Treacherous

By Malcolm B. Lambert

It was the end of summer party and Holden just wanted to let loose with his buddies Nate and Danny, but on the way home, they cover up an accident. Just when they think it’s over, they all receive haunting threats in the mail from an anonymous source who intends to make them pay. Holden distracts himself by striking up a friendship that could prove treacherous to his perfect academic record if he isn’t careful… Danny may be the smartest drug dealer on campus but with the latest OD on Adderall, the principal is cracking down—and he’s not the only one watching Danny’s every move. Nate just wants to be a Navy man. It doesn’t matter that his heart flutters for Alec every time he walks in a room—even if he’s dating his best friend. What will it take to keep their secrets in the dark? Who’s demented enough to want to see them harmed, frightened—or worse?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Malcolm B. Lambert
• Release date: Feb 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386108689

Book preview

The Calm Before the Storm

3 Weeks Ago

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Everyone is innocent until proven guilty right? Ha. That’s a load of bull. See, everyone thinks they deserve the benefit of the doubt because the world is full of good people and all that. Is the world really such a bad place or is it the people in it that make it bad? That’s something you should think over. For three reckless, overconfident boys who think they are untouchable... well, they used to be. What? You mean you don’t know what happened? Well, you’re in for a little treat. Because I saw the whole thing. Where do I fit into all of this? That’s something you’ll just have to wait to find out.

It was a night of wild partying and innocent teenagers going buck wild in celebration of the end of summer and the start of a new school year. Anybody who was somebody got invited to the kick ass party where no adult supervision existed that night. Amongst the hormonal teenagers were the Untouchables—Holden Cotillard, Danny Scott and Nathaniel Engel. The hottest guys in school were always joined at the hip and it was likely that whenever you saw one, you were bound to see the other.

Holden with his exotic features, appeared as a classic overachiever, always the one to turn the smallest thing into a competition. How did I know? Well, it was the only thing he ever talked about. Next was Danny—he was a womanizer and didn’t mind flaunting his wealth around. When he enters a room he doesn’t walk—he struts. With those light blue eyes and dark hair, it’s no wonder the girls can’t get enough of him, even if there were rumors spreading around that he gave a girl an STD freshmen year. Then there Nate—the oddball of the group. Like the others, he was handsome but more in a quiet way. Also, he was into guys. It was no big secret that he had sworn off dating girls indefinitely. Surprisingly enough, he didn’t catch any slack for his lifestyle choice, probably because Holden went to bat whenever anybody made a joke about him.

No surprise that as the party raged on, the three boys mingled with their friends and kept a close proximity to each other. Holden watched mostly and kept away from all the alcohol being passed around. Danny helped himself until he was staggering around in a drunken state but not in an obnoxious matter. Nate was in a corner eye-stalking a shirtless guy flirting with a ditzy blonde twirling her hair around, throwing her breasts in his face. Poor Nate—always wanting what he can’t have.

Man, this party blows, Holden said, taking a seat next to his buddy Nate.

Nate chuckled. Holden, I don’t even know why you even bother coming to these things if you don’t plan on having fun.

I’ll give you the short version, Holden said, leaning back. It gets me out of the house and besides, I need to blow off some steam.

Nate shook his head. I see. You’re lucky as hell, man. You’re a super nerd, yet you’re the most popular guy in school. How do you do it all? Smart pills?

Both boys laughed out loud.

Hell no, I don’t use drugs, said Holden. My parents would kill me twice.

Nate turned and picked up a Corona and chugged it. Don’t tell anybody this, but I actually miss my parents. I know it’s not like they’re dead, but they disowned me like it was nothing.

Holden nudged him in the shoulder. Dude, don’t get all sappy on me. Drink up until your parents aren’t even on your mind. Get wasted and have a good time. We’re going to be seniors, man!

Nate cheered up. You’re right. I need to get obliterated! He chuckled and went back to his Corona.

Am I missing something? asked Danny, as he appeared out of nowhere in front of the two boys. Holden, don’t tell me Nate’s trying to convert you to play for his team.

No, you homophobe, said Holden.

Good, said Danny. ’Cause there’s way too much pussy to go around for anybody to be gay. I mean, look around. So many lovely ladies! Come tag team with me, bro!

