A Murder Of Crows {17}

Jamison wasn't in class the next morning.

He'd texted me the night before, asking if I wanted him to drop dinner off to me. I'd told him no, then put my phone on silent and ignored it the rest of the night so I wouldn't be tempted to talk to him.

Val had been smart enough to leave me alone, and Kieran hadn't bothered coming around to confront me about the Jamison thing. I'd spent the night locked in my room, focused on homework and studying.

But now I was nervous, sitting in my first class of the day. The teacher, Mr. Ferrick, checked the time and turned to face us.

"Quiet down everyone," he called. The room slowly silenced and he checked the time again. "We have an assembly this morning. Headmaster Crowe has some important things to talk to all of you about. Please form a line at the door, no talking."

We got up and formed a line at the door. Kieran and Mia made sure they were behind me, all of us well aware this assembly had something to do with Jamison and the attacks.

Mr. Ferrick led us out of the academic building and down to the building where Academy-wide assemblies were held. Other lines of obediently silent students followed their teachers, the sidewalks lined with us.

We were directed into seats, and I took mine. Nerves were starting to creep up on me, but I took a few slow breaths to calm myself. Whatever it was, we'd beat it. We'd find a new strategy to incorporate the Crows' new move in the game.

As students settled in, we watched as the Crows began setting up the stage in front of us. Jamison and Cole were working together to get two microphones set up, while Kenz and Nia brought out chairs and set up a projector.

It was a bit before all the students were seated and everything was set up. Headmaster Crowe walked onto the stage, and everyone paid attention, not so much as a whisper from the crowd.

"I apologize for taking time from your classes, but this is very important," Headmaster Crowe started, the Crows seated behind him. "We made students aware of the attacks happening around town, and cautioned all of you about safety procedures when you leave campus."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kieran narrow his eyes. Surely both of us were thinking the same thing now.

"We've spoken extensively with the authorities. They believe the attacks are connected back to a man known only as 'The Doctor'. He deals in various drugs, including prescription medication. It's believed that the victims are caught up in this drug circle, and that many of them are young students such as yourselves who are lured into this dark business by cunning dealers." He gestured at the Crows, and Jamison and Kenz stood up, heading for the other microphone. "I've spoken to the president and vice president of the Crows, and they have a few things they'd like to say to your students."

"I'm Jamison Heitor, president of the Crows, and this is Mackenzie Atkinson, the Crows vice president. We've spoken with Headmaster Crowe and the authorities, and we've decided to combat this growing problem at the source. Any students who fear they might be in danger from the Doctor, either from having bought from him before or from being unable to pay him back, we ask you to come forward to any of the Crows, the headmaster himself, the campus security, or one of our campus counselors," Jamison said.

"Students who come forward will not be punished. Our goal is to keep all students safe, and we're willing to overlook your mistakes for the sake of your safety. We'll be sending a detailed letter home to your parents and guardians about this issue and what we plan to do to fight back against it," Headmaster Crowe said.

"We believe the Doctor sends his workers to the various schools in town to trap people into their drug ring," Kenz said. "This is another reason we've decided not to punish students involved."

"Mackenzie and I, as well as the other Crows here, understand how hard it is to fight against peer pressure. Please feel free to talk to any of us. We'll be sending out an email to all students that'll include the location of the Nest, where you can usually find us," Jamison said.

"We encourage all students to be safe and use their best judgment," Headmaster Crowe said. "Please, do not hesitate to come forward and seek help if you ever feel in danger, or find yourself in a situation like this."

"Crowe Academy will do everything in its power to keep students safe," Jamison said, and his expression was serious.

"Now, we'll let you all return to classes. Keep an eye out for that email, and remember that there will be no punishment for coming forward," Headmaster Crowe said. "You're all dismissed. Please follow your teachers back to class."

We did so, the whispers starting up as teachers led us out of the building and back towards our classes. It was a struggle for our morning teachers to keep our attention on the lectures instead of the information released at the assembly.

They'd finally confirmed the rumors of a drug dealer in town causing the attacks. It also confirmed that Crowe Academy students were buying from the drug dealer.

The Academy was taking a risk, admitting its students were part of the drug scandal happening. But it was also pushing back against it, no doubt hoping its efforts would be enough to reassure future students that this was a safe place to be.

By the time lunch came around, Jamison still hadn't returned to classes. He was probably with the headmaster, planning their next move now that they'd made that announcement to everyone.

I sat down with Kieran, Mia, and Val. Kieran looked around to make sure no one would overhear us.

"Okay, so that's their move. They try to cut off our potential customers, and keep the Doctor away from people who don't pay up," Kieran said. "I'll get in touch with the Doctor, see what he thinks of all this."

"He's got other Collectors," I reminded. "And other targets."

