A Murder Of Crows [boyxboy]

A Murder Of Crows {17}

                Jamison wasn't in class the next morning.

                He'd texted me the night before, asking if I wanted him to drop dinner off to me. I'd told him no, then put my phone on silent and ignored it the rest of the night so I wouldn't be tempted to talk to him.

                Val had been smart enough to leave me alone, and Kieran hadn't bothered coming around to confront me about the Jamison thing. I'd spent the night locked in my room, focused on homework and studying.

                But now I was nervous, sitting in my first class of the day. The teacher, Mr. Ferrick, checked the time and turned to face us.

                "Quiet down everyone," he called. The room slowly silenced and he checked the time again. "We have an assembly this morning. Headmaster Crowe has some important things to talk to all of you about. Please form a line at the door, no talking."

                We got up and formed a line at the door. Kieran and Mia made sure they were behind me, all of us well aware this assembly had something to do with Jamison and the attacks.

                Mr. Ferrick led us out of the academic building and down to the building where Academy-wide assemblies were held. Other lines of obediently silent students followed their teachers, the sidewalks lined with us.

                We were directed into seats, and I took mine. Nerves were starting to creep up on me, but I took a few slow breaths to calm myself. Whatever it was, we'd beat it. We'd find a new strategy to incorporate the Crows' new move in the game.

                As students settled in, we watched as the Crows began setting up the stage in front of us. Jamison and Cole were working together to get two microphones set up, while Kenz and Nia brought out chairs and set up a projector.

                It was a bit before all the students were seated and everything was set up. Headmaster Crowe walked onto the stage, and everyone paid attention, not so much as a whisper from the crowd.

                "I apologize for taking time from your classes, but this is very important," Headmaster Crowe started, the Crows seated behind him. "We made students aware of the attacks happening around town, and cautioned all of you about safety procedures when you leave campus."

                Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kieran narrow his eyes. Surely both of us were thinking the same thing now.

                "We've spoken extensively with the authorities. They believe the attacks are connected back to a man known only as 'The Doctor'. He deals in various drugs, including prescription medication. It's believed that the victims are caught up in this drug circle, and that many of them are young students such as yourselves who are lured into this dark business by cunning dealers." He gestured at the Crows, and Jamison and Kenz stood up, heading for the other microphone. "I've spoken to the president and vice president of the Crows, and they have a few things they'd like to say to your students."

                "I'm Jamison Heitor, president of the Crows, and this is Mackenzie Atkinson, the Crows vice president. We've spoken with Headmaster Crowe and the authorities, and we've decided to combat this growing problem at the source. Any students who fear they might be in danger from the Doctor, either from having bought from him before or from being unable to pay him back, we ask you to come forward to any of the Crows, the headmaster himself, the campus security, or one of our campus counselors," Jamison said.

                "Students who come forward will not be punished. Our goal is to keep all students safe, and we're willing to overlook your mistakes for the sake of your safety. We'll be sending a detailed letter home to your parents and guardians about this issue and what we plan to do to fight back against it," Headmaster Crowe said.