieved, and for want of a better word, moved on. Then there was a disappearance, of sorts.”

“Disappearance? Who?”

“A student by the name of Paul Sorrington. Splendid fellow apparently, bright lad.”

Jack balks. “And?”

“It seems enrollments were under the impression he dropped out and returned home to Iowa, I think it was. His parents reported him missing some months ago. It appears no one had seen him since he dropped out of Wyldan University.”

“He could have taken a gap year. Not all college kids remember to log a schedule with friends or family, Dean. Some backpack around living almost off grid. What’s to say Paul didn’t do something along those lines?” Jack’s fingers flex on his tight, dark denim, a clear sign he’s not only agitated but frustrated.

“Because a body was discovered some months back. It was between the deaths of Stacey and Merda. Forensic testing was required because of the condition of the body and the scattering of bones from animal activity. The police just confirmed that the remains are a DNA match to Paul Sorrington.”

“What?” Jack bellows. “You’re sure?”

“The police are, yes. His family has claimed his remains already; that’s why I can discuss the matter with the two of you, and Amber once she’s available. But I have a further update you will not like. I feel the best way is to just rip the Band-Aid off and tell you plainly, just how the police told me.”

“Told you what?” I grit out, not liking where this is drifting.

“Foxglove Muir was just arrested at the gas station in Wyldan. He’s sought in the deaths of Stacey, Paul, and Merda; they’re building a case against him as we speak. Because he has no next of kin and is a flight risk, I understand bail will be strenuously opposed.”

“The fuck?” Jack blinks in disbelief.

“I understand this is confronting. We may be an isolated town, but the law still applies up here, and every student has the right to feel safe.”

“You are not suggesting he did this, are you?”

“I’m keeping an open mind, Elijah. You and Jack should do the same. I understand Lukaz Vaskari is out of town… something about his father requiring surgery in Anchorage. Perhaps someone should counsel the lad before he returns to an empty dorm and wonders what on earth is going on?”

Jack and I share a glance. How do we tell the Dean that Fox and Luk moved in alongside Aspen and Jack? Don’t want to shove the man into an early coronary incident. With Fox’s luck, or lack thereof, he’d no doubt be blamed for that, too.

“Jack and I will take a personal interest in his wellbeing, Dean.”

“Fabulous. I was going to suggest Amber do it, being she’s more maternal than either of you two and seems to have a genuine connection to her students, but given the present circumstances, Lukaz and Fox would benefit from any support rather than delayed assistance. He’s had a troubled past, that kid. The police have dug deep and they’re adamant a solid case can be constructed.”