"Crowe Academy making a move will push other schools to make a move, too. The drug aspect isn't a secret anymore, which is the only reason the other schools haven't been aggressive in dealing with the situation. They passed it off as random attacks around town. With the truth out, there will be a cry for action from parents and other town members," Kieran said. "Besides, if we don't Collect, we don't get paid."

I paused, something clicking for me. Val and I didn't do any physical work, and didn't get paid for being part of the Collectors. Val's blackmail was the only thing keeping me in the group, and who knew what Val's motivations were.

But Kieran and Mia did get paid.

Jamison had stolen a job from Kieran, when Kieran needed money. Had that driven him to the Doctor? To a life as a Collector?

"Look, I couldn't care less. I don't get paid for this. Honestly? Jamison will probably try to set us up, you know, send a target out there and have the police stay nearby," I said. "Making a move now will be stupid."

"He's put us in a tight spot," Val said in amusement. "If we don't make a move, that'll make them suspicious that someone on campus was orchestrating the attacks. Or, at least carrying them out."

"She's right," Mia said. "Crowe Academy cracks down and suddenly all the attacks slow or stop? It'll be obvious the Academy cracking down put the Collectors in a tight spot. Kieran is the Doctor's go-to Collector."

"They don't have to slow or stop. The Doctor can just use his other Collectors to get the job done. No one will know the difference," I said.

"We can't attack any of the students on campus," Kieran said. "That'll definitely make it obvious a Crowe student is behind it. The campus security is too tight to let just anyone sneak on."

Kieran looked frustrated. Sure, the other Collectors could pull off the jobs, but that would leave Kieran with no source of income.

Was that Jamison's plan?

What if Jamison wasn't trying to find the Collectors or the Doctor? What if he was just targeting Kieran?

I looked around and spotted Jamison across the dining hall, sitting with the other Crows. They looked deep in conversation, and Jamison's expression was still that serious one from the assembly this morning.

"Let me talk to the Doctor. Nobody do anything stupid for the meantime," Kieran said, shooting me a glare.

"Take your own advice and keep your temper in check," Val said, the glare swinging in her direction.

"Can we change the subject? I don't know how many times I have to remind you people that this is the worst possible spot to discuss our illegal activities," I said.

Kieran grumbled something that I didn't catch and probably didn't want to. Either way, Val easily changed the subject, keeping up a conversation with Mia through lunch.

When lunch was close to being over, we cleaned up and left for the academic building. Jamison was back in class for the afternoon, though he didn't say anything to anyone. He kept his expression at ease, easily approachable for anyone who wanted to come forward about their involvement with the Doctor.

By the end of the day, the excitement over the assembly had died down, either due to a quick loss in interest or by the Crows intervention, I wasn't sure.

"Hey, Kieran!"

Kieran tensed up next to me as we made our way through the hall. He turned to face Jamison, that fury in his eyes.

Jamison frowned at him. "What's with the look? I just wanted to talk."

"Not interested," Kieran said.

"Please? It's important," Jamison said.

Kieran cursed and followed Jamison away. Naturally, my snooping ass crept after them, keeping hidden behind the students leaving the building. The two went into an empty classroom, where the hallway was quieter. I waited a moment before pressing myself against the wall outside to eavesdrop.

"You know, the offer stands for all students. Any involvement should come forward," Jamison said.

"I already told you I have no involvement," Kieran said. "If all you're going to do is waste my time, then fuck off."

"Oh, no. That's not all I wanted to say to you," Jamison said. "You see, I heard you got a job. Good for you! Where do you work?"

"That's none of your business," Kieran said.

"It's not?" I could hear the taunt in Jamison's voice. "My parents saw your mom and that woman...oh, what's her name? Darby? Yea, that's it! They saw your mom and Darby, and Darby told them how you'd gotten a job and how you were sending money home. Thought it was so thoughtful and inspiration that someone with as much schoolwork as you got himself a job to help his family. But the thing is, I've checked the records. You've only left campus to go home, or go out with your friends every once in a while. Never to go to a job."

"So you think I'm a drug dealer now?" Kieran snorted. "You've always been a fool, Jamison. There are on campus tutoring sessions, and online work for students. I'm not going to tell you my life, and I'm not going to explain myself to you. Think what you want."

"Wouldn't it be so odd if all of a sudden you stopped having an income?" Jamison said in fake concern.

"Good thing I won't," Kieran said. "You're just wasting my time and chasing dead ends. I have nothing to do with this, and no story you spin together will make me involved. Quit bothering me."

"This Doctor guy has innocent students getting hooked on drugs. I'm not going to let that slide. Students who were tricked or pressured into drugs are now being viciously beaten for not being able to afford them. I won't sit back. Neither will Kenz, Cole, or Nia. We'll get to the bottom of this and put a stop to it, no matter what," Jamison said, and now his voice had taken on a fierce sincerity.