Holden looked at his watch and said, You know what, normally I would, but it’s getting late and I have to get home before my mom starts blowing up my phone.

Dude your mom is so hot. Like, the hottest MILF I’ve ever seen. Danny stared off dreamily, probably having a daydream of him and Holden’s mom getting hot and heavy.

Holden playfully punched Danny square in the gut. Shut up. You disgust me, you know that? He stood up and announced, I came, I saw, I conquered, and now it’s time for me to bounce. I suggest you call a cab, Danny.

Nate finished his Corona. Hey, can I hitch a ride with you since we live in the same direction?

"Yeah, no prob.

The two boys turned to leave when Danny shouted, Hey, wait for me!

Despite the two other boy’s brisk pace, Danny was able to walk fast enough and caught up with them at Holden’s Audi. He took two steps toward the grass, bent over and puked. I call shotgun! he called, loud enough to wake the neighbors if they weren’t already up from the loud ruckus going on in the backyard.

With Nate in the backseat, Holden slid behind the wheel and started up the engine. Danny went into talk mode, because he was an emotional drunk. The road was deserted. Out of the blue, Holden’s cell phone chimed loudly. Foolishly, he bent down to retrieve it, taking his eyes off the road for just a moment.

Just as he looked up to the road, he yelled, Oh, shit! It took barely a second to register a figure standing in the road, hands up to shield its face from the car’s high beams. He stepped on the breaks as hard as he could but it was too late. The figure collided with the car so hard that it cracked the windshield on impact. As the car screeched to a halt, there was the distinct sound of something rolling over the top of the car.

Horror-struck, Holden put the car in park and tried to catch his breath. Everybody all right?  He asked, turning to face the backseat.

What the hell was that? Nate and Danny both asked.

Holden’s voice shook. I think I hit something or someone....

Go check it out, said Danny.

Hesitantly, Holden got out of the car and checked the damage. The windshield and grill was smeared with blood and on the ground lay a lifeless body of a kid about his and the rest of the boys’ age. His clothes were bloodied, his neck was turned at an odd angle—he was barely hanging on, Holden could tell, as the boy’s body trembled.

Guys! Panic was etched in Holden’s voice.

In a flash, Nate was by his side, kneeling on the ground. Jesus, Holden! Is he dead?!

I don’t know! Holden snapped, his voice shaking with fear. He came out of nowhere! I swear I didn’t see him!

Calm down, bro, Danny said, appearing on the other side of him. In the light from the car’s headlights, the unknown figure lying on the ground was sprawled on his back; what remained of his gnarled face was covered with blood, his eyes shut. Danny touched his neck with two fingers and waited. He has a weak pulse.

Okay, that’s good. I can call the cops—

No you can’t! snapped Danny. Not unless you want to throw away your life, and not to mention mine or Nate’s. Get your head out of your ass! He was on edge and it wasn’t from all the alcohol he had consumed earlier in the night.

Holden ran a hand through his dark hair frantically. Shit, man, what are you saying? You want to me to just leave him here to die?

Yes! Pretend this shit never happened!

Nate paced beside him, genuinely worried. He wasn’t built for situations like this. He took a deep breathe, and repeated the process. I can’t believe I’m saying this but—

No! Holden cut him off. I am not leaving this guy to die! He needs medical attention. Holden, always trying to be a Good Samaritan, ran to the car and retrieved his cell phone. Before he could dial the first 9 in 911, Danny yanked the phone from his hands and tossed it into the backseat.

What the hell, Danny? Holden yelled at him, grabbing him by the collar and throwing him onto the car, rage in his eyes. Have you lost your mind?

Maybe, Danny said coldly. But one day, you’ll thank me for what I just did. His chest was puffed out, eyes bulging like a mad man. He was not about to go down with a fight.

Holden let go of him and raced back to the man on the ground. This was too much. The blood, the stress, everything. Holden ran over to the grass and puked until his body stopped convulsing.

Danny was at his side again, determined to talk some since into his best friend.  We have to go. I am not going to jail over this bullshit!

Nate chimed in. Do you really want to throw away all of those years of hard work for one measly mistake?

More tears fell from Holden’s eyes. I can’t do it. I can’t leave him—

Danny punched Holden right in the jaw.

Come on that wasn’t necessary, Nate snapped at Danny, but it wasn’t very convincing.

