Page 61 of The Honor Society

“Mermaid fetish?” I guess.

He blushes. “Science hasn’t ruled out their existence.”

“Keep dreaming, Martin.” I shove him away and go to his computer and use the login. It works. Good. I grab the USB from my pocket and download all of the intel on the Business Department and Finance records of the registrar’s office. Finally, I write down the password on The Ledger page then hand The Ledger and pencil to Charlie. “Settle his account.” “I’m not your secretary.”

So many good jokes Axel would use here that I can’t. Damn it. Instead I play it professional.

“You’re not even supposed to be here. Settle his account before I hold a knife up to your pretty little throat and add you to The Ledger for insubordination by a Horseman.” She scowls and takes the pencil then writes in the space while I start high tailing it out of there. I need air. I need to think.

I get to the car and wait for Charlie to get in.

Even breaths.

It’s time.

It’s why I didn’t sleep last night if I really want to face my demons. It’s going to tell me what I need to know about the upcoming Convocation, it’s going to traumatize Jude, and while I can handle it. I hate when others are pulled into this world and forced to watch the bleeding. It’s why I was almost afraid to open The Ledger this morning. This very date.

We have less than ten days until The Convocation and now, more than ever, this account must be settled once and for all.

“Next page.” I demand once she’s inside.

I already know the destination but I need her to know the cost, I need her to weigh the words and truly see that what I do does not come easy and came at a ginormous cost to myself and everyone around me.

Her included.

There’s a very real reason Edward Hale wanted The Dean’s List, power yes, a vote, also yes, but when you know I can incinerate you, you’re even more hellbent on stealing it to wipe the slate clean. The Ledger is impossible to manipulate. The Dean’s List? A bit easier, a little baby ledger compared to mine, one that lists here-say, gossip, information, whereas The Honor Society Ledger holds absolutes.

The Dean’s List holds possibilities and clues.

When Jude’s mom gave it to me, I read through it twice. I let the secrets sink in deep and then I realized it wasn’t just about getting Jude to finish what she started or to get Lilah to forgive herself for truly being Death even then.

It was for Jude’s future.

And for his mom’s peace in death.

“Read it.” I snap. Barely holding on.

She turns the page.

And gasps.

“Edward Hale?” Her voice is unsteady. “My, um, well he would be my biological dad.”

“He’s no dad, he’s a worse father. Don’t claim that side of the family, Charlie. You were born a Sterling thanks to your mother, never let the Hale blood claim you.” It was one of the many secrets in The Dean’s List. Her parentage on her father’s side, what she thought was important, a secret she was both obsessed with and ashamed of.

And he did such a good job of convincing her she needed that information because it was incriminating, she was willing to do anything to get it, kill me, keep me away from The Proctor, keep The List out of everyone’s hands. Hurt those she loved. Because he fed her half-truths and in the end, Famine is Famine, it must feed, even if it’s with small morsels followed by white lies.

“Go on.” I bark. “I need you to read every minute detail.”

Account: Edward Hale

House: Conquest

Debt owed: Blood

Original Offense: Murder of a recognized spouse. Concealment of evidence. Abuse of Society protection for personal advancement.

Victim: Julianna Hale