25. Chapter 25
Chapter twenty-five
Atticus
Fuck.
I’ve been dreading this since that day. I pull away from Jinx and look over at Ash, and his eyes were distant. Whatever that prick said to him can’t be good. Jinx lets go of me and goes to Ash, embracing him in her arms. As he looks at me over her head, tears are on the brink of falling from his eyes.
I try to find a calming breath, but nothing comes of it. I glance at the room where he’s at and know I have to head in there, if not for my own sake but for Ash and Jinx's sake. I cross the old barn and stop at the door. I glance back at Ash and Jinx. Jinx is still hugging Ash, but she moves her head and fixes me with a gentle look. I know whatever happens, she’ll be here for me.
The door creaks open as I push it forward. The man I haven’t seen in years is tied to a chair in the far dark corner. I take a deep breath and prepare myself for the conversation ahead. I grab a chair and place it directly in front of him; his dark eyes glare at me as I sit.
“Took you long enough, thought I would die before I got to see you. The other one is too sensitive. I blame your mother. Guess I should’ve asked for you instead.”
My fingers coil into a tight fist on my thighs. “You know nothing about Ashton.”
He laughs. “I know plenty. You think I wouldn’t learn a thing or two after watching you for all these months? I know one thing, you two can’t keep your dick in your pants. I also wouldn’t think of you guys as the type to sleep with your new sister. What kind of children did your mother raise?”
“Better than what you would’ve done, trust me.” I can feel my blood boiling, but this conversation isn’t getting me anywhere. “Tell me. Why now?”
“It’s simple. I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out already.”
With a swift movement, I launch myself at him and deliver a powerful blow to his stomach. His body lurches forward, desperate for air. I seize a handful of his silvering hair and forcefully yank his head back, his eyes widening in fear as he sees my fist approaching.
“Wait, I’ll talk,” he gasps, closing his eyes when I stop at his nose.
“Smart fucking answer, Augustus. I won’t think twice about spilling your blood.” I move back to my chair, rage ringing deep in my bones. How the fuck am I supposed to know why he’s back and after Ashton.
“I got word when you both started at Ravenwood Academy; I’ll admit pride washed over me.”
“Trust me, you had nothing to do with it.”
“I’m aware. Serena made it difficult for me to visit; don’t think I didn’t try.”
This is annoying; he’s prolonging shit, and I’m about to walk out and say fuck it. “You have five minutes, and then I’m leaving.”
He leans his head back like he’s trying to recall a memory. “Like I was saying, I got word that you two enrolled here and knew there was money to be had. Your mother wasn’t always wise when it came to men, but this time, she hit it. I knew this was my chance, and what do you know, I know someone on the board.”
“Who?” I stand, my heart thumping hard.
“Roan Grant.”
I feel like the rug has been yanked out from under me. My ears ring, drowning out any noise, and I can't catch my breath. He's been friends with Roan all along. Was this a setup? I need to talk with Ash. I can’t do this one alone. I can’t look at him. I push the chair back, and it topples to the floor with a bang. I walk to the door, and his words play in my head. Roan Grant. He’s friends with Roan.
“Atticus? What’s wrong?” Jinx comes running to me, locking her arms around my stomach.
I wrap my arms around her shoulders. “I um. Need to talk to you and Ash.”
“What did he say to you?” Ashton asks, his voice echoing in the barn.
I look for him and find him sitting on the hay bale, his head in his hands. I move both of us to his side, indicating that Jinx should sit.
“I don’t think I like where this is going.” Her teeth bite her lip as she sits close to Ashton.
I run my hand through my hair, feeling a bit frustrated. Why did I have to find this out? No point dragging it out, this shit has been going on for months, and it needs to end today.
“Seems like Roan wasn’t working alone at the school.”
Ashton stands, already reading into that sentence. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
“I wish I was.”
“I don’t understand. Your dad knows Roan?”
Ash drops his hand on her shoulder. “Seems so. What else did he say?”
“He knew money was involved; now, I don’t know if that means he had his hand in Prescott's murder, but if I had to say anything, I’m going with Roan, him and Mother planned it so they could get a huge payout.”
“You don’t think. Do you?” She stares up at me, her green eyes growing a darker shade. “Let me in that room, Atticus.”
“Ace, let her. He’s tied to a chair. He can’t get to her.”
“You stay by my side. If anything, I don’t like is said, you are in that car with Spencer. Don’t fight me, Jinx. I can’t take it today.”
“I promise. I only want answers, that’s all.”
