Maya trailed behind Angelo and Jason, her mind buzzing with curiosity and concern. The hallway of Harvest Grove High seemed unusually quiet as they moved, a stark contrast to the usual bustling chaos. Angelo led them with an air of casual authority, animatedly discussing the Crows’ impressive winning streak. Jason, ever the attentive sidekick, was nodding and chiming in with his own insights. From where Maya walked, she had a clear view of both men, and she couldn't help but scrutinize them with a mixture of intrigue and skepticism.
Both Howard and Jason were undeniably attractive—classic "Hollywood" handsome, with a magnetic charisma that seemed almost too polished for a small town like Harvest Grove. Maya found herself wondering about their real motives. Sure, Howard Allen was a prominent figure, known for his business dealings and his deep pockets. And while his investment in local enterprises like the fertilizer plant was public knowledge, there had to be more beneath the surface. No one could remain so unfazed after encountering the kind of oddities Harvest Grove was known for. Their seemingly effortless ease in handling the bizarre events spoke of a deeper, more inscrutable reason for their presence.
Jason, with his easygoing demeanor, was discussing team statistics with Angelo, his enthusiasm a stark contrast to the seriousness of their earlier encounter. Meanwhile, Howard was quieter, though his silence spoke volumes. Maya recognized the sharp, analytical glint in his eyes, a sign of someone who observed and absorbed every detail. Howard’s gaze kept flicking toward Angelo, and Maya couldn’t shake the feeling that he was evaluating him with a critical eye.
As they turned a corner, Maya’s thoughts drifted to their strange interactions with Harper Lang and the peculiar interest Howard had shown. There was an intensity in Howard's focus, a depth that suggested he was hunting for something more than just small-town curiosities.
At breakfast, the conversation with her father was heavy with unspoken tension. Gabe, his brow furrowed in worry, broke the silence. “We haven’t had a chance to sit down and talk properly lately, have we?”
Maya, stirring her coffee absentmindedly, forced a small smile. “Yeah, it’s been a bit crazy.”
Gabe nodded, his gaze fixed on his cereal. “I heard you met Mr. Allen and his friend.”
Surprised by the sudden shift in conversation, Maya raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, Angelo and I gave them a tour of the school. Mr. Allen is interested in my Wall of Weird. I thought it’d be a good opportunity to get an interview.”
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Her father’s face tightened. “Maya, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to get too involved with Mr. Allen and his associates. He’s...well, he’s an older man, and he's also my boss.”
Maya frowned, taken aback by the sudden concern. “Dad, I’m not going to do anything that could get you in trouble. Besides, I’m not going alone, and you know I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can,” Gabe said, his voice firm. “But I’m serious. I don’t want you having any contact with Mr. Allen or his people. Do you understand?”
“But—”
“Maya!” Her father’s voice rose, startling her. “I forbid you from associating with Howard Allen or his friends. Do you understand me?”
Maya stared at her father, stunned into silence. This was a side of him she hadn’t seen before—firm and resolute, not the easygoing man she was used to. “I—I understand,” she stammered, trying to process the unexpected confrontation.
Gabe’s expression softened, but only slightly. “Good. Now, how are things otherwise?”
Maya forced a smile, trying to push aside the tension. “Everything’s fine. Everyone’s gearing up for the big game on Saturday between Harvest Grove and Jefferson.”
“That sounds nice. We should go see it,” Gabe suggested, trying to lighten the mood.
Maya nodded, glancing at her phone as it buzzed. “Hey, my ride is here. I’ll see you later.”
Gabe’s concern flared again. “Is something wrong with your car?”
“Not at all,” Maya said, slipping into a lie effortlessly. “Just carpooling to be environmentally friendly!” She grabbed her bag, planted a quick kiss on his cheek, and started to leave. Her father’s hand caught hers.
“Maya, I don’t like arguing with you, but I’m trying to protect you. Please, believe that.”
“I know, Dad.” Maya leaned in to kiss his forehead, her smile more genuine this time. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Gabe whispered.
As she dashed out the door, her phone buzzed again. “Gotta run! See you tonight!” She shut the door behind her and glanced at the truck idling outside. Angelo was already opening the passenger door.
“Get in,” he said with a casual wave.
Maya climbed into the truck, buckling her seatbelt. “So, why are we really here?”
Angelo’s expression turned serious. “Something’s happened to Jason. Last night he left a frantic message for Dawson. He said his parents were losing it, talking about some kind of devil or dark force after him.”
Maya’s eyes widened in alarm. “What? What’s going on?”
Angelo’s hands gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Dawson didn’t get the message until this morning. By the time he arrived at Jason’s place, the family had vanished. They left most of their belongings behind, suggesting it was a spur-of-the-moment decision.”
“Gone?” Maya’s voice was barely a whisper, her face paling.
“Yes, and Harper, Clarissa, and Sam are already there, trying to figure out what happened and why they disappeared like that.”
Maya sank back into her seat, her mind racing. This was becoming more tangled and mysterious by the minute, and she was caught right in the middle of it.