The Dark Society

46

Everyone entered Evelyn Gardens via the promenades as Karen continued her endless probing. Witnessing this, Alex hoped to provide a much-needed distraction.

"Taking in the sights?"

Karen smirked. "Of course."

Alex suddenly pulled out his phone.

"Who might that be?" Karen inquired, drawing near.

"As if you didn't know."

Friends were worried about Luis's earlier departure from campus, so Alex planned to call him again later that day.

"What's he up to?"

"Once again, he's not coming," Alex announced. "Though I guess you already noticed that."

Karen's expression changed, but Alex truly hoped Luis had found Sabrina--he wanted the best for him and assumed she did too. Their attention soon shifted as movers rapidly removed belongings from Trina and Jasmine's apartment.

"What's going on?" Tatum demanded.

A man appeared in the hallway from nowhere.

"Have Trina and Jasmine moved?" Lyndsey asked.

The girls still hadn't returned, and all attempts to reach them had failed, so the housemates were determined to find an explanation.

"I'm not sure," the worker said. "We're here to move items. Now, if you'll excuse me."

The group fell silent as university officials secured the apartment. During this, Alex was stunned to discover that Kyle and Logan's flat had also been vacated. Afterward, everyone moved upstairs where six armed officers and the university provost were waiting.

"Tatum Cotour?" an agent called out, clutching a manila folder.

"Yes," she answered. "What can I do for you?"

He dismissed the other officers with a subtle wave.

"Is there a Lyndsey Graham among you?"

"That's me."

The detective turned slowly.

"And who might you be?" he asked.

"Alex Littleton," he replied, "and my girlfriend, Karen Solomon."

Meanwhile, Dean Smith wanted to address the students himself but remained hidden and silent.

"What's this about?" Karen questioned.

"Can we talk privately?" the officer suggested, motioning toward a room.

Everyone agreed and followed, but as the door closed, the other officers remained outside. Tatum and Karen settled on the sofa while Lyndsey and Alex stood.

"I'm Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Stern of the London Police Department," he declared. "I apologize for the intrusion, but we have a pressing matter to address."

"How can we help, Detective?" Tatum offered.

Stern nervously fumbled through the bulky envelope.

"How well do you know Kyle Larson and Logan Hill?"

Lyndsey stared. "I know them better than anyone."

He looked intrigued. "Do you know how we can find them?"

Lyndsey hesitated and glanced toward Karen. "No, I haven't seen them in some time."

"Don't you think that's strange?"

"Not at all," she said. "They often take extended vacations."

Stern nodded and reviewed his notes.

"Well," he began, "at this point, Mr. Larson and Mr. Hill are persons of interest."

"In what?" Karen asked.

"In the disappearances of Imperial students Trina St. Claire and Jasmine Lloyd."

Alex stepped forward. "They're not missing," he interjected. "They've been on leave since November."

The detective turned. "So I was told, but no one's seen or heard from them, so it's become a missing persons case."

Tatum stood. "You're not serious?"

Stern rubbed his face. "I'm afraid so. Therefore, any information would be helpful."

Kyle, Logan, Trina, and Jasmine were close friends, so such accusations seemed unthinkable. But Stern's investigation would continue.

"Wasn't there another girl?"

"Yeah," Karen responded. "Sabrina."

Stern glanced over his notes and consulted Dean Smith. "The transfer you mentioned?"

"Yes," he confirmed. "She returned to America around Thanksgiving."

Stern paused. "Did she tell anyone?"

"Not that I'm aware of," the dean verified.

Alex frowned because Karen was casting doubt on Sabrina at the worst possible time. Ergo, he grew angry as Stern returned his steady gaze.

"Unfortunately, November was the last time anyone saw them on campus. So who knows how to reach Sabrina?"

"She does," Karen interjected again as Tatum grew furious.

"Is that true?"

"I speak with her often, but not as much recently."

Stern handed his business card to Tatum. "If possible, see that she calls me."

Lyndsey shook her head. "I don't know how she can help."

Daniel gestured and sighed. "Ms. Cotour, if this takes a turn for the worse, I'll need to find her."

Dean Smith escorted Detective Stern into the hallway. Somehow Kyle and Logan had become implicated while attention had also focused on Sabrina. More importantly, Trina and Jasmine's absence had become suspicious despite no signs of foul play.

Nevertheless, Kyle and Logan's involvement had introduced another layer of mystery. Worse still, Lyndsey was inconsolable, knowing the boys as she did, but the situation was becoming a nightmare with few answers.

"What was that about?" Tatum demanded.

Karen smiled coldly. "What are you talking about?"

Tatum stepped closer. "Implicating Sabrina."

Karen stood and tensed. "Wasn't I supposed to say anything?"

Alex crossed his arms. "It would've been best to stay quiet."

Karen sneered. "Did I miss something? When did Sabrina become off-limits?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tatum shot back.

"We should worry about our friends, not Sabrina."

"Unlike you, she is my friend."

Alex grimaced, once again witnessing an unnecessary confrontation. However, he understood Karen's resentment toward those who didn't share the coven's beliefs.

"What should we do?" Alex asked, hoping to ease the tension.

"I don't know, but we shouldn't just sit around," Lyndsey murmured.

Tatum immediately retrieved her phone and began texting.

"What are you doing?" Karen questioned.

Tatum continued without a word as Alex noticed Karen's growing interest.

"Are you alright?" he asked. "You look pale."

"A bit nauseous," she confirmed, heading toward the bathroom. "If you'll excuse me."

Karen stared at her reflection as a hidden rage intensified. As a result, she messaged Dena and summoned the sisters to the Solomon family villa.