The Book of Bart Read online

  “I try. And why do you care? You’re not doing Hell’s bidding anyway.”

  “Now you’re just pouring salt on an open wound.” Even without the prospect of a high body count, I would do my best to make the most of Homecoming. Mainly by doing my best to take the virtue of one Jenny McPherson. The only question was, where to do it. The gym? Library? Cafeteria, on top of stale square-shaped pizza slices?

  I had it. The principal’s office.

  “How about we stop and get you some cigarettes?” she asked.

  “It won’t be the same.”

  “Come on. My treat.”

  We’d originally planned to ride to the dance in my Benz, but since I’d had two demolished on my watch, I felt I should wait on getting a new one and go in Sam’s car. I caught some flak for letting her drive after my tirade about her staying away from Sweet Claudette, but whatever. No way would a third Mercedes be destroyed working this blessed job.

  She rubbed the Shard of Gabriel with her thumb as she sat in the car, waiting for a stoplight to turn green. Glancing at the Shard made me feel homesick. Even when I tried to take over Hell with the Shard, it had still been home. Now I just drifted along, like dust in the wind. I shook my head. I needed to get my mind right.

  “You ready for this?” I asked.

  She stuffed the Shard in her small purse, which matched her wholesome pink dress that didn’t have a hint a cleavage.

  “Why not?”

  We drove over to pick up Josh, who looked a lot better than he did the last time I saw him. His face still looked bruised and battered, but his tuxedo disguised whatever other injuries he had.

  Sam winced at the sight of his face. “Oh, no. No. You can’t go to the dance looking like that.”

  Josh patted himself down. “Like what? Did I do something wrong?”

  Sam pulled a makeup case from her purse. “No, you’re fine. I just don’t want you looking like an ink cartridge exploded all over your face.”

  “That, and she doesn’t want mom to get the photos and have a lifetime of memories of your broken face to cherish,” I said.

  “Ha, ha,” Josh said, holding still so Sam could apply the makeup. “Did you find out who Vixen is?”

  “Surprisingly enough,” I said. “Vixen destroyed Monica before she could tell us.”

  Josh closed his eyes and shook his head. “You don’t say. So what now?”

  “We use the Shard to find her,” Sam said.

  Josh leaned back. “Is that smart?”

  “We’ve got a plan. Sort of,” I said.

  “What is it? Get everyone at the dance killed?”

  “It would have been.” I pointed at Sam. “But she shot that one down.”

  Josh smiled at her. “Probably for the best.”

  “I thought so.” Sam moved in close to Josh, rubbing a little more foundation on his face. “I think that’s as good as we’re going to get it.”

  Instead of a bruise, Josh looked like he had a very light hickey. The foundation also made that part of his cheek a lighter shade than the rest of it, like a big pale spot. I kept that to myself, hoping maybe one of them would notice, but only after the photos were ruined.

  Jenny’s family lived in a housing development that catered to the rich crowd. The Hyundai we rode in stood out, and not in a good way, among the high-end cars we passed, which included more than a few Benzes. I swallowed my envy and focused on the people standing outside their homes who eyed us as we approached, knowing we didn’t belong among the upper class. I smiled and waved at them.

  We stopped at Jenny’s house—a three-story brick home with a massive window above the front door that revealed a large crystal chandelier inside. I liked stylish clothes and fast cars, but I didn’t need a castle to show people I had money. Or power. I did that the old-fashioned way—with action. The stylish clothes and fast cars made me look good while I did it.

  Jenny answered the door wearing a low-cut green dress with spaghetti straps. Her bra pushed up her breasts. I wanted to rip her clothes off right then and there.

  “Hey,” I said with a smile. “You look ravishing.”

  “Thanks. Let me grab my purse real quick,” she said, disappearing into the house. “Come in if you like.”

  I heard her footsteps bounce off the wooden stairs. I stepped into the foyer and stood underneath the massive crystal chandelier. With something that large, I’d bet her dad definitely tried to compensate for some smaller things in his life, hint hint, wink wink.

  “Nice place.”

