Debra cut him off. "I don''t care why he got the surgery. How''d you know I''d hit your ce tonight?"


    Ryan squirmed. "A beautifuldy told us."


    "Beautifuldy?" Debra echoed.


    "Yeah, she said you''d show up tonight," he said. "Gave us a shot to serve the bishop. Troy cooked up this n. If you bought his act, he''d finish the job. If not, I''d step in. He''d die to sell my story, get me close to you, and nab what the bishop wants."


    "Simple goal," Debra said. "But you killed your dad for it?"


    "Not me." Ryan waved his hands. "My dad never cared about me. I lived with my mom and grandparents. After she died, I didn''t give a damn if he lived or not. But he''s still my dad. I got home today, and Troy had killed him. Said we''d sacrificed too much to quit now. I just went along."<fn74a2> This text is hosted at Find?Novel</fn74a2>


    "Are you dumb?" Debra stared.


    He really was a dim bulb. ''Dumb blonde'' fits this six-foot dude better than his fake act.


    "I know people call me stupid," Ryan said. "But Troy''s my only buddy. I back him up. Joining the Illuminati is the dream of him and the others in the club. I just tagged along. Mrs. Houston, you''re gonna kill us, right?"


    Debra rubbed her temples, unsure what to say.


    Killing ruthless Illuminati goons was justifiable. But these brainwashed high schoolers?


    The whole thing turned out to be just from a script. She sighed, telling herself to stay cool.


    "Fine, tell me about this beautifuldy," she said, grasping at straws.


    Ryan thought hard. "She''d been to our house before. Herst name seems to be Sharp. My dad was terrified of her."


    Debra''s eyes snapped open. "Lara Sharp?"


    "I don''t know her full name," Ryan said. "She just told us you''d hit our ce tonight. That''s all I know. Troy knows more."


    Debra stood, ripped the rag from Troy''s mouth, and demanded, "What''d Lara tell you?"


    "I''d rather die," Troy spat, defiant.


    Debra''s voice went cold. "Even if I kill Ryan?"


    His eyes flickered, and she continued, "You''re nuts on your own. Don''t drag down your friend. Tell me. What did Lara make you do?"