Page 122 of Promising You
“This isn’t an option, Jade. And it’s not my rule. It’stheirrule.”
“Whoever these people are, they can all go to hell because I’m not breaking up with Garret.”
He grips my arm. “Listen to me. This is serious. You’re getting caught in the middle of something very big and you need to get out before something happens.”
“Caught in the middle of what?”
“This plan involving Garret. You’re not a part of it and right now you’re considered an obstacle. And yes, it’s true that your background is the reason for that but you can’t—”
“I’m half Sinclair. Shouldn’t that buy me some points with these people?”
“They don’t know you’re half Sinclair. I told you, Royce somehow kept that a secret from everyone. The organization just thinks you’re an underprivileged young woman from Iowa.”
“But Royce is gone now, so they shouldn’t care what he did. Just tell them I’m half Sinclair.”
He shakes his head. “I can’t. They’d be furious if they found out Royce lied. Members are supposed to disclose all information. Royce violated the rules and there are serious consequences for that. And since he’s no longer here, the organization would punish my son, William, or me.”
“So I can’t date Garret because I’m poor?”
“It’s more than that. Someone like Garret needs to be paired with someone who has had the proper upbringing. Gone to the right schools. Been immersed in this culture.”
“Garret’s dad got over the issues he had with my background so obviously it’s possible.”
“I know this is isn’t what you want to hear, but I’m telling you this for your own good. I know how these people work. I’m one of them, and even when I don’t approve of their techniques, I can’t stop them.”
“Why are you part of this group if you don’t like what they do?”
“I wasn’t given a choice. My father forced me to join just like he was forced to join. And once you’re a member you can’t get out.” He shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter. The point is that you need to know what’s going to happen if you don’t end things with Garret.”
I sigh, rolling my eyes. “So what’s going to happen?”
“If and when this plan regarding Garret is approved and finalized, you will get a visit from someone. This person will tell you to break up with Garret and will offer you a large sum of money. If you refuse to do as you’re told, you will get another visit. These visits will continue, and as they do, they’ll become less cordial and more threatening. Eventually you’ll do as they say because you’ll have no choice. And to punish you for your earlier disobedience, they’ll destroy your future.”
“How exactly would they do that?”
“They’ll destroy your reputation. Get you kicked out of school. Make it so you’ll never get a decent job. All it takes is a few fake photos. A fake story in the media. They can even fake evidence that links you to a crime. You could end up in jail for a crime you didn’t commit. Even years later they can make sure an employer never hires you. Your life will be over, Jade. You’ll end up like—”
He doesn’t say it, but he doesn’t have to. If this guy wanted to scare me he just did it. My biggest fear is turning out like my mother. It’s not like I’d be an alcoholic or addicted to pills. Royce is the reason she turned out like that. But she had nothing in life. No job. No hope. No future. I can’t live that way.
“If you stay away from Garret, you’ll have a good life. You’re a very smart girl and you can do whatever you want if you get away from all this. And I can help you. I’ll send you to whatever college you’d like. I’ll pay for everything. After college, I’ll get you a place to live. Help you with whatever expenses you have.”
For a moment he has me considering it. Then I come to my senses again. “No. I’m not leaving Moorhurst. And I’m definitely not leaving Garret. I don’t even know why I’m listening to you. I don’t even know you. Can I leave now? Garret’s going to wonder where I am.”
“I suppose you should be getting back. But please think about what I said. I’m not a crazy old man. Everything I told you is true. If you have questions or would like to meet to discuss this more, please call me.” He gets up and pulls a business card from his pocket. “Here’s my number. When you dial it, you’ll be asked to input a security code. Everyone who calls me has a unique code.” He smiles and again, it’s a warm, kind smile which confuses me because I still don’t trust this guy. “The code I’ve assigned to you is 1008. Your birthday. I’m sorry I missed it for so many years, but I hope we can celebrate it together in the future.”
He seems really sincere and I’m starting to think that maybe he’s not so bad after all. But that doesn’t mean I want to see him again. I don’t want a relationship with him or any other Sinclair. “Does anyone else in your family know about me?”
“My wife does. She’s the only one. We should probably keep it that way for now. Grace wanted to come meet you today, but I told her I needed to talk to you first. But if you agree to it, she would love to meet you. You have her eyes, you know. You both have the same jade green eyes.”
I give him a half smile as I scan the room. “Do you have my crutches somewhere?”
“Oh, yes.” He gets my coat from a hook on the wall and hands it to me. As I put it on, he goes behind his desk and brings the crutches over. “Do you need some help?”
“No, I’m fine.” I use the crutches to make my way to the door. I’m surprised to find it isn’t locked. It opens to a long, empty hallway. I search for the security guys but they aren’t there. Arlin leads me outside to where a car is waiting.
“Goodbye, Jade.” Arlin pats my back. “I hope to see you again soon. Please call if you need anything.”
I say I will, even though I have no plans to ever call him. Or see him. He seems like a nice old man and heismy grandfather, but none of that matters. His son destroyed my mom’s life and mine. And telling me to break up with Garret certainly didn’t win the old man any points.