  “Thanks,” she called out from upstairs.

  There didn’t seem to be anyone else in the house. “No parents? I would’ve thought your mom would want to bombard us with pictures and your dad would want to give me a stern talking to about treating you nicely and having you home at a decent hour.”

  Jenny laughed. “Normally they would, but they’re out of town.”

  Is that so? “So you’re throwing the after-party here, right?”

  “Absolutely,” Jenny said with a laugh. “How awful was that fire last night?”

  “Terrible. Just terrible. Do you know if Monica is okay?” I wanted to see what the common folk had to say about things.

  “I don’t know. They couldn’t find any of trace of her in the fire, so I guess she got out. That’s all I know. I thought I saw you trying to help?”

  She saw that?

  “Sort of, but it’s like you said. She’s nowhere to be found. I guess she’s okay.”

  “Hope so. Anyway, I thought you were very brave.” Jenny appeared and started her trek down the stairs. The heels gave her calves sleek definition. She looked so good, I swear she walked down those steps in slow motion.

  I stepped closer to her. “You really do look radiant.”

  Jenny blushed. “That’s very sweet of you to say.”

  I moved past her and opened the door. “After you.”

  “Such a gentleman.” She smiled and placed a hand on my chest.

  I held my breath for a moment. Usually an above-the-tuxedo touch wouldn’t get me very excited, but this time was different. This time, the girl doing the touching wore a black ring in the shape of a snake on her thumb.

  ow had I not seen this coming?

  My mind felt like someone poured it into a pan, then fried it in grease. Jenny was Vixen? She had to know about me. Had to. And here I’d been impressed that she’d seemed so genuinely happy for Monica last night. Of course she’d been happy. By setting the arson float on fire and destroying Monica, she’d guaranteed herself the Homecoming Queen crown, regardless of the vote. Diabolical. Just diabolical.

  I wanted to bed her now more than ever.

  “So, with Monica missing, does that make you Homecoming Queen?” I asked. Surely she didn’t want the Shard just so she could win the crown. She’d pulled that one off on her own.

  She shrugged. “I think so. The principal called me this afternoon to talk about the whole thing. I told him it didn’t feel right, but I would accept in her honor. You have to have a Homecoming Queen, right?”

  “Right.” I had to play it cool. I couldn’t let on that I knew about Jenny. I also had to figure out a way to keep the others from finding out too soon. I helped the little vixen into the seat behind Josh, then got into the seat next to her. I hoped neither Josh nor Sam would see the ring, since they were up front.

  I kept to myself, for the most part, on the ride to school. I didn’t want to blow my cover. The mix of shock, awe, and attraction intoxicated me. If I opened my mouth, who knew what would come out? Probably something an overexcited sixteen-year-old would say.

  Jenny put her hand on my arm. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, you’ve been awfully quiet,” Sam said.

  “I’m fine,” I said. “Just thinking about some things.”

  “Like what?” Jenny asked.

  Like what color underwear you have on. If it’s cotton or silk. Thong or edible. How easily it will tear away from your supple body. Not to m
ention, how you hoodwinked me into thinking you were just some sweet, nice girl and how hot that deception makes me, regardless of virginity.

  “Nothing really.”

  “Obviously it’s something,” Sam said. “You’re not the quiet type, unless you’re smoking.”

  “She’s right,” Josh said. “Most of the time I wish you’d talk less, but tonight you really are a clam.”

  “So I’m not being talkative. I figured some of the people in the car would welcome that change, Josh.”

  Josh glanced at Sam. “He’s got a point. And it is appreciated.”

  I’m sure.

  Ten minutes later, we arrived at Frady-McNeely. Students walked past us in their cheap JC Penny suits, or dresses they’d gotten at Old Navy, or wherever people get cheap outfits from. I’d hoped one or two of them would’ve taken a cue from my wardrobe, but alas. Still, the ladies would surely only have eyes for me tonight, since nobody else would be wearing a designer Zegna tuxedo.

  I opened the door for Jenny. She gave me her hand, the black ring a stark contrast against her ivory skin.

