The Nines (The Nines #1) Read online

  I stop the video there. Then I turn to face Roxie. Her complexion has turned almost completely white and her face is a contorted mask of emotion.

  “They killed her,” she whispers so low it’s nearly incomprehensible. “I can’t believe it.”

  “There’s a possibility she may still be alive. They’re not doctors. She could have been unconscious. You need to get to her quickly.”

  I carefully lift her chin and look into her eyes to make sure she’s comprehending what I’m saying. I think she’s in shock.

  “Call Julio and Hector,” I instruct. “Tell them to get over here as fast as they can. The three of you need to get out to Make Out Ridge. Do you know where it is?”

  She shakes her head. “You have to go with us.”

  “I told you I don’t go outside. And the rare times that I do it’s only when it’s very dark.”

  “Please,” she begs. I can’t even look at her pleading eyes. It’s like she’s plunging a sword into my heart.

  “Hector and Julio will be there with you. You’ll be in good hands.”

  She lets out a small sigh. She seems to be considering my suggestion. “Are you going to give that video to the police?”

  I grab her shoulders and look at her very seriously. “You can’t even tell Hector and Julio about the video. No one can know. I didn’t obtain it legally. I do a lot of things that aren’t legal. And I deal with a lot of people who do things that are much worse than hacking. If they ever get wind that I have any involvement with the police they’ll kill me first and ask questions later. I need to activate certain safeguards and put the word out that information will go to the authorities if either you or I are ever injured in any way. But I can’t go to the police. Not now. Not ever.”

  She nods, but I can see in her eyes that she’s overwhelmed and still trying to take it all in.

  Then she removes her phone from her pocket and dials. I assume she’s talking to Hector because she tells him to let Julio know. Now is not the time for pettiness, but I feel a twinge of jealously that she has Hector’s number. I’d assumed that she’d call Julio.

  “They’re on their way,” she mutters when she ends the call. She’s still completely out of it.

  “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” I ask.

  She shakes her head, but my question seems to do something because the floodgates open and she starts to cry.

  Without even a moment’s hesitation I close the distance between us, put my arms around her and pull her close. I’m a little surprised that she doesn’t flinch or pull away. She just melts right into me. I hold her a little tighter so she doesn’t completely fall to pieces and let her cry on my chest.

  We stay that way for a while. And I feel tremendous guilt that part of me is actually enjoying the closeness. I never thought I’d have a girl in my arms again. Of course this isn’t a sexual situation. I know she’s just using me for comfort and consolation. And I want to be there for her. But part of me wants to just enjoy this moment of being with her and connecting with her. Even if the circumstances are of the worst kind.

  We’re both startled by pounding on my front door. Roxie practically jumps away from me and leaps for the door.

  When Hector and Julio enter they both look completely fried. Understandably so. Roxie quickly tells them where they need to go. As they head out the door, Julio turns back to me and says, “Aren’t you coming with us?”

  I just give him a cold stare.

  Roxie grabs his arm. “Don’t worry about him. We’ve got to go.”

  Just before the door closes Roxie looks back at me. She doesn’t smile. She doesn’t nod. She just stares at me for a long moment before she leaves with the guys.

  Five

  Roxie

  Julio drives like it’s the Daytona 500 as we head toward the local park. I’ve only walked through the place a few times and I have no idea where Make Out Ridge is, but Julio seems to have an idea.

  His old Buick starts to rattle when it goes over fifty miles an hour. He should probably slow down, but I’m not going to tell him what to do. It would be a waste of breath. He’s determined to get to Claire no matter what it takes.

  “You didn’t tell us how you knew where to look,” Hector says. He’s sitting in the front passenger seat, but he turns to look at me.

  “You’re right.” I know I need to be careful what I say. Even though I know Julio and Hector are good guys, I have no doubt they would do anything to save Claire, even if it means putting Alexander in danger.

  But my loyalties are divided. As much as I care about my roommate I care about Alexander too. There’s been a strong connection between us even when we were just communicating with each other online. Now that we’ve met each other in real life and even despite our twisted history together that connection seems to be growing even stronger.

  “You and Alexander must have found something online,” Hector probes.

  “We did,” is all I reply.

  He heaves a sigh. I can tell he’s not very happy that I’m not telling him and Julio more, but I can’t. I don’t want Alexander to get in trouble and I definitely don’t want him to get killed. “You’re not going to tell us any more, are you?”

  I shake my head.

  “If you know what happened to her you’ll need to let the police know.”

  I gulp. Will the police be able to find out that I changed my name and that I used to be Rovzan Biaev? Will my new name be plastered all over the news again just like my old one was? I can feel my stomach knot at the thought.

  As soon as we’re in the park Julio points to a small hill ahead of us and says, “Make Out Ridge is up there. We’ll have to park at the bottom of the hill and hike up the dirt pathway.”

  He slams on the breaks in the middle of a small parking area that’s completely deserted. The place most likely comes alive at night when people come here to make out, but right now we’re the only ones here.

  Julio and Hector jump out of the car and I follow. They both have long legs and obviously work out because I really struggle to keep up with them as they sprint up the dirt pathway.

