The Dark Society

46

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

"Taking in the sights?"

Karen smirked.

"Of course."

Alex pulled out his phone.

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

"As if you didn't know."

Friends 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 hoped Luis found Sabrina, because he wanted the best for him and assumed she did too. Their attention was soon detoured by the sight of movers leaving Trina and Jasmine's.

"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, housemates stood determined to find explanations.

"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 looked stunned to discover Kyle and Logan's flat was also vacated. Afterward, everyone moved upstairs. There, 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.

"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 instead, he remained hidden and silent.

"What's this about?" Karen questioned.

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

Everyone agreed and followed. Yet, as the door closed, the other officers remained outside. Meanwhile, 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 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."