I’m going to regret this. I know it. After this, Jinx can stop nagging me to see him, and I can finally write him out of my life for good. There isn’t anything for him anymore. He can’t go after her once he discovers Mother didn’t get a dime. And if he was a part of murdering Prescott, one call to the cops and his ass will be in jail for life. Either way, I don’t have to deal with him.
I escort Jinx to the room, but before she can enter, I block her way. “I swear, Jinx. One wrong word, and you’re out. You thought I was an asshole, he’s worse. I don’t even want Ash back in here.”
“I understand. What else is there to be said? I just want some truth. Living without answers is worse than anything. I need to be able to move on, that’s all.”
“Okay. I trust you.” I move out of her way and enter first. “Jinx, meet the asshole that stalked you, Augustus.”
He looks over at her and grins. “Mmm, my favorite prey. How have you been?”
“You shut the fuck up, or I’ll break your jaw.” Jinx places her hand on my arm, calming me slightly.
“It’s alright. I don’t believe he was my stalker.”
“What makes you say that?”
Jinx walks closer until she’s standing in front of him. “Because my stalker never called me Doll, and the things he said he wanted to do to me, he sure had the chance but never did. You are nothing to me. But I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Roan is the real stalker.”
He gave a little throaty laugh. “Wow, give the lady a fucking reward. She figured it out. Took you long enough.”
“What about my dad? What did you do to him?” She hauls off and smacks him across the face. The crack vibrates off the walls.
He jerks in the chair, trying to break free. “You bitch!” he screams. “You expect me to tell you anything now? Why don’t you call him and see what he says?” He grins, thinking he’s smug as shit.
“No. I have a better plan. Guess you’ll have to sit and rot here a little bit longer.” She backs away, reaching for me and squeezing my hand. She tilts her head back. “I’m gonna go. Do you two need a ride back?”
“No. Maddox is coming back, and I feel like tormenting this prick a little longer.”
She hesitates, looking back at Augustus. “Are you sure? I don’t trust him.”
“He’s tied to a chair; he can’t do anything.”
“No, but that mouth of his can.” She pulls me down by the neck. “Ashton isn’t doing so good,” she whispers in my ear.
“I know. I’ll talk to Ashton after. We’re all gonna need time to deflect from this shit. I promise Ash will be fine.” I brush her hair away, cupping the back of her neck. “And you know I never break my promises.”
“Okay. Call me if you need anything, and I’ll come back.”
I watch as she disappears before turning back to him. “You fucking prick. You’re the mastermind behind everything, aren’t you?”
His nostrils flare, and his jaw tenses. “I might be. You don’t think your mother could pull this off. She married the guy, after all.”
“No. She’s fucking dense. Either it was you or Roan, and I have my suspicions it was you. What I remember about you the most is that you always wanted money, and if you are friends with Roan, that explains everything.”
“It explains nothing. You think you figured it out; you haven’t even reached the tip of the iceberg. Son.” A grin of amusement pulled at the corner of his mouth.
“Don’t Son me. You lost that title when you walked out. And after what you did to Jinx, never call me that again.”
He scoffs, leaning as far forward as he can. “I’m not worried. Your little girlfriend still has to deal with Roan, and I would be more concerned about that more than anything. I’m not the bad guy here. He’s the one who stalked her, took pictures of her, and, if I’m correct, has a meeting with her tomorrow.”
Fuck.
I can’t let her be in that meeting. I have a sneaking suspicion that Roan will try something. I leave the room and find Ashton.
“When is Maddox coming? I need to get the fuck out of here.”
Me: We need to leave, when can you get here?
“I sent him a text. We can step outside if you need a breather. I’m done talking to the asshole.”
“Please. If I stay here any longer, it won’t end well.”
I shouldn’t have allowed Ash to talk to him. Whatever was said in that room should’nt of been said, and if I know that cunt, he degraded Ashton until he was nothing but an ant on the floor. Ashton is calm but is sensitive when being yelled at. Like anyone would be, he’ll never tell me what was said; he’ll bottle it up until he explodes.
“How bad did he fuck her up?” He digs a joint from his pocket and lights it.
“It’s a combination of Roan and Mother, too.” He takes a puff before handing it to me. “Roan’s the stalker, and I’m sure everyone had a part in Prescott’s murder.” I take a deep puff, feeling the sweet herb fill my lungs.
“What’s the plan now?”
“I’m not sure. Jinx mentioned a plan, and that makes me nervous. Her and her plans don’t always work out.”
“She doesn’t leave our side once we get back. I don’t care what she says.”
If I know Jinx, she’s going to go after Mother.