His roommates, however, thought he was being an absolute idiot.
His girlfriend was sick, and all he cared about was hosting a lunch? He didn't even think to accompany her to the doctor.
"You wanted to take us to The Saffron Pavilion, right?"
"Why don't we head over first and send you pictures of the menu?"
"You can order remotely."
Hearing them say that made Howard feel a bit guilty for being so shallow.
"No, it's fine. You guys go ahead and order whatever you want."
After settling the plans, Howard finally turned and jogged toward the infirmary.
Meanwhile, Claire wasn't walking particularly fast, allowing Felicity to catch up to her easily.
"Claire!"
Felicity called out, stopping her in her tracks.
Claire glanced over her shoulder. "Can I help you?"
Felicity stepped closer. "I just wanted to ask for directions to the infirmary. My stomach is killing me."
Claire looked her up and down. "It's right up ahead."
She took a subtle step to the side, maintaining an even pace with Felicity. "As it happens, I'm heading there too. We can walk together."
Felicity hadn't expected Claire to be so guarded.
Usually, someone would just offer to lead the way, wouldn't they?
"Okay, thank you," Felicity said with a bright smile, playing her part perfectly. "I'm Felicity. I heard you're ranked first in your major. That's so impressive."
Claire offered a polite deflection, saying it was mostly due to the grading curve. Felicity?
She had no idea what to make of this girl, so she chose to stay quiet.
Seeing that Felicity wasn't pushing the conversation, Claire didn't say anything else either.
She kept a calculated distance between them the entire walk.
Suddenly, Felicity crouched down on the pavement. "Claire, my stomach hurts so much... I can't walk. Could you help me up?"
Claire observed her complexion. The girl didn't look sick at all.
"Felicity, you know what my major is, right?"
Felicity had thought she was about to succeed, but Claire came to a dead halt several paces away.
The question caught her completely off guard.
A flash of suspicion crossed Felicity's eyes, gone in an instant. "Claire, you don't think I'm faking this, do you?"
"I'm in serious pain. Why would I joke about something like this?"
"Are you?" Claire stared at her. "Because you certainly don't look sick."
Reaching into her backpack, Claire pulled out a small pill bottle. "If your stomach hurts, try taking one of these." ne FindNovel.net
"They work incredibly fast."
Was she being serious?
Felicity reached out to take the bottle.
The second Claire extended her hand, Felicity struck with lightning speed.
Claire had been anticipating it. She sprang backward instantly.
Even so, a long, bloody scratch was dragged across the back of her hand.
Missing her mark, Felicity dropped the act entirely.
She lunged straight at Claire.
Claire turned and sprinted!
She knew perfectly well she was no match for a trained professional.
"Cut her off!"
Felicity shouted toward the shadows.
Another figure materialized like a ghost.
"You're being too reckless!"
Why didn't you stick to the plan and wait at the infirmary?
Tycho Thorne reprimanded Felicity sharply.
Felicity hadn't expected Claire to see through her so easily.
"This girl is too cunning!"
Caught between the two of them, Claire had nowhere to run. "Help!" she screamed.
Howard happened to be jogging up the path at that exact moment. Seeing his girlfriend chasing Claire, he assumed they were just messing around:
"Felicity, I thought you weren't feeling well?"
Seeing Claire opening her mouth to scream, Felicity reached out
and
Howard backward
praning him against her
.net
A concealed blade extending from her fingernail pressed directly against his carotid
artery.
"Stop struggling, Ms. James. Come with us quietly, and your classmate won't get hurt."
"Isn't he your boyfriend? How do I know he's not in on it?"
Felicity?
Damn it, that was sloppy!