  “Hey, you go on ahead,” I said. “I’m going to have a smoke.”

  Jenny frowned. “Do you have to?”

  She moved in closer, her lips a mere inches from mine. How I wanted to eat them up.

  “I only ask because I was hoping to get close to you tonight.”

  “And you can’t if I smoke?”

  “Let’s just say I’ll be more… forthcoming… if you don’t. I hate the smell.”

  This would be a tough decision. “Done.”

  “You two coming?” Sam asked.

  We joined Sam and Josh and went into the gym, which was decorated with confetti, balloons, and about a thousand awareness posters on the walls for what seemed like every issue on the planet. I even saw one about blood diamonds. The minimal lighting made the place look more like a dance club than a ballroom, so any chance Josh and Sam had to spot the ring probably disappeared under the black lights. I still needed to warn them somehow.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” I asked Jenny.

  The vixen shook her head. “I’m good. I just want to dance and feel your body up against mine.”

  She led me out onto the dance floor to get down to LMFAO’s Sexy and I Know It. Jenny sang along to the lyrics. She hiked up the hem of her dress and started grinding on my leg. She excited me so much my horns would’ve popped out if they were still there. I fought off the urge to take her into the bathroom, ram her up against a stall, and do her while standing in the toilet. I maneuvered myself to where I could make eye contact with Josh or Sam, who both stood off to the side.

  “Your body is amazing,” Jenny said, still grinding. She rubbed my arm. “Is everything this hard and chiseled?”

  I grabbed a small chunk of her hair and pulled back with enough force to make her notice.

  “You better believe it,” I said, whispering into her ear. I nibbled on her neck. She shivered.

  “Yeah, man. Hell yeah,” some kid said at me.

  I gave him a thumbs-up as I lightly bit her neck, which tasted like fresh peaches.

  Looking toward the edge of the crowd, I made eye contact with Sam. I couldn’t be positive with the lack of lighting, but her long face made it seem like she was upset. I tried to motion with my head for her to come out here on the dance floor. She put her hands on her hips in defiance. I stopped kissing and biting on Jenny and lifted my head.

  I mouthed Vixen and glanced at Jenny.

  Sam’s eyes narrowed. What? I saw her say.

  Vixen, I mouthed again. Jenny. Vixen. I couldn’t tell if Sam understood what I tried to say.

  Jenny put her hand on my crotch. “After they crown me, my first decree as queen will be to take you as a prize.”

  “I serve at the pleasure of the queen,” I said.

  She licked my face. “I want you to ride me like a four-wheeler on a dirt track.”

  Weird thing to say, but okay. Rolling with it.

  “Excuse me,” someone said behind me. I turned and saw the principal. “There’s no need to act like that. This is a… family environment. I’m surprised at you, Miss McPherson.”

  “So sorry, sir,” Jenny said. “I can do you next if you want.”

  She massaged my ear with her tongue. It felt fantastic, but also a little too… safe. I wanted danger. Or at the very least, some teeth.

  The principal huffed and stormed off.

  “What a prude,” Jenny said. “His wife needs to blow him more.”

  My jaw almost fell down into her cleavage. Jenny must’ve really had to work hard to keep that good girl façade going.

  “I love this side of you,” I said.

  The song ended and Jenny hugged me. “You only have to be as good as you want the world to think you are, and right now I don’t care.”

  “What do you mean?” Monica was right about Jenny all along. Horns or no horns, I’d been an idiot.

  She kissed my cheek. “Tonight, I become the queen for real. And you? Well, you know what I’m doing with you.”

  I smirked. “Yes, I do.”

  I didn’t exactly know what she meant, but she had me so turned on part of me almost wanted her to succeed.

  “I’m going to eat you alive,” she whispered into my ear.

  Martin Garrix’s Animal began playing. Jenny immediately went back to work grinding on my leg. I searched the crowd for Sam or Josh, but couldn’t find them. I felt a tap on my shoulder. Probably the principal again.

  “Mind if I cut in?” Josh asked.