"Keep chasing ghosts, then," Kieran said, his voice getting closer.

I hastily scurried away, hiding myself down a separate hallway. I made my way to the back entrance of the school and started down the path back to my dorm, my thoughts spinning in my head.

So I was right. Jamison wasn't going after the Doctor or the Collectors. He was targeting Kieran, trying to put him in a tight spot where he either confessed to his crimes, or where his own lies got him caught.

Catching Kieran would be easier than catching strangers. Jamison knew Kieran, and could easily track his movements and pick apart his lies.

And catching Kieran meant they could pressure him. Kieran was the closest to the Doctor, and while Jamison was unaware of that, he surely guessed that Kieran knew who the Doctor was, or had at least seen his face. They would cut deals with him to get information.

It was a smart plan, and it wasn't what we'd been expecting. Jamison was just trying to catch one member of the Doctor's gang, and work his way from there. It was a much more realistic task than catching the Doctor himself, or chasing after the Collectors as a whole.

Shit. This was bad.

By the time I made it back to my room, Val was waiting outside the door for me. She put her hand out to stop me from unlocking it, shaking her head.

"Kieran's room," she said.

I reluctantly followed her to Kieran's room. I should've known he'd want to meet with us.

Val let us into Kieran's room, where he was pacing back and forth and talking angrily to Mia. Mia sat on his bed, listening with an impassive face.

"-they let me out of ISS and I'm about to hit someone just so I can go back. I'm sick of looking at his smug face in class all the time," he was saying.

Val shut the door loud enough to get Kieran's attention. He stopped his pacing and gestured impatiently at us to sit.

Val sat next to Mia, and I took a seat at Kieran's desk. He locked his door before facing us, crossing his arms.

"Jamison has us in a bind," he said. "He's going to watch me financially. If I don't have a source of income, he'll use that against me. At this point, the authorities and the school are so desperate for a lead, they'll take anything they can get, no matter how weak."

"What do your finances have to do with anything?" I said, deciding to play dumb.

Kieran didn't meet my eyes, just glared out of his window. "I...lied to my parents about having a job, so they wouldn't get suspicious when I sent money home."

"I might be able to lend you money," Mia said, grimacing. "But it's a small shot. If my dad finds out I'm taking money, he'll demand answers. It'll be tough."

"Don't risk it. If your dad finds out, it'll be more trouble than it's worth. I'll figure something out," Kieran said. "But Jamison will no doubt be watching all of closely while they wait for victims to come forward. We have to be more careful than usual."

"They're increasing security around campus. I helped myself to the headmaster's letter early, and part of their plan to keep students safe is have more patrols so no one can sneak on or off campus. That means our usual routes off will be cut off," Val said.

"What?" Kieran looked at her sharply. "When are they putting that in place?"

"Tomorrow is when it starts," Val said.

Kieran rubbed his temples. "Great. Just fucking great."

"He's just trying to weed you out. He doesn't care about any other possible targets," I said.

"That doesn't mean he won't be watching all of you just as closely," Kieran said. "Cole will be keeping an eye on Val and Jamison will be keeping an eye on you, Cor."

"What about Mia?" I said. "Does she get a free pass?"

Mia shook her head. "Don't be a fool. They'll be keeping an eye on me, too."

Kieran raked a hand through his hair, looking frustrated and furious. "This was his game all along. He was biding his time, gathering information on us, making us think the whole group was the target."

"Have you had a chance to speak to the Doctor yet?" Mia asked.

"Not yet," Kieran said. "He won't care about my personal struggle with it. He'll just be pissed Crowe Academy is trying to cut him off from clients and money."

"Jamison will definitely use students as bait. We need to be careful. Crowe students are too risky to target anymore," Mia said.

"Why would he use them as bait, though? I thought he was all about protecting them," I said.

"He says that, but to him, the end justifies the means. He'd use his own friends as bait if it got him the results he wanted," Kieran said.

I leaned back in the chair and shrugged. This wasn't really my problem. Kieran wouldn't sell us out if he got caught, and he was their target.

Unless they pressured him. I furrowed my brow, thinking through all the deals and leniency they'd offer him for his cooperation. He was stubborn, sure, but he was also just a 17 year old kid. Surely even he'd start to crack under that kind of pressure. He could talk tough now, but would he really keep our identities secret if it meant losing his future? He and I had never gotten on well. Maybe he'd just sell me out. He could tell them about how I'd really gotten my injury, but he could twist the story so it was me and him, not me and Mia.

"So the money thing is his main form of targeting you, right? He suspects you. So he throws out the fact that you don't appear to have a job, but told your family that you do and send them money. No chance to leave campus, and suddenly you're not making money," I said, trying to think this through. "That's not enough to pin this on you."

