‘I’d really hate for things to become Team Carter and Team Allie,’ she told Jo one night as she lost a speedy game of chess in the crowded common room after dinner. ‘But that’s happening anyway.’
They were sitting on the floor around a low chess table, hidden away on one side of the room. At the piano, a boy was playing a jazz version of a rock song. Some students were dancing in front of the bookcases. The room was cacophonous. And Allie found herself almost enjoying the anarchic feel.
‘It always happens,’ Jo said loftily. ‘Check. You really need to learn to use your rook. It’s just sitting there. But this isn’t the worst case I’ve seen. When Lucas and I broke up … Oh my God. What a mess. Because we were really mad at each other, so it was like … Palestine around here.’ The drama in her voice made Allie smile. Jo had been holding steady for a week now; it was nice to see her acting like herself again. ‘Everybody picked a side and people didn’t talk to each other. Grimness. But you guys …’ As instructed, Allie moved her rook and Jo rolled her eyes. ‘Checkmate – Jesus, Allie, you’re pathetic at this. You two don’t seem so mad. Mostly you just ignore each other, which makes it easier. For your friends, I mean. Sucks for you, I know.’
‘Have you,’ Allie helped reset the board, ‘talked to Carter?’
‘Of course! I talk to him every day. That’s the crappy thing about break-ups – the only people not talking are you guys.’
This had never occurred to Allie. She sat still, holding her king in one hand. ‘How is he?’
Jo’s eyes were sympathetic. ‘Sad. Lonely. But totally fine. He’s like you – he’s getting on with things. Lucas is helping him. He wants to kill Sylvain but Jerry Cole is keeping them apart.’ As she finished arranging the pieces, though, she brightened. ‘Hey, are you going to the party next week? Up at the castle ruins?’
Never had Allie wanted to do anything less, but she tried to sound like she cared. ‘What party? I haven’t heard anything about it.’
‘It’s a thing – they do it every year. It’s next Friday. I’m definitely going. It’s fun and spooky up there. We’ll have a bonfire. Roast marshmallows. Drink wine, tell ghost stories …’
‘Is it …’ Allie bit her tongue. She’d almost said, Is it safe? Meaning, safe from Nathaniel, safe from Christopher. Approved by Raj Patel. But she couldn’t talk about that with Jo. ‘Is it legal?’ she asked instead. ‘You know, is Isabelle cool with it?’
‘It’s for all advanced students.’ Jo’s tone was evasive. ‘Of which you are one. Everyone will be there. You should definitely come.’
‘I’ll think about it,’ Allie said, not wanting to think about it.
Every few days she met with Isabelle. Each time, Allie asked about Nathaniel and, each time, Isabelle told her there was nothing new about him or the spy among them. In return, Allie could tell her that there’d been no word from Christopher, either, even though, every single time she walked into her bedroom, her eyes were drawn first to her empty desktop, searching for the envelope in thick ivory paper with her name written in left-slanted handwriting. But it never appeared.
Throughout it all she stuck zealously to the rules. In her room by eleven every night. Never late for any meal or class. And as Night School resumed, she focused on training and strategy – her back straight and her eyes on Raj Patel. Blocking out Carter and Sylvain and anything that could not be used to save her life in the woods, in the dark. She poured her sadness, confusion and anger into learning to fight with her hands and feet. It was satisfying.
This was just what Isabelle wanted and, little by little, Allie thought the headmistress was beginning to forgive her.
As she made her way down the grand staircase to meet Isabelle one afternoon, she saw Katie Gilmore’s distinctive red ponytail bouncing in her direction. As always, Allie moved to avoid her but, to her surprise, Katie made a sharp turn to intercept her.
‘Hey, Allie.’ Her bright smile showed off her even, white teeth.
Jesus, Allie thought, even her lipstick is perfect. How does she do it?
‘What’s up, Katie?’ She tried to keep the suspicion out of her voice.
‘A few of us are going to go out on Friday, up to the tower for a bonfire,’ Katie said. ‘It’s a tradition for senior students. You should come.’
‘Let me get this straight.’ Allie stared at her in disbelief. ‘You’re inviting me to a party?’ She paused for drama. ‘Katie, are you off your meds?’
‘Oh, Allie, don’t be silly.’ Katie’s smile was disturbingly angelic. ‘It’s a big party. I know you and Carter are having problems so I just wanted to make sure you weren’t just sitting around moping. Will you come?’
At mention of Carter, Allie bristled. Something about the way Katie said his name set her nerves on edge. She said it with intent, as if she had plans for him.
Remember you’re on probation, Allie told herself, and from somewhere she produced a bland shrug.
‘Maybe. I’ve got some studying to do.’
‘Brilliant.’ Katie looked pleased. ‘We’ve even got special dispensation to stay out past curfew. I hope you’ll come. It’ll be fun.’
As Allie watched her go, suspicion uncurled in her belly.
What are you up to, you evil red-headed cow?