  Finally.

  “Only if the lady approves,” I said.

  Jenny grabbed my tie and pulled me close. Despite my excitement, I didn’t appreciate her treating my tie like that.

  “Hurry back.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “Will do.” I turned to Josh. “Be cool, man,” I said softly, making sure Jenny couldn’t hear. “Whatever happens, just act natural.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Just be cool.”

  I hurried out of the crowd and found Sam. I took her by the arm as we walked out into the hallway.

  “What’s going on?” Sam asked, a little too harshly, I thought. “What are you trying to tell me? Rub in the fact that you and Jenny are sinning on the dance floor?”

  “No.”

  “Whatever it is, I don’t want to hear it. Some of us have work to do.” Sam stormed back toward the dance.

  I took her by the arms and turned her back toward me. “Sam.”

  She tried to break free. “No.”

  “She’s Vixen.”

  That stopped her dead in her tracks. A wide range of emotions ran across her face, one after the other. Surprise, curiosity, denial, anger, and rage. Pain underlined all of them.

  “How do you know?”

  “The ring. She’s had it on the whole night.”

  “And you chose right now to say something?” Sam shoved me. “You ass. Why didn’t you tell us before we got to a gymnasium full of kids she could kill?”

  I tried to keep my voice down. “If I’d told you in the car, she could have turned into the smoke thing and killed us all, then killed everyone here. And I’m sorry, but I’ve had my fill of violent car wrecks for a decade or two. I tried to tell you in the parking lot, but I couldn’t shake her.”

  Sam arched an eyebrow. “Looks like you’re trying really hard to shake her on the dance floor.”

  I rolled my head around. Of all the times to act like a crazy, insecure girl, she picked this one. “I don’t want to tip her off. You think I enjoyed that little burlesque show we put on out there?”

  Sam crossed her arms. “Yeah. I do.”

  “Okay. Maybe I did. But still. My intentions were pure.”

  Sam gave me a look that bored through my skull. They were pure. Purely seductive. Why dwell on the details?

  “Don’t you think you’re focusing on the wrong thing here? Shouldn’t we be trying to figure out how to st
op Jenny?”

  Why the jealous routine anyway? What did Sam care whose neck I nibbled on? She had Josh cooing all over her.

  No longer on the offensive, Sam’s body language eased up a bit.

  “Fine. Any ideas?”

  “I say use the Shard. It will draw her out, not to mention it’s the only thing that knows for sure how to stop her. But we can’t do it whenever. We need the perfect moment, because the second she goes up in smoke, it’s on.”

  “What about when they announce her as Homecoming Queen?” Sam asked. “All eyes will be on her. I doubt she’d be willing to blow her cover with the entire school watching. At least, I hope she wouldn’t.”

  She made a really good point. We agreed to reconvene out here during the announcement and use the Shard.

  “Now let’s hope she hasn’t done anything to Josh,” I said.

  Sam punched me in the chest. “You left him alone with her? What if she makes him explode like Casey?”

  I didn’t say it out loud, but would that really have been so bad?

  osh danced with Jenny to some awful contemporary pop song performed by a YouTube star. YouTube didn’t seem like a big deal before my punishment, but now that talentless hacks got record deals off it, YouTube seemed like a whole new way to taint innocent souls who thought they had what it took to “make it.” But tainting souls wasn’t my department anymore. Sigh.

  Vixen didn’t grind away on him like she’d done with me, but she did turn around and bury her rear in Josh’s crotch. His face seemed equal parts happy and uncomfortable. I hoped Sam noticed other people enjoyed being around Jenny tonight.

  “You tell Josh what’s up and I’ll keep you-know-who occupied,” I said.

  “Try not to make love to her out there,” Sam said.

  “No promises.”

  Josh gave me a grateful look as I approached. I bumped fists to keep up the pretense this was all friendly and non-threatening.

  “Wow, is she a wild one,” he said, quietly enough that Jenny couldn’t hear.

  “You have no idea.”

  He stood so our shoulders touched. “Is that ring on her thumb what I think it is?”