Chapter Eighteen #2
‘Is that necessary?’ Nicks asks, sounding bored of the conversation.
‘Neither Miss Revlock nor Mr Davis can get in and out of Malachite. It sounds like Miss Nocthare would have had to sneak out of her chambers early this morning and somehow get back in for us to find her in her room. How would she have accomplished that when she cannot get through the gate alone?’
Lillian’s necklace burns like a heavy weight in my pocket.
I wonder if they can see the outline of the stone or not.
Without it, though, Nicks is right – his argument gives me an alibi.
After all, the headmaster was there to witness my rejection from the gate.
He knows I can’t get myself through without help.
‘And what of Lillian McVoy? She was in your room when we arrived,’ Kroff adds. ‘She could have helped you inside.’
I bite back a frustrated growl. I really need him to stop talking, and by the fiery glare that Nicks sends his way, I know he must feel the same way.
‘She didn’t,’ an achingly familiar voice calls out from behind me, causing my next breath to get caught in my throat. ‘Lillian was with me last night.’
If looks could kill, Sebastian Zain would be decimated on the spot by the glare he receives from his grandfather. Headmaster Zain is clearly not impressed at the sudden intrusion.
‘Sebastian,’ he acknowledges him as if he’s a child whose about to be scolded for misbehaving. ‘Is there a reason you’re in my office without being invited?’
‘I invited him,’ Nicks intercepts, taking a small step forward. ‘He is Malachite’s unit leader after all; he should be here to account for his fellow students and acolytes.’
Bartollo cocks a dark eyebrow, his lips thinning to a hard line. He’s clearly not thrilled about this development but nonetheless, he gives a sharp nod. ‘All right. Then how did Lillian McVoy get to Miss Nocthare’s room if she was with you all night?’
‘With her legs, I suppose,’ Sebastian answers flatly. ‘Pretty good things, those. They take you from one place to another.’
Nicks curses quietly with a sigh.
‘A student is dead, and you walk in here with jokes falling from your mouth.’ Bartollo tsks. ‘Don’t be so disgraceful, Sebastian.’
‘The only disgraceful thing here is your ability to think Nocthare has the unbelievable ability to sneak into Agate, get down to solitary, break into Harley’s cell and strangle him to death,’ Sebastian retorts, and I can’t decide whether to feel insulted or not.
‘He was clearly almost triple her size. I doubt her hands could even wrap around his throat in the first place.’
‘You seem to know a lot about his death for someone who has only just walked into the room.’
‘Word travels fast around here. I simply put two and two together. Nocthare is severely underequipped to carry out such an act.’
God, what an ass!
‘Please, keep going as if I’m not here. I love hearing how inadequate I am,’ I mutter sardonically beneath my breath.
‘And you’re sure of this?’ It’s Kroff who asks this time and Stars, I want to wipe the disbelieving look he gives me right off his face.
‘I’ve seen her attempt to fight. I’m sure,’ Sebastian says. I narrow my eyes at him, contemplating reaching over the desk and stabbing one of the pens on it into his neck. My lips purse at the idea. It would make this entire exchange a whole lot more interesting, that’s for sure.
Bartollo walks around his desk, humming in thought.
He trails a finger along the edge of the dark wood as if he’s mapping it out before he reaches the high wingback chair and lowers himself into it.
He leans back, placing an elbow on the arm to rest his chin in his hand, then he rubs at the clean-shaven skin as his eyes lock onto mine.
‘Miss Nocthare, why was Miss McVoy in your room ?’
‘I caught her on the way downstairs and asked if she could get me some new bedding,’ I answer quickly, almost too quickly, so I keep going. ‘I woke up freezing this morning and went to find some myself before we bumped into each other.’
Nicks starts nodding beside me though, as if in agreement. ‘I did wonder why there was a towel laying on your empty bed.’
I feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment as Sebastian’s eyes dart between us.
His brows crease. ‘You don’t have bedding? Why not?’
‘Sir.’ I step forward, ignoring Sebastian. I just want to get this issue underway and myself out of this damn room. ‘Is there any evidence that pins me to this crime? Because as much as I don’t like to admit it, Sebastian is right.’
Ugh, kill me now. My stomach roils.
‘I have no idea how to find where Harley was being held, nor do I possess the ability to enter into any of the units, not to mention the size difference between Harley and I. Everyone saw what he was capable of on ceremony night. There’s no way I’d stand a chance against him.’
‘At this stage, no, there is no evidence.’ Bartollo folds his hands together on his desk. ‘You were simply brought here for questioning. But I don’t think I need to remind you that your position here is already on thin ice.’
No, you do not. I’m already reminded every day how undeserving I am of my position here. I nod though, forcing my head to dip in submission, while my fists bleach white at my sides.
After informing me that my alibis will be questioned, Bartollo effectively dismisses me from the room. Surprisingly, Sebastian starts to follow behind me, probably wanting to get as far from his grandfather as possible, but at the pointed clearing of Bartollo’s throat, he reluctantly turns back.
‘Stay,’ Bartollo orders. ‘We need to talk.’
Yeah, have fun with that. I smirk as I walk away.