Tainted Me

Chapter 25: Born For This

Yash stared at Gwen. "You're Irish?"

Gwen rolled her eyes. "Yes, Yash. I'm half-white."

"Yash," I scolded, scowling at him. "You can't just ask people if they're half-white."

Gwen, Byron, and Arisa laughed while Yash smiled.

"But seriously—Gwen, you're grandfather really is...?" Byron trailed off, raising his eyebrows.

"Yes," Gwen replied.

"But you're a Rochester," Byron said, confused.

"My dad changed his name the first chance he could and used my grandmother's maiden name instead. As you know, that one's more respectable."

"And influential, yeah," Byron agreed, nodding in understanding. "I see."

One of the things that I realized when I went here was how big a deal a family name was to some people, especially those that come from old money.

"Can I meet him?" I asked Gwen.

"My dad?"

"Grandfather."

Yash's eyes narrowed. "What kind of trouble are you in exactly?"

"Life and death."

"How's the status of my grandfather gonna help?" Gwen asked, crossing her arms.

I exchanged looks with Arisa and Byron. "I just need to ask him something."

"Are you gonna tell me?"

I stared at her, then at Yash.

"Fine."

And so, I told them everything. I just left out tiny details like talking to my former brothers and having Oz hire a PI to look into Mauri's background.

Gwen looked like she was on the verge of crying.

"That's horrible."

"Will you consent me to use your body for science if ever you end up dead?" Yash asked.

"Yash!"

I looked at him for a second and opened my mouth to say something, but then closed it. I shook my head, letting out a small laugh.

"I'll think about it," I replied.

"So talking to my grandfather will help you track down this—whoever's doing this to you?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

"Did you know that you can actually tap into the Ordo's resources?" Yash offered. "Like say, certain intelligence agencies."

"Are you shitting me?" I asked in disbelief.

Yash looked at Byron and Arisa, confused. "You didn't tell him?"

Byron shrugged. "I knew he wouldn't go for it."

Yash's attention turned back to me. "It's in the rulebook. We can use the Ordo's resources but we have to get a reference from an elder – or officer."

I considered it. "Nah, this is my shit. I'll deal with it on my own."

"Okay," Gwen said. "Are you free tomorrow?"

I nodded.

"I'll text you what time to pick me up. I have to make sure he's free." She looked at us.  "I don't see him often. It's not safe."

"You don't have to come with me."

"Are you kidding? You might lose a body part if I don't come with you."