Not one to give up on a lost cause, Holden took off his shirt and pressed it against the guy’s bleeding wound, hoping to stop the bleeding or something. Still, there was so much blood. In seconds, his shirt was soaked.

Taking charge as always, Danny said, We are going to get back in the car and pretend like this never happened. Tell no one. Understood?

They nodded in agreement.

Like it never happened. They said it slowly in unison, daring to look each other in the eye.

They all stood there, glancing at the body, and then back at each other.

They piled into the car and went off to resume living their perfect lives as if nothing had went down.

If only things in life were so simple.

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End

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Holden Cotillard was in heaven—the kind that makes your toes curl.  That’s exactly how he felt as he threw his head back and groaned. Carly Rae was doing a fantastic job relieving his stress. The new school year barely just started months ago and he was already feeling the pressure from juggling four AP classes to dealing with Key club, Math club, Amnesty International and French club had really started to weigh him down. All his friends told him he was crazy for taking on such a heavy load during his senior year at Miami Shores Prep but he didn’t mind. When you’re the best, you have to do go hard or go home. Speaking of hard, Holden had to switch his mind back to the present where Carly was smiling at him.

Do you want me to stop? she asked, massaging his equipment with the care of a pro.

Don’t even think about it. You’re driving me crazy.

She giggled and went back to work. The only sounds in his bedroom were the slurping sound coming from Carly and Holden enjoying the hell out of it. Instinctively, his free hand went to the top of her head as it bobbed up and down. Within a matter of minutes, all the pent-up stress was finally released and Holden felt ten times better. It was the best feeling in the world, compared to when report cards came out and his parents spoiled him with expensive gifts.

Carly tried to go for a kiss but he rejected her and instead opted for a snuggle session. As he laid back, he wondered how he could be so lucky; his parents were out of town and he was caught up with all of his assignments (as usual). Carly wasn’t his girlfriend. Although if he was ready to focus on something other than academics, she would be a great candidate. Friends with benefits were perfect for the both of them: she was unavailable because of her meathead boyfriend and Holden wasn’t looking for anything long term. But lately she’d been getting a little too personal and wanting to spend time outside of his bedroom. Not that it was a bad thing, but it wasn’t a part of their terms.

Rubbing her hands over his bare chest, she asked, Holden, what are you thinking about?

That’s Holden the Great, to you, he teased.

She responded with a light tap on his thigh. Whatever. Tell me what goes on inside that big head of yours?

Which one? Holden snickered.

She leaned onto her elbow and stared at him. I’m serious, Holden. Talk to me about something other than how good oral sex is or how many points you scored in your last lacrosse match.

What did she want to hear? That his dad was acting weird lately, that he was suddenly spending more time alone than with him and his mom? Did she want to know how much pressure was on him to continue to be his class valedictorian? Too bad. He wasn’t ready to share that with anybody but his boys Danny and Nate. They were probably out right now having a good time. Holden sighed heavily, hating where this was going. "Um, let’s see: my grades are cool. I got an A+ on that The Great Gatsby research assignment and I also got an A for the extra credit Macbeth project. I got extra points on that for being the first one to turn it in."

She rolled her eyes. You’re such an overachiever. It’s exhausting just listening to you drone on and one. Surprisingly, she rolled off his king size bed and walked over to the dresser where all of his many medals, awards and other accolades were on full display—well, at least the ones that his mom hadn’t framed and had mounted on every visible surface downstairs.

He watched as Carly’s eyes scanned the length of the table of mementos he’d collected from traveling all over the globe. Before she even picked it up, he knew she was going to pick up the twenty carat gold mini Eiffel Tower replica. His dad had bought for me when they visited his native country when Holden was nine to remind him of a part of his heritage. Right next to that was the flag of Africa, symbolizing his mom’s Ethiopian ancestry. Holden liked being reminded of his roots.

Where did you get this? Carly asked, holding up the Eiffel Tower. It’s so cute! I’ve always wanted to visit Paris, the city of love. Of course it was the city of love. His parents met during his mom’s senior high school abroad trip. It was love at first sight and the rest they say is history.

My dad bought it for me on my ninth birthday. He’s very prideful of his childhood. Plus, it was the most expensive thing in the entire store, so he bought it just for the hell of it. I shrugged like it was nothing. You should see the necklace he bought for my mom from Cartier. She keeps it locked away in a safe and only wears it on their anniversary or some charity event where she knows there’s going to be cameras.

