The Boy on the Bridge by Sam Mariano

The Boy on the Bridge by Sam Mariano

Author:Sam Mariano [Mariano, Sam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-03-02T00:00:00+00:00


___

The night wears on and still there’s no sign of Hunter.

That is, until I start to notice the crowd thinning out. There are fewer people packed in the gymnasium, and when I look toward the door, I realize it’s because people keep leaving.

At first, I think maybe they’re leaving early because they’re eager to get to Hunter’s after party, but it doesn’t entirely make sense. There’s still about a half hour left of the dance, so Hunter’s after party shouldn’t begin until after that.

But as I slip out the doors myself and go to investigate the case of the disappearing homecoming attendees, I realize they’re not missing at all. They are all outside, gathered in front of the school.

I frown, pushing the heavy exit doors and walking outside to see what’s going on.

I make my way to the front of the crowd, then stop, my eyes widening as I take in the sight of Valerie’s car, coated in a gooey orange-ish substance and covered with white feathers.

I might actually be amused, but there is a second car pulled up behind hers, also tarred and feathered: Anderson’s.

I’m too stunned to pay much attention to the movement of the people behind me, but when someone steps up beside me, I don’t have to look to know it’s Hunter.

“It wasn’t pig’s blood,” he says. “It was thicker, stickier. Maybe some kind of honey mixture. Seems like she tried to dye it red, but it didn’t really work out.”

“What did you do?” I shake my head, looking at the cars. “How is Valerie’s car even here? She rode here in a limo with you.”

Before he can answer me, I’m shoved aside as Valerie explodes through the crowd and stops to stare and horror at her car.

She huffs in clear outrage, then turns to look at us, her blue eyes as wide as can be. “Seriously?”

Hunter smiles and drapes an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “Your war with Riley ends tonight. Unless you want to go to war with me, too.”

Valerie glares at him, her eyes burning with resentment, but she doesn’t say a word.

Raising his voice, Hunter turns toward his audience. “That goes for all of you. The shunning is over, we’re moving on. This was never your fight, but if you want to go to the mat for her,” he says, with a sweeping gesture in Valerie’s direction, “feel free. Just know she wouldn’t do the same for any of you.”

There’s a low murmur in the crowd. Valerie’s gaze darts to them, a flash of fear in her eyes before she looks back at Hunter. “Why are you doing this to me?” she asks lowly.

“I haven’t done anything to you. Not yet,” he says deliberately. “If you quit your bullshit and let this blow over, we can keep things friendly. Defy me, and see what happens.”

She swallows, her shaky gaze shifting to me. “I really hate you, you know that?”

“Same,” I tell her, not flinching.

I am tempted to feel bad for



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