Pawns And Predators

Chapter 29

W I N T E R

Ivan was back.

And he looked malicious. Like someone had poured a bottle of vinegar into his breakfast cereal and he was out for their blood. I had just circled around by the hallway when I saw him—reaching for the classroom door in his professor costume.

Which naturally was his every day attire.

And Like any sane person, I backpedaled before he could notice me and disappeared into the farthest library on campus. I adjusted the pink hygiene mask covering the nasty cut on my lips and the matching coral bruise along my jaw.

At least it hadn’t turned an ugly shade of purple yet. Blues and purples never look good against my skin tone. I perched on a lone high-rise chair and let time pass, my legs swings as I fiddled with the adjustment buttons once the boredom sets in after an hour, making the seat rise and stoop repeatedly—until I earned a warning glare from the librarian.

I tried to focus on my assignments.

I did everything except sprinting back to check on Ivan. Check out Ivan. Check in with Ivan. It had been three days since I last saw him. Two since I texted. He was supposed to return early.

But he didn’t.

And now he was back.Back in class. Wearing that ridiculous calm that never fooled me.

My phone buzzed.

I ducked my head to glance at the screen on my lap. My heart spiked, hoping it was him.

But dejection sets in fast when I see an unknown number displayed on my screen instead.

Anonymous – How’s your head, muppet?

My eyes went wide in realization. Muppet- no one calls me that except. I saved the number Immediately, thumbs flying and stabbing over.

Winter – Brilliant. Had a bump the size of a goose egg. But it’s gone now.

Ash – That’s just the size of your head you’re describing.

What an irritating human.But still I snorted. Like a duck. It was a good one, though. The comeback.

Winter – So—did you change your mind? Did a system blow up or something? How was I remembered by yours sincerely.

Ash – I was only being nice and checking on your somewhat useful brain. Glad you’re functioning… as normal as you could considerably could.

I paused, raising a brow as I stared at the wall. Was there a chance the ancient monkey could be civil?

Winter – How’s your ear? Hope the knife didn’t chip off its shape or anything. I swear I was only aiming for a graze.

I typed quickly and waited.My fingers drummed restlessly on the desk.Another glare from Ms. Strollinger. I sat back, silently.

No reply returns for two minutes.

Winter – Where did you go?

One more minute.