CHAPTER 9 : LOVE THE DARK

DEXTER 

Around twenty minutes ago, Jasper texted me, saying something was off.

As I looked around the classroom, it became clear that he was right.

Clea and Kiera walked in at different times, their expressions conveying a sense of unease as they avoided any eye contact with me or my brothers. 

Suddenly, a sharp knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts.

 Our English teacher, Miss Watson, opened the door, and I was taken aback to see five police officers standing outside.

 My stomach sank as one of the officers spoke up. " We are looking for Dexter Maddox, Callix Rivers, and Romeo Summers," he stated loudly.

I stood up, and my brothers followed suit, silently bracing ourselves for what would come.

 The entire class remained silent, and the tension in the air was palpable.

I approached the police officer respectfully despite my dislike for cops.

 I knew it was essential to keep them on my side, especially given the nature of my work.

 I forced a weak smile as I glanced at him, hoping to appear cooperative.

The officer motioned me to follow him, leaving the other boys with separate officers.

 "Dexter, I'll talk to you first," he said seriously.

I tried to feign innocence, asking, "Sorry, what's this about?" with a hint of confusion in my voice.

I knew it could be about anything.

"Selena Eaton," the officer said, his tone making it clear that he knew I was involved.

 He led me into a small room and closed the door behind us.

 I sat and waited, wondering what he knew and how much trouble I was in.

**

Officer Leon Cramwell introduced himself and informed me they had tried to contact my father but were unsuccessful.

 His slight nose itch was a classic sign of lying, but since I was almost eighteen, I didn't really care. 

He then revealed that Selena Eaton had accused me and my friends of attacking her.

 I couldn't help but laugh at that accusation.

 Leon stared at me with his light green eyes, looking like he was trying to read my mind.

"I'm sorry, officer, but I would never hurt a woman. Besides, why would I bring all my friends to attack someone half my size?" I responded calmly, trying to make my point.

He nodded in agreement.

 "Maybe you could be covering for someone, Midnight Ellison, perhaps," he said.

He looked directly into my eyes, trying to gauge my reaction.

 I remained calm and didn't say anything, letting him stare.

"I have nothing to hide, officer," I said confidently, crossing my legs and leaning forward.

I tapped my hand softly against my leg and continued, "I think I know what's happened here." 

The officer looked intrigued by my response and asked, "And what would that be, Mr. Maddox?" I rolled my eyes at him, thinking he was a loser, but responded nonetheless, "Midnight and Romeo have started dating, and Selena is jealous. She even threatened Midnight a few weeks ago." I offered this piece of information as bait for the officer to take.

"Can you explain what you meant by 'threatened', Dexter?" he asked, observing me closely.

 "Romeo told me that Selena and her friends were bullying Midnight, and she was so upset that she cried herself to sleep. Then, there was a supposed accident in which Midnight fell down the stairs. But it all seemed too coincidental to me," I explained, confidently making my point. 

"I appreciate your assistance, Dexter. You are free to go," he replied, releasing me with a warm smile.

**

As I left the office, I quickly checked my phone and found text messages from Jasper and Midnight.

 She was seeing her aunt at the hospital.

 Then I glanced at Jasper's number.

 His message read, 'Selena is working with someone big; my guess is Night's stalker.' Without wasting time, I replied, ' She isn't scared, and I agree with you. But I know a way to lure him out.'

Ryan Turner had been a decoy. He'd owed a debt. But to who. It was time to party and find out.