Scorpion by Jeff Sweat

Author:Jeff Sweat
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

THE NEW HOLY WOOD

The Holy Wood doesn’t look the same, even three days later, and not just because of the San Fernandos who are moving into the abandoned houses on the fringe of the village. The less violent Hermanas have been allowed to stay, while the worst have been Exiled. Hyun and Ko the Asshole have fled in the night. Most of the Muscle not lost to the Last Lifers are back. They posted a full guard and recruited more kids, both boys and girls.

Trina sees Apple’s best friend Hector directing a Muscle, and steps up to him. She had suspected Hector helped Jemma and Apple escape. She decides to call him on it. “You cost me my job, pendejo,” Trina says. “I spent weeks locked in a shed because of your trick with Jemma and Apple.”

Hector doesn’t even hesitate. “For Apple and Jemma?” Hector says. “I’d do it again while you was watching.”

Trina nods, thoughtfully. “In that case, you’re my new Head Muscle.” She’s had enough of spineless Muscle.

All the Olders except for Sylvia have been replaced. The very concept of the Olders has changed, inspired by La Madre’s Downtown. “The Olders need to look like us,” Trina said to the Children around the circle. “The Mamas and the boys should be leaders. The priestesses should be Mamas.” She saw smiles. She saw Pilar squeeze the Half Holy’s hand—and then drag him down to the ground right there and start kissing him. She’s got a lot of time to make up for, Trina thinks.

Trina walks past the Great Field, where Muscle from all three tribes are training Farmers and Carpenters how to fight. They can’t expect help from the Malibus, who are too far away, along with being selfish pricks. They won’t be able to let anyone else skip this war.

She arrives at the pool shed, the one she sentenced Apple to before his execution, the one where she was held prisoner by Heather. How often I gonna come back to this prison? she thinks. This one last time. She nods to the Muscle guarding the door. He lets her in.

It looks as if Heather hasn’t slept in the three days since Trina came back. Maybe it’s because Trina has yet to cast the final vote in the Harsh. She could have done it sooner, even after nearly Ending, but she’s had other things to deal with. Plus, the last angry part of her likes to keep Heather dangling.

“You here to kill me,” Heather says, in something that sounds like genuine fear. Trina has never seen fear slip through Heather’s facade.

“Don’t be stupid. I’m Exiling you,” Trina says. She always knew that would be her choice. The only reason death was an option was because Heather convinced the Olders it could be.

“That’ll kill me, too,” Heather says.

“It could,” Trina says. Most Exiles don’t survive. “But I don’t think I’m gonna get so lucky.”

“You could let me stay. Like I did,” Heather says.

“Yeah, but I’d have to cut out your tongue.

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