“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” Lora tucks a thread of my hair behind my ears. We’ve been at the campus cafeteria since our first period was canceled. The minority in our class is pretty much just hanging out in the area.
Kristoff bites into his sandwich and sips a gulp of juice. “What? Problems with your boyfriend?”
I glare at him.
“Stop it, you glutton.” Lora slaps his arm as she chastises him.
“Ouch! Why? I skipped breakfast.” He takes a larger bite on purpose. “What else is going on besides Julian can’t teach today?”
“His ex-girlfriend came, and some media,” Lora explains.
“I’ve always wondered what was going on with those two. It doesn’t look like they’re done with each other. It’ll be all over the news later.”
I frown but try not to show my irritation. “What do you mean?”
“They obviously have some unfinished business.” He eats again after swallowing his food. “You know, those two were supposed to marry, but things got complicated, including her miscarriage... Julian probably still cares about Stella, even if only a little. At the same time, he hates her.”
“Miscarriage!” Lora’s voice rises an octave, and I feel the blood drain from my face.
“Oh, that’s supposed to be a secret. Julian will kill me if I tell anyone. Are you okay, Anya? You look pale.”
I swallow and clear my throat. “That’s just... surprising.” No, I’m more than just shocked! I’m terrified. I had no idea, and why hadn’t Julian mentioned it? They planned to marry and even had an unborn child together. And we were supposed to be completely honest with each other. “And what about the unfinished business?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve never really understood them.” Kristoff shakes his head.
I sigh deeply, resting my chin on my palm, and look out the window. Problems continue to arise between us. It’s not surprising that Julian was enraged after everything Stella said to him. After all, he is a gentleman by nature. They shared a history. I guess some people can’t stop thinking about the person they used to be with, even if they’ve broken up.
Kristoff is special to me. I don’t have the same feelings for him as I did when we were together, but I still want the best for him.
Did Julian realize that maybe they just misunderstood each other? Is he still interested in his ex? This is frustrating as hell.
“Oh, hey,” Kristoff calls our attention again. “My father’s secretary will tell me what he found out about Dean Melnard. He told me he found out who he was.”
I stare blankly at Kristoff. “What?”
“Yeah, but he can’t tell me over the phone since it has long details, so he’ll meet me later. Would you like to come?” he asks.
Oh my God. Did they figure it was actually Jefferson Bryant? “How did he find out?”
“I’m not sure. That’s why we’re going to see Kite.”
“Can I come?” Lora asks. “I’m curious, too. Who is this enigmatic benefactor of yours?” She beams at me with delight.
“Not quite him. It’s the assistant,” Kristoff points out. “Knowing the assistant, we’ll be close to finding out who the boss is.”
I wish I could tell them I’d already met him, but I’d like to see if they’ve found the right person first. I’m not going to say anything until then. I hope I’m not going against my benefactor by doing this.
“Yes, please. I’ll go. When?” I ask.
“3 PM. Starbucks,” Kristoff says.
I glance over at Lora. “And yes, please come with us, Lors.”
“That settles it.” Lora beams.
***
“So, what did Gary find?” Kristoff asks Kite Anderson. Apparently, this man is Phillis Steven’s assistant. He is an older gentleman, probably in his forties, dressed formally in a two-piece business suit.
“Wait. Who is Gary?” I ask.
“Oh, he’s my younger brother, so we’re safe,” Mr. Anderson says, sipping his coffee. “He’s also helping me in searching for information. I only got the file this morning and haven’t gone through it yet. Please do the honor.” He pulls a black folder from his briefcase and places it on the table before us.
“Well, take a look,” Kristoff suggests.
“O-okay.” I take a deep breath and a dry swallow before opening the folder. My jaw drops as I see Jefferson Bryant’s profile.
I guess they did figure it out. “Jefferson Bryant,” I murmur.
Kristoff frowns. “What the hell?”
“Wasn’t he on one of the panels? Didn’t he say he worked for Sebastian Entertainment Group? Strange,” Lora remarks.
“How did Gary have these?” Kristoff probes aloud.
“Gary can also encrypt hidden IPs,” Mr. Anderson responds. “It seems they’ve altered their IPs to conceal their actual locations. They seemed cautious, but we had an expert on our side. When we found the correct ones, it directed us to two different addresses. A computer in the SEG Tower and an apartment in Midtown. Everything is in Bryant’s name.”
“But how do we know it’s him?” Kristoff asks.
“It’s him, Kristoff,” I say, agreeing. Everyone looks at me.
“You knew? Lora asks, confused.
“Yes, I met him last week after the competition,” I admit.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Kristoff questions as if he feels betrayed.
It wasn’t on purpose, to be sure. I understand why Dean forbade me from telling my friends to keep their anonymous profiles private. But denying this now is pointless. Now I wonder if I will tell Dean my friends found his true identity.
“I’m sorry for all this trouble, guys, and Mr. Anderson. I promised not to tell anyone, and you know why. But isn’t this great? Jefferson told me I would see my benefactor soon anyway.”
Lora’s shoulders slump. “So, what’s the point of this?”
Kristoff snatches the folder from me and flips through the remaining pages. “What else do you have here?”
“Turn to the next page, tell me what you find, and I’ll explain it,” Mr. Anderson suggests.
Kristoff quickly opens it and reads the contents. He frowns and asks out a slew of questions. “It has names on it and says they are scholarship students.” Kristoff smiles as he looks at me. “I saw your name here. But what are these figures? Oh, these are bank accounts?” Kristoff shows it to Mr. Anderson.
“Yes,” the man confirms. “It is necessary.”
Kristoff is even more astounded now. “Is it even legal to get this? This could get us in trouble.”
“Performing a background check on someone without their knowledge is already illegal, Kristoff,” Mr. Anderson warns. “But don’t worry. You won’t get in any trouble. And, in response to your question, Gary and I do it all the time. So, yes, when we’re looking for someone, we get everything we need. Also, Ms. Scott. Did you also get a bank account?”
“Yes, that is where my monthly allowance is deposited.”
“It says that all accounts are associated with John Pitch Scholarship LLC,” Kristoff describes.
“There’s a new page, Kristoff. It could show who owns those accounts. Gary often compiles it in that order,” Mr. Anderson explains.
Kristoff flips to the next page and reads the content slowly. “There must be a mistake,” he murmurs.
“What does it say?” Lora asks.
Kristoff gives Kite the folder. “You should look into it further, Kite. Please don’t say anything until we’ve proven everything.”
I look at him and notice how his face turns white. “What just happened?”
“Nothing! I found the information to be... misleading.”
I frown. “Are you sure?”
“I am!” He snaps, which astounds me.
“How could you have known? Shouldn’t Anya at least get to see what you just read?” Lora insists.
“I know this sounds ridiculous, but trust me. This isn’t the time,” Kristoff says emphatically, but I feel he’s not telling the truth. “We still need to confirm that, Kite.”
“Yes, just to be sure, I’ll double-check and get confirmation from Gary.” Mr. Anderson pushes the black folder to his briefcase. “I’ll call you as soon as we find something else.”
“Why can’t you just tell us?” Lora goes on. “Kristoff, if you’re shitting with Anya—”
“I’m not!” The colors return to his face as he tries to relax. “Anya, didn’t you say he’ll still meet you?”
“That’s what Jefferson said, but I’m not sure when,” I say.
He nods. “Until we are sure this is correct, I will tell you what they find as soon as possible. Anya, please. It is for your benefit.”
I don’t understand, but I don’t want to argue. “Of course.”
He fakes a smile. But, whatever he saw in that folder, I’m sure he figured something out but won’t tell me.