Page 129 of Coveted

“You will meet your fate next week, dear students,” says Professor Worthington. “Midterm exams are upon us. I hope to revel in the progress you’ve made thus far. Sadie Marlowe, I’m talking to you as well as your classmates.”

My head snaps up. I had only been half listening, because I was scrolling through posts about Lucan and me on a particularly snarky online gossip account.

“Yes, Professor. Sorry.” I stuff my phone into my bag. “Exams. I’m ready.”

He nods. “Glad to hear it. Right then, everyone, you’re dismissed.”

Marco sits at the classroom table behind his usual stacks of paper.

The dinner with Lucan’s family has made me determined to find more clues about the killer. Poor Gareth was in bad shape, and I would dearly like to move on with my life without worrying someone might end it any moment.

I linger to ask Professor Worthington and Marco about Hannah again. My theory is that she might’ve shared insight into her life in her stories. The professor and his TA could know more than they think.

Getting them alone is difficult because Zahra stays behind to chat with Professor Worthington today, like most days.

Marco leaves the moment class is dismissed, shoulders hunched and eyes cast downward, so I settle for the professor.

“Can I have a hint about which themes you’re putting in the hat for the exam?” asks Zahra, batting her eyelashes at Professor Worthington.

He shakes his head like a disapproving father.

“You’ll have to try harder than that, Zahra.” He notices me. “Are you here for a hint too, Sadie?”

I hesitate. Zahra shows no signs of leaving, turning her expectant gaze on me.

“Professor, you knew Hannah Hale,” I say.

He inclines his head. “I did, as we established the last time you asked me.”

I bite my lip. “Do you⁠—”

What do I want to ask exactly?

Did she happen to name a potential killer in any of her stories?

Zero subtlety, but maybe the time for subtlety has passed.

“As Hannah’s teacher, you would’ve read much of her work,” I say. “You never noticed any details that might explain her death? Someone bothering her, a secret plaguing her? Things like that?”

The creases in his forehead deepen. “If I did, I would’ve certainly informed the police officers and Hale detectives. No, there were no clues in her stories.”

“I didn’t mean to imply that you would withhold information⁠—”

Professor Worthington pushes the bridge of his glasses. “And yet.”

Behind him, Zahra flashes me a sympathetic wince.

“Sorry to bring it up,” I say. “It’s just⁠—”

“You’re in danger,” he says, his voice softening. “I understand. It disconcerts me that another of my students is under threat. But you’re in good hands, no? Lucan Hale is on the case. We should all be so lucky.”

“Sorry again,” I say, gathering my belongings.

“Not at all.” His eyes crinkle with a tired smile. “It’s natural to want answers, but I’m afraid I won’t be the one to help you.”

Zahra grins. “I hear Lucan’s your boyfriend, Sadie.”

“I hear you’re late for your next class,” I say, poking out my tongue.