فصل 29

Chapter 29: A Rude Awakening

Grand Hi-Lai Hotel

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

It was almost three in the morning when I was woken by a knock at my door. I stumbled to it. “Who’s there?” Ostin rolled over and mumbled something but didn’t wake.

“Michael,” Ian said. “It’s me.” I walked to the door and opened it. Jack and Ian were both standing in the hallway. “What is it?” “Nichelle just got back to her room,” Ian said. “She’s been out all night.” “All right,” I said. “Let’s see where she’s been.” I put on some pants, and we walked over to Taylor and Nichelle’s room. I knocked on the door and Nichelle answered. She looked afraid.

“Where have you been?” Ian asked.

“None of your business,” she said.

“Your business is our business,” he replied.

“Where have you been, Nichelle?” I asked.

“Out,” she said.

We all just stared at her.

“Look, I know you guys hate me, all right? It’s not exactly a secret. I didn’t want to hang out with any of you either. You okay with that?” I glanced over at Ian.

“I don’t trust her,” he said. “She looks like we caught her doing something. Her heart is beating faster than usual.” “It’s been beating faster than usual since I saw your suicide plan to attack the Starxource plant. If Hatch catches me, he’s going to torture me for helping you. Am I supposed to be calm?” “Maybe we should have Taylor read her mind,” Jack said. “Ask where she’s been.” “Fine,” she said. “Have your girlfriend read my mind. Like I care what any of you dorks think.” I looked over. Taylor stirred. “We’ll do it in the morning,” I said.

Ian pointed at Nichelle. “You watch yourself.” “I don’t need to,” she said. “You watch everything, you pervert.” Ian’s face hardened. I thought he might punch her.

“Let’s go,” I said, taking Ian by the arm.

“She’s bad,” he said. “To the core.” We went back to our rooms to get some sleep.