Metaltown by Kristen Simmons

Author:Kristen Simmons
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781466828797
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

23

TY

Ty’s glare tracked from Lena to Colin, every hair standing on end. What she saw didn’t make sense. A Hampton, wearing scrap clothes? Out in the slums? With Colin?

The only conceivable answer was that it wasn’t her. It was a look-alike. Just a girl, and it wasn’t like Ty hadn’t seen him with other girls before.

“Why didn’t you sign?” Colin asked Zeke and Martin after his shock passed.

“I told them not to,” said Chip, arms crossed over his chest. “That’s why.”

Ty grabbed Colin’s arm, angling him away from the Hampton imposter. “Last night I snuck into the Brotherhood office and overheard Jed having a little conversation.” With Hayden. She bit the inside of her cheek. Better not to mention that yet. “The bastard’s taking bribes from the Hamptons and dues from the workers. He’s playing both sides.”

“Why?” The yellow streetlight cast an ominous glow over his hard features.

“To pack his pockets with green. Because he’s a worthless pigface. You choose.”

Colin swore. All the times Jed had given them money, he’d said he was looking out for them. He told everyone that. That he was protecting them from the boss.

Ty motioned toward the others. “Chip and me, we told the guys. I looked all over but couldn’t find you.”

Colin glanced over her shoulder to the girl he’d come with. She was talking to Zeke and his sister. “I’ve been busy.”

A frustrated noise came from her throat. “Great, you found a Hampton replacement.”

Colin didn’t say anything, and in the silence Ty felt the smirk melt off her face.

“You’re kidding me,” she said.

Colin swiped his knuckles over his lips.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” In a surge of fury she shoved him, and he staggered back. He didn’t attempt to defend himself.

“Excuse me,” said the girl—Lena Hampton. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you.”

Ty ignored her. “Why is she with you, Colin?”

He took a deep breath. “It’s a long story.”

“I wanted to help you.” Lena’s voice had grown strident. Others had turned their way and were watching now.

“I think I’ve had about enough of your help,” snapped Ty, baring her teeth.

“Ty.” Colin stepped between them. “Keep it down.”

“What’s a greenback—no, not just a greenback, a Ham—”

“Ty!” Colin grabbed her shoulder.

“It’s not his fault,” said Lena. She looked around, clenching her fists as the others began to whisper. “I know things are bad at the Small Parts factory. I worked there today, I saw everything. I’ve read the reports…”

“You haven’t worked a day in your life,” spat Ty. “Maybe all these Metalheads are scared of you, princess, but guess what? I’m not. You already fired me. Can’t do much more.”

“Ty, shut up!” hissed Colin, releasing her arm.

She turned to him, mouth open, vision shaking with fury. So much for loyalty.

“Think about it,” he said, leaning close. “Think about what she could do to help us.”

He stared at her as if willing her to understand, but she couldn’t. Even if a Hampton were in a unique position to help, it didn’t matter. She was on the wrong side of the fence.

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