  The ridge is littered with empty beer bottles and old cigarette butts. I even catch sight of a used condom thrown into a small bush. Obviously the city doesn’t maintain this part of the park very well.

  “Where should we look?” Julio directs his question at Hector.

  The small cleared area has several benches and a few picnic tables, but it’s pretty rustic and surrounded by woods.

  “Just a guess but I don’t think Colby and his buddy would go through too much trouble to dump Claire somewhere,” I say. I try to remember what she was wearing on the videotape. “She was wearing a black skirt and a white blouse. We should be able to find someone wearing white if they’re not too far in the woods. Let’s spread out and comb the nearby area first.”

  The three of us each take a different section of the surrounding area and start searching. I’m disgusted by the things I see strewn around the park: more empty liquor bottles, used Dixie cups, cigarette boxes and butts, beer bottle tops, even thong underwear and a single sneaker.

  But no signs of Claire.

  Just as I’m about ready to move to another section of the woods I hear a scream. I dash towards the sound, which is guttural and almost nonhuman.

  Hector is ahead of me as we both make our way to the horrible noise. When we finally reach Julio he’s on the ground next to Claire, crying and moaning.

  From the condition of Claire’s body there’s no doubt that she’s dead.

  Hector puts his arm around me and leads me away from Julio and Claire. “We need to phone the police.”

  “I know.”

  “You don’t have to stay here. I can tell them that just Julio and I found her. If that’s what you want.”

  I nod.

  “I’m not sure what’s going on with you and Alexander, but I hope you know what you’re doing. There’s something really not right about that guy.�
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  I take in a deep breath then exhale slowly before I say, “There’s a lot you don’t know. A lot I can’t tell you. But we have a history together.”

  “I figured that out.” There’s a hint of bitterness in Hector’s voice.

  “You don’t have to worry. I know I can trust him.”

  When Hector looks at me there’s deep concern in his eyes. “I hope you’re right.”

  He gives me a quick hug and then says. “I’ll always be here for you. If you need me.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You can catch the bus right at the park entrance. It’ll drop you off right by your dorm. Do you have money with you?”

  “I’ve got it,” I assure him.

  “I’ve got to make the phone call. Get going.”

  I do as I’m told.

  I feel like everyone on the bus is staring at me, but I know it’s only because I’m hypersensitive. I haven’t looked in a mirror, but I’m sure I look like a complete wreck.

  The bus can’t get to the dorm fast enough and when it finally stops I dart off as quickly as possible. I race to the dorm and dash up the stairs. My legs feel like rubber bands by the time I close my dorm room door and lock it behind me.

  And then it hits me. As soon as I glance over at Claire’s comforter and the small heart-shaped pillow on her bed. The floodgates break open and I start to sob uncontrollably as I fall to the floor.

  I’m not sure how long I cry, but I cry until there’s nothing left inside. I feel like I’m completely empty and hollow.

  All I can think about now is Claire’s parents and her younger sister. How will they possibility deal with her death?

  I try to remember if I got all of my homework done for tomorrow, but I’m so upset I’m having trouble even remembering what classes I have in the morning. Maybe I should just stay in bed instead.

  I crawl over to my bed and use every ounce of energy I have left to get under the covers. And before I have a chance to look at the clock to see what time it is I fall asleep.

  ***

  Pounding. I can hear pounding. As I open my eyes I’m not sure whether the pounding is in my head or on the door. I think probably both.

  It’s dark, but I’m completely disoriented. I have no idea what time it is or how long I’ve been asleep. Then it all floods back into my memory.

  Claire is dead. She was killed. And I saw it happen on videotape. I feel like I’m going to be sick.

  Then I remember the pounding. It’s getting louder. I ease out of bed and make my way over to the door. When I open it I see my RA, Heather, standing there with two police officers.

  “Can we come in?” Heather asks.

  I nod and move away from the door so they can enter.

  The police offers are two large men and Heather is not small either. The four of us fill up the small dorm space.

  “Have a seat,” Heather offers.

  I shake my head. I still feel like I’m in a fog.

  “Your roommate, Claire, was found in the city park. I’m sorry to have to tell you that she’s…she’s dead.”

  I stare at Heather blankly. There’s no emotion left inside of me right now. I just feel numb.

  “The police have notified her parents and they’re on their way down here. If there’s anything I can do for you, if there’s anything you need, just let me know. I can phone your professors if you feel like you can’t make it to class. Whatever you need.”

  Before I even realize it I’m sitting down on my bed. I want to remember what classes I have, but I can’t. I can’t even recall what day it is. “Okay,” I mumble.

  “The police would like to ask you a few questions.” Heather sits down on the bed next to me. “Will that be okay?”

  I panic. I haven’t had a chance to develop a story that doesn’t include involvement in illegal activity. And I haven’t had a chance to talk with Julio and Hector to find out what they said to the police. Should I just tell them that I don’t know anything?

  I can feel my body start to shake uncontrollably.

  Should I ask for a lawyer? Will that make me seem guilty of something?