I think I’ve seen it before, she said as she walked over to his desk where I do most of his studying. The desk held his laptop and other study tools. She grabbed a couple of books from his desk and began reading the titles. ...College Study Guide...Statistics...Advanced Chemistry. She glanced back at me. You do realize that you’re insane, right?

Really? I had no idea. Holden said, sneaking up behind her and pulling her close to him. He liked the warmth of her neck, the way she smelled like roses. He ran his fingers through her dark curls, spilling down her back. With his free hand, he traced the edges of her panty line, felt the heat.

She turned around with a smile on her face. You’re crazy, but not as much as I am about my favorite subject: anatomy and physiology—advanced of course.

Oh, really? I didn’t know that.

She smiled as she put her hands on his chest and pushed him back. Luckily, his chair was behind him, which I think was her goal. With Holden sitting in the chair half-naked except silk boxer briefs, she straddled his lap, her short legs dangling over the sides. I bet I can teach you a thing or two...

Hmm...I highly doubt you know more than I do, he challenged. But please, tell me more.

Holden could see the challenge in her eyes, felt his boxers become restrictive. She positioned herself closer to him. I can show you better than I can tell you.

Instantly, her warm, soft, killer lips were on his. He probably set a personal record of mine in the short time that it took to unfasten her bra. Just as she found his flesh and Holden was ready to take the plunge, he heard his dad’s light French-American accent. "Excusez-moi."

They both froze and turned towards the direction of his dad’s voice. There he was, standing tall as he leaned against the door frame, his eyes filled with amusement. This definitely wasn’t the first time he’d caught Holden with a girl in his room.

Carly shrieked, Oh my God! I am so sorry, Mr. C! She turned to him and whispered, I thought you said they weren’t coming back until tomorrow night? Quickly, she jumped out of his lap, grabbed her clothes and ran to his bathroom.

After sliding into his True Religion jeans, Holden said to his dad, Come on in, Dad. The door was only closed for my privacy.

Arms crossed, he laughed. Didn’t we already have this conversation? The one where I told you not to bring your sleazy girlfriends home while your mother and I were away? I remember you being there.

He didn’t even bother to apologize. At this point, Holden felt violated, not to mention flustered by the fact that he was so close to having another round of mind-blowing sex. At least this time his mom wasn’t the one who had walked in on him—he still had trauma from the time his mom saw him buck naked in the middle of sexual encounter. It’s not like we were doing anything, Holden lied easily. We were just studying.

Didn’t look that way to me, Mr. Cotillard said. It looked like you were doing more than just ‘studying,’ he countered, even using air quotes.

Carly rushed out of the bathroom, fully dressed. After sucking up to his dad with another heartfelt apology, she promised to call me later and ducked out of sight. Thanks, a lot, universe, Holden grumbled under his breath.

Just then his mom ducked her head inside his room. Hi, honey! Hitting the books hard as usual? Her caramel complexion was glowing, which meant she either just bought another island at a steal or she just had another awesome encounter with Oprah. Her dark hair was swept off her beautiful face into a bun, with a strategically placed curl dangling freely.

Holden opted to go in for a hug but she declined. No, no, sweetie. You smell like sex. She glanced between Holden and his father. Is there something I should know about? Tell me you didn’t get that girl knocked up?

No, Mom. I used protection—like I always do.

Satisfied she wasn’t on her way to becoming a grandmother too soon, she sighed. Cool. Did you go through that box of condoms already?

No, Holden answered. Just to humor her, Holden went over to his nightstand, pulled out a box of condoms and emptied its contents on his bed: only four condoms left out of twenty. Oops.

His mom shook her head as his dad laughed and looked on proudly. I’ll get you a new box on his way home from the office tomorrow. Try to take it easy this time. She kissed his dad on the cheek as she turned to leave the room. I need a glass of wine. You coming, Vince?

I’m right behind you, his dad said, although he stayed put. He rubbed his hands together as he looked Holden squarely in the eyes. We need to sit down and talk.

I thought we just did?

He puts his hands in his pockets, a gesture that usually means he’s nervous or anxious about something important. No, this is different. His tone was serious, so Holden knew that whatever it was, it had been on his mind