“It would spoil the tradition.” He said nonchalantly.
“What tradition?”
He straightened up in his seat, and crossed his legs. “It was my uncle’s. He gave it to my
supposed-to-be aunt when they were still in school. Same way, he left it in her locker.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. He sounded like one of the main characters of a Nicholas Sparks
novel. Quite cheesy. “Really?”
He nodded. “She was Ria.”
The name was familiar. Then the names came back. “And Tony---“
“Was my uncle.”
“Wait, you said that she was supposed to be your aunt. What happened?”
“They got engaged but my uncle died two months ago. They were quite a couple. Being college
sweethearts and all.”
I cringed. Mom was right. Anthony’s uncle was kil ed by the syndicate. The time of death fits
perfectly.
“Drei, are you alright?”
I nodded, willing my mind to think of another topic.
Clearing my throat, I managed to compose myself. “The notes, did Carl place them in my locker
too?”
He nodded. “But Kris wrote them, since Kristine was around when Carl was supposed to write
them. Kristine overheard and you know---“
I smiled, following his point. “She was rooting for Kris and me. I get it.”
He laughed, then suddenly grew serious. “But I was the one who wrote the be careful note. Carl was acting strange those days, and I thought I should warn you.”
The morbid family picture came to mind. I forced myself to stay calm. Then a thought crossed
my mind. A diversion.
“I know she has a crush on you.” I continued.
“Who? Carl?”
I rolled my eyes playfully. “She.”
“Oooh. Kristine.” He laughed, shaking his head. “Before you came, I was a bit grateful that her
actions were obvious. Her behavior sort of drives the fans away. At least some of them.”
I took his words in. “Then why didn’t you just court her?”
He shook his head right away. “Didn’t want to.”
“Because Kris was your friend?”
He stared at me in disbelief. “No.”
I continued to guess. “Hmm. Maybe---“
“I was waiting for my Al ie to show up,” he interrupted me.
“And guess what?” he smiled, “She did arrive. And I’m sure she’s worth the wait.”
*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 30
I couldn’t remember exactly when I fell asleep.
I tossed and turned, hoping for sleep to come visit me again. Judging by the darkness outside
the curtained window, it was still night time. Which was great since we were supposed to leave
before the sun came up. I checked my watch in the dim room illuminated only by the street light
outside, it was one AM.
A couple of hours ago, Anthony forced me that he’d be fine with the couch for tonight. I
reluctantly agreed, knowing that arguing with him would only lessen our time for rest. I was
about to turn in my bed to look at him when suddenly there was a pound in the door. The sound
gave me a start. Who would possibly do that in this time of night? Earlier, Drew dropped by our
room to tell us that for our own safety, we should have a signal when we’re about to enter each
other’s rooms. We should slip a note or a piece of paper under the door. But to my dismay,
there was none.
I slowly inched my way out of the bed, careful not to make a sound. I slipped the hotel slippers
on and made my way to the couch where Anthony had his back on me. He had the blanket
rolled up until his shoulders. I gave his shoulder a gentle tap. He didn’t stir. There was another
rap on the door. I willed myself to stay calm, though almost all my senses were beginning to
stiffen. I tried to wake Anthony again. This time he stirred. I glanced at the door again and back
to him.
My jaw dropped.
Even in the dim room, I couldn’t be wrong. Carl was on the couch, stretching from his nap.
Before I could react, he gripped my wrists immediately, holding me in place and I heard noises
from outside. From what I could hear, it was clear that someone was struggling. Was that Drew?
Anthony? Gosh. I could only pray that they were fine.
Carl was on his feet now and he towered over me. “Miss me?”
I almost spat at him. But I knew better, so I just glared at him. For all I know, he would hurt me
once he found even the slightest reason to do so. I knew he would get back at me for escaping
him like that in Carley’s mansion.
He dragged me to the door and opened it in an instant. I shrieked as I saw Anthony on the floor
just outside the door. He was knocked unconscious. Was he the one knocking a while ago? I
should’ve opened it on the first knock. I was so stupid!
Zed and two of his men emerged from Drew’s room and had my uncle’s hands on his back as
they dragged him outside.
“We meet again, Drei,” Zed greeted me sweetly, which annoyed every single cell in my body. I
rolled my eyes at him and Carl dragged me to the direction of the reception area. I heard the
others trailing behind us. I turned to see if Anthony was okay and saw that Zed had him. He had
one of Anthony’s arms over his shoulders and he was dragging his unconscious body.
“Don’t worry Drei, we won’t hurt you. Just do as they say and you’ll be fine.” I heard Carl assure
me from my side. Anger and fury bubbled up inside me. The cliché was right. Never mess with someone who just woke up.
“Yea, right. Moron!” I almost spat the words at him, not in the least bit regretful.
“What did you just---“
“Carl, enough. We have orders,” I heard Zed order from behind us.
See that Carl?
“She’s annoying,” Carl complained and I felt his grip on my arm tighten. I was a bit thankful that
he didn’t tie my hands. He was just gripping them tight. I suddenly thought that piercing ropes
might even feel better than his hands. I just wanted to peel off from his touch and stay as far
away from him as possible.
I tried to struggle yet his hold was solid. We were now on the parking lot