  I have no idea what to do.

  When I glance up at the two police officers they’re both staring at me, expressionless.

  “Okay,” I finally mutter. My voice is so weak I barely recognize it.

  The police officers take seats in the two desk chairs. When I glance over at Claire’s desk I notice the photo collage of her and Julio that she has above her desk. The sobs start all over again.

  “It’s okay.” Heather grabs a box of tissues from my desk and places them next to me on the bed.

  I grab a handful of tissues and cry into them. When I finally feel cried out again I look up at the police officers.

  “We’re just going to ask you a few questions.” The police officer sitting in my desk chair looks younger than his partner, maybe in his mid-twenties. He’s got dark hair and big blue eyes.

  His partner, who is seated in Claire’s chair, looks like he’s in his thirties. His hair is a little lighter brown and he has squinty brown eyes.

  The younger officer removes a business card from his pocket and hands it to me. “I’m Detective Roan. My partner is Detective Silvers.”

  I take the card and examine it. Homicide detectives. I didn’t actually notice until now that they’re not wearing the typical police uniforms. I guess I just noticed the guns and badges and immediately thought cop.

  Detective Silvers removes a small notepad and pen from his pocket and readies himself to take notes. Then Detective Roan asks, “When’s the last time you saw your roommate?”

  I try to remember. Even though it seems like weeks have passed I know it’s been less than two days.

  I turn to Heather. “Do you remember when I came to you and told you I was worried that she was missing?”

  Heather’s face turns sheet white. When the two detectives exchange a quick glance it makes me wonder if Heather told them about the incident.

  “Yesterday afternoon,” Heather replies briskly.

  “Claire’s boyfriend, Julio, came to my door and said he was worried about her. That he hadn’t seen her all night. That’s when I realized something was wrong. It’s not unusual for her to stay with Julio all night so I wasn’t worried when I didn’t see her come home. But when Julio said she wasn’t with him I became concerned. Julio and I went to see Heather and she told us not to worry. That a lot of college students party and stay out all night. She didn’t seem too concerned about it, but Julio and I were still apprehensive. Claire doesn’t…” I can hear my voice crack and I heave for a few seconds. I think I might start crying again, but it doesn’t happen, so I continue. “Claire didn’t drink.”

  It feels so odd to talk about her in the past tense. She was so full of life such a short time ago. I’m still having a difficult time grasping the fact that she’s gone for good.

  “You never saw Claire drink?” Detective Silvers asks.

  I shake my head. “Of course I never saw her drink. She couldn’t drink. She was adamant about it. Alcohol could interfere with the medication she took for epilepsy.”

  “And what about Julio?” Detective Roan leaves the question floating in the air, but I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with it.

  “What about Julio?” I reply.

  “What was his relationship with Claire like?” he adds.

  “They were inseparable. They loved each other very much. He worshipped Claire.”

  “Did you ever see him exhibit any anger or violence towards her?”

  I shake my head. “Absolutely not. If you think Julio had anything to do with Claire’s death you’re wrong.”

  I want to say more, but I stop myself. I realize that they haven’t told me anything about how Claire died. And I know that I have to be very careful not to even hint that I know the cause of death. I also want to scream that they need to investigate the assholes in Delta Omega Gamma, but I know I can’t do that either.
I feel like I’ve been gagged and I can’t do anything to help them nail the jerks who killed my roommate.

  “And what about Julio’s roommate, Hector?” Detective Roan lets that vague question hang in the air as well.

  “What about him?” I hear a tinge of anger in my voice and I realize I have to do a much better job of controlling my emotions.

  “Did you ever notice him exhibit any anger or violence towards Claire?”

  I take in a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds before I say anything I’ll regret. Then I let the breath out and say as calmly as I can, “Julio and Hector are nice guys. They’re sweet guys. Neither one of them would ever hurt anyone. Especially not Claire.”

  “And what’s your relationship with Hector?”

  I shake my head. “I don’t have a relationship with Hector. We’re friends.”

  Detective Silvers fingers through his notes and then says, “Hector told us the two of you are dating.”

  I gulp. I wish I would have had a chance to talk to those guys first. “We went on a date. I know he likes me.”

  Detective Silvers raises an eyebrow. “The feeling isn’t mutual?”

  I want to tell him that I like someone else, but I’m sure they’d want to know who and I can’t have Alexander involved in any way.

  “I told you I consider Hector a friend. I like him as a friend.”

  That makes the detectives glance at each other again.

  “Were Claire and Hector friends?” Detective Roan asks.

  “We were all friends.” My voice is starting to give out. I don’t want to talk to these guys anymore, but they don’t seem like they’re ready to leave.

  Detective Roan’s eyes search mine. “Just a few more questions and then we’ll be out of your hair. “Did Claire tell you where she was going?”

  I shake my head. “We didn’t see each other that much. We had classes at different times. And she spent a lot of her free time with Julio.”

  So far all of the questions have been centered on Julio and Hector and I don’t like it. It sounds like they’ve made them prime suspects. I need to find a way to get the Zeta party into the conversation. Then I remember the invitation.