"They're desperate. I'm sure Jamison's already got them convinced that it's me anyways," Kieran said. "If they ask me where I got the money, I don't have an alibi for that. I never thought it'd be an issue."

"I'm sure they'd bring in some of the victims to see if they could identify Kieran's voice," Val said. "The mask muffles it a little, and he does try to deepen it, but it'll still be noticeable."

"If we can find a way to sneak off campus, we can send Cor and Val," Mia said.

"No. They'll keep a close eye on all of us," Kieran said. "It's too risky. We have to test this out for a few days, see how they play it. We'll go from there." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Get out. I need to think."

More than happy to oblige, I got up and left his room. I could hear Val and Mia following me, Kieran's door shutting behind us.

"This is bad," Mia said.

"So is talking about it out in the hallway. Nothing to do now. Kieran's right; we see how they play this and make moves from there," I said. We couldn't react until we knew what we had to react to. They wouldn't catch Kieran after pressuring him for just a few days. We had time. Not much, but some.

Still, Mia looked worried, which was surprising considering she usually just looked annoyed by everything. Was she really that concerned about Kieran?

I shrugged it off and left her and Val behind, heading back to my room. I nearly groaned as I approached and Jamison looked over at me.

"Oh, there you are," he said. "I tried texting you. I have to talk to you."

"Aren't you too busy to be making house calls?" I said, unlocking my door and letting him in.

He shut the door. "Kenz and Cole are at the Nest. If anyone needs me, they'll call. They're capable of handling it without me for now."

"What do you need? I have homework to do," I said.

"Don't get angry at me," Jamison said. "But Cor...You're not involved in any of this, are you?"

"Involved in what? The drugs?" I said. "Why would I be? The side effects of medicine make most of them more of a problem than a solution."

Jamison sighed. "That's not what I mean. Look, I'm going to be honest with you, okay? Kieran is one of our suspects. If he's, I don't know, forcing you into this, you can trust me. I'll help you." His voice was an sincere as his expression, eyes wide and honest. "We understand that this drug lord, this Doctor guy, is probably manipulating a lot of people. We just want to help. I just want to help."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "So, what, that's why you've been bothering me this whole time? To see if I'm some drug dealer?"

"No, that's not it!" he said. "I know Kieran and I know how he can be. I just don't want to see him threaten anyone into this."

"I've got nothing to do with any of that," I said. "I'm not going to risk my future for some local drug ring."

"Why are you friends with them, Cor? Why do you hang out with them? Kieran is a suspect in drug related violence, and Mia has been involved in drugs before. You can do better," Jamison said.

"Mia?" I said.

He frowned. "You spend that much time with her and you didn't know?"

"No. We don't talk much. Mutual dislike, you know," I said. "Is that why she was on probation?"

"Yea," Jamison said. "Kenz found drugs in Mia's room and turned her in to the headmaster."

Ah. That explained it.

But I'd never suspected Mia of using drugs. Hell, as far as I knew, the most she took was ibuprofen and some vitamins.

"So you and Cole have a piss fit with Kieran, and Mia and Kenz hate each other too. Do you guys actually get along with anyone I spend time with?" I said.

"Val seems alright," Jamison said. "That's why I can't understand why you and Val hang out with them. You're not like them."

"I'm stuck with them because of Val," I said. "I couldn't care less what illegal activities they get up to, as long as it doesn't involve me."

"Please, Cor, just trust me. If they're forcing you to do anything, or they try to get you involved with it, please tell me. I promise I'll protect you," he said. "You won't get in any trouble. You have my word."

Something about him seemed so honest. I could tell him right now, and I wouldn't get in trouble. They'd let me go if I told them what they wanted to know.

And what did I owe the others anyways? Val was blackmailing me into this. She'd not only threatened me, but threatened Aria as well. And it's not like I was friends with Mia and Kieran.

But I reached up and felt the slowly healing wounds on my mouth. Kieran could've let me take the fall, but whatever the reason, he hadn't. He'd protected me from Jamison finding out.

Mia had stopped that kid from breaking my nose. Kieran had stopped the others from finding out I'd been involved, at a risk to himself.

"I won't get in trouble because I'm not involved," I said. "Are you done? I have homework I want to get done."

"The offer stands. I'll protect you, Cor," Jamison said seriously. "Goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow."

He left my room and I sat down at my desk. I could've saved myself. I could've gotten my revenge, turned them in after all this time of blackmailing me and using me.

But I didn't.

Was I fool for not turning them in? Or was I fool for actually trusting Jamison?

I put my head in my hands, trying to calm down. Maybe I was a fool for both of it, but it didn't change either fact.