Darkest Blood

Chapter Nine

The school cafeteria was quieter than usual during lunch. Or maybe it was just because Viola, for whatever reason, wasn't here to talk about how the Smythes were supreme to everyone else. My head was a whole lot lighter for that exact reason. I was at the usual table trying to eat the mess they called food. Maia and I had just told the Gang about the house, we'd found yesterday. Ad had risen an eyebrow, Hannah had sharpened her mouth, Noah had tensed up beside me and Jordan seemed distant. I figured he just didn't really show emotion.

"You went there without calling anyone? We could've helped!" Noah said, sending me a look that was very worried, but also almost a little disappointed.

"It wasn't exactly as if we knew what we were finding," Maia stated. Noah rolled his eyes and looked at me.

"It could've been a trap! Did that ever cross your minds?" he asked.

I shook my head lightly. "Yes, it could've been, but nothing happened. And we found something, that might help us."

Noah shook his head in distrust, "You could've been caught, Penny. You know Liam wants you."

I took his hand and squeezed it tightly, "From now on, I'll call you before entering old scary buildings, deal?"

Noah looked at me, his eyes turning warm like they usually were.

Before he could answer me, Hannah interrupted us. "Pen's right. There might be something in that house, which could lead us to either Liam or Sam. That picture is surely a help."

Jorden grunted in agreement. Ad rose an eyebrow.

"Seems a bit weird, doesn't it? That Julia will just leave a photo showing you guys behind? It's almost too obvious," he said. I frowned; he was onto something. Hannah sighed.

"It could very well be a trap, but what if you've only found the bait?"

Ad looked at all of us, his glance resting on Hannah a while longer than usual. Noah tensed up beside me, Maia curled her hair around her finger thoughtfully. I saw Hannah looking at Ad with a look, I hadn't seen from her before.

"Yes," she said, "You're right. Julia... And Liam for the matter would know we'd come back to check the place out."

Jorden looked at us, "We still need to do it. It's not like we have any other leads to follow up on."

Ad placed his head in his hands, "It's in times like these I wish Nicci was here."

He turned his head towards me. I nodded.

"She'd be opening a celebratory champagne right about now."

Hannah frowned, her eyes distant.

"We'll check it out, all together except Pen, of course," Hannah finally stated, "That way, we'll be at least four to two, while Pen will be safe at the Thelonien Estate."

I frowned, "So I'm just let out of all the fun?" I asked, not pleased. Noah squeezed my hand and Maia sent me a slight smile.

"Rather bored than a prisoner of Liam, right?" she asked. I sharpened my mouth, but nodded, ignoring the feeling inside that I had to go.

"What if they turn up?" Ad asked. "Could you fight them?"

Hannah rolled her eyes, Jordan seemed to flex slightly.

"We're trained fighters Ad," said Maia.

Ad shook his head, "I'm not talking about physically. I know, probably better than anyone, that you'd be able to kick their asses. But they were your friends. Just a few months ago you were laughing with Julia."