Elite (Eagle Elite #1)(30)

Anthony’s head tilted to the side. “I’ve known Nixon for a long time, and I can tell you one thing for sure. It is very much… like that.”

I heard a groan from Nixon and something that sounded like a curse.

“Now, an account. Do you have your social security number?”

Embarrassed, I shook my head. “Grandpa said it was lost in the move.”

“The move?” Anthony repeated walking around his desk and hitting a few keys on his computer. “Where did you move from?”

“Chicago.”

Nixon spewed the contents of his drink onto the floor and began coughing. “Sorry, Uncle Tony.”

Ah, uncle, that made more sense.

Tony shook his head in annoyance but said nothing. “So, you’re from Chicago. Why did you move? Your parents come with you?”

I shifted uncomfortably on my feet. What did this have to do with me opening an account? Soon I felt Nixon’s hand grab mine. “My grandparents thought the city was too violent I guess? I don’t know. My parents were killed in an accident when I was six so…”

“An accident?” Anthony repeated. “My sincere apologies for your loss.”

I shrugged. “I don’t remember much.”

“Probably for the best,” Anthony said pointedly.

“Um, what does this have to do with opening a bank account? I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be rude, I’m just really exhausted.”

“Shopping does that to you,” Nixon said.

Anthony laughed. “I’d say Nixon does that as well…”

“Very funny.” Nixon shook his head.

“Alright, Miss Rooks, was it?”

I nodded.

“I’ll work some magic and open your account without your social security number. I’ll add the address to the school you attend. Do you have a phone number where I can reach you?”

I gave him my number while he typed.

“And the cash?” He held out his hand.

Nixon reached into his back pocket and handed him the wad that I’d pulled out of the box this morning.

If Anthony was surprised he didn’t say anything. Instead he counted the cash, around ten grand which is what Nixon had guessed.

He put it through a little machine. I signed something and he gave me a temporary card. It was black just like Nixon’s.

“We good?” Nixon asked folding some of the paperwork and stuffing it into his pocket.

Anthony nodded. “For now.”

Huh? What was I missing?

“Alright.” Nixon grabbed my hand. “See you Sunday, Uncle Tony.”

“You too, Boss. Don’t forget the time, or your pops is gonna throw a fit.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Nixon waved him off and we left.

The ride back to school only took a few minutes. I was quiet, mainly because I was confused and tired.

Once we pulled up to my dorm I unbuckled my seatbelt, but something was still bothering me about the whole situation.

“Why are people afraid of you?”

Nixon smiled. “Aren’t you afraid of me?”

I gulped. “Sometimes.”

His eyes got sad as he reached across the console and grabbed my hand. “You know I would never let anyone hurt you, right?”

“See!” I didn’t mean to yell. “That’s what I’m talking about! A few days ago you were telling me I was basically the cockroach beneath your shoe! And now you’re taking me shopping? I’m sorry, it doesn’t add up.”

“Yeah well, life rarely does.” Nixon swore and then groaned. His face was tight as if he was in severe pain. “Look, I was just warning you, that’s all. And just because I’m being nice to you doesn’t change the fact that you have to follow the rules if you want to survive here.”

“Thanks. Got that memo loud and clear once I was drenched with sugar water and drugged.”

“Damn it, then why not just do what I say?”

I shrugged. “I don’t like being bossed around.”

“No shit.” He smirked. “But sometimes it’s for your own safety. Can’t you see that? Maybe the world isn’t as shiny and fun as you once thought. People are mean. Humanity is a cruel joke, Trace. I’m just trying to prevent them from getting the last laugh.”

I sighed. “So, why do they listen? Why do you get to make the rules?”

He froze. A mask slipped from his face and then it was just a boy and a girl in a car, talking. The air felt electric as he reached out and touched my cheek. “I wish that wasn’t the case. I wish I didn’t have to make rules… or enforce them.”

“Then don’t.” I reached out and placed my hand against his chest.

His eyes closed. “Sometimes we aren’t given choices. We just are.”

“What does that even mean?”

Nixon opened his eyes and slowly removed my hand from his chest. “It means that you should have listened to me on the first day of school.” His head tilted to the side. “Don’t touch the Elect. Don’t breathe the same air as the Elect, and don’t…” He cursed. “Just don’t.”

“Why?” My lower lip trembled.

“Because you are up to your eyeballs in shit, and you don’t even know it. And once you know… what everything’s about… the choice will be taken from you too. Hell, what am I saying? The choice was gone the minute your gramps dropped you off.”