Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(66)

“Who went through my things?”

“I did,” Ivy said.

“At first, I believed ‘flamingo underwear set’ had to be a typographical error,” Merrick said.

Bryn’s face heated as she scanned the page. And there it was, a detailed list of her underwear, sorted by animal, in alphabetical order. Fabulous.

“How many other people will see this?”

“Don’t worry,” Merrick said. “I edited the final version. Anyone who comes across it will read a generic description of personal items.”

Ivy patted her leg. “Sorry. They told me to be as specific as possible. Guess I went overboard.”

“That’s okay.” Bryn read the list again. Wait a minute. “My mom’s bracelet isn’t on here.” She scanned the items again just to make sure.

“Describe it for me,” Merrick said.

“It’s made of six platinum snowflakes connected together, and in the center of each one, there is a diamond the size of dime.” What made it important wasn’t the cost, it was the fact that her mom had given it to her. And she wanted it back, damn it.

Clint gaped. “Those were real?”

“An item like that won’t go unnoticed if the thief tries to sell it. I’ll send a description to jewelers and collectors.” Merrick pulled out his cell phone and left the room.

Bryn thought of her parents. “Did anyone let my mom and dad know I was…hurt?”

“They wouldn’t have been able to do anything,” Zavien said. “We didn’t want to worry them. You can tell them now if you want.”

She closed her eyes and sighed. Her parents couldn’t do anything to help. They’d only worry. Her father would tear the Institute apart, brick by brick, trying to find answers.

“I better not. My dad would end up in prison.”

Zavien placed a hand on her arm. “I swear, when we find out who’s behind this, I’ll help your father put their heads through a wall.”

“Tomorrow after class, we’ll bust you out of this place,” Clint said.

She glanced at her hospital gown, which resembled a large black tank top that came to her knees. While it wasn’t pretty, it was better than one of those hospital gowns that tied in the back.

“Can you bring me some clothes?”

“No problem,” Ivy said.

“Get some rest.” Zavien brushed his fingertips across her cheek before heading for the door. The affectionate gesture gave her some hope that he might think of her as more than a friend.

Ten minutes after everyone left, Keegan walked in. “You’re awake. The last few times I stopped by, you were playing Sleeping Beauty.”

“Sorry, I was worn out from all the excitement.”

He pulled the visitor’s chair to the head of her bed. “You need to live a quieter lifestyle.”

“This isn’t what I planned for the week. I heard you dragged Jaxon in here for questioning.”

Keegan ducked his head. “I remembered how mad you were. I didn’t know what the argument was about, and he seemed the most likely suspect.”

Jaxon’s taunts came back to her. She tried to make a joke out of the uncomfortable situation. “Don’t feel like you have to ask me to the dance because someone tried to kill me.”

He reached for her hand. “This is awkward. I like you. You’re fun. My intended said I can date until she comes to school. She’s two years younger.”

“I wondered why you were free to date.”

“Now you know.”

Time to change the topic. “How’d you coerce Jaxon into coming here?”

“Have you seen the guy who is the size of a house that hangs out in the free weight section of the gym? That’s my cousin, Aiden. I grabbed him, and we went to Jaxon’s room.”

“Did anyone try to stop you when you entered the Blue dormitory?”

“No. They all acted like we were invisible. To Jaxon’s credit, he came without a fight. He stated his innocence and told Quentin to call his legal counsel.” He cringed. “It was terrible to see you thrashing around like that.”

“I don’t remember much.”

“After Jaxon explained your conversation, Zavien pushed him. I think he was disappointed Jaxon wasn’t responsible. He was screaming for answers. Not that it’s my business, but he seems like more than a friend.”

“You care about your intended, but she isn’t available. I care about Zavien, but he isn’t available.” She yawned, and her eyes watered. “Sorry. I’m not used to being awake this many hours in a row.”

“Bryn, listen. We can be whatever you want. If you don’t want to date, I’d like to be friends.”

“We’ll be friends no matter what.” She took the plunge and asked the question buzzing around in her brain. “Are you going to ask me to the dance?”

He released her hand. “It wouldn’t be appropriate. I’m sorry.”

She faked a yawn to hide her disappointment. “That’s okay. I’ll get back to you on the dating thing.”

“I understand. Sleep well.” Keegan kissed her forehead and walked away.

Whoever his intended was, she was a lucky girl.

Either the fried food or the conversation had left a stale taste in her mouth. She glanced around the room and saw a partially open door. A slice of white porcelain showed through the doorway. It must be the bathroom. No one had told her she couldn’t get out of bed.