The whole school seemed to know that Luther was looking for Keshawn. There was a time when Keshawn would have enjoyed the attention. But now he couldn’t even remember why he ever thought it would improve his prestige. The more tangled up Keshawn got in Luther Ransome’s drama, the more he realized how few people even liked the guy.
He could hear the church ladies now: live and learn.
Keshawn found a quiet spot far away from the trophy case in the main lobby of the school. He wanted to get some work done. But mostly, he wanted to hide from Luther. His plan didn’t work. Keshawn heard some loud voices. He peered around the corner and saw Luther and his posse coming down the hall. His heart sank. Luther looked even more angry than usual. He knew Luther was going to give him a new set of instructions.
Luther put out a hand to stop his boys from going any farther.
“Who do you think you are, Connor?” he asked. “I need to talk to you. And when I need to talk to you, I need to find you. Fast. So I don’t waste my time looking. Now get over here.”
Keshawn slowly got up and crossed to the side of the hallway. He didn’t want the others to overhear what Luther was about to say.
“Did you change Chance’s grades yet?”
“I don’t have access to all his teachers’ passwords,” Keshawn lied. “They don’t all use the library computers.”
“Well, get in there and do it,” Luther snapped. “The team doesn’t have time to wait to find out if he’s gonna play guard. And make him get a good grade on Sullivan’s math test next week.”
“Yes, sir,” Keshawn said sarcastically.
“And mine too, obviously,” he said.
“Obviously,” Keshawn echoed.
“And take this,” he said, handing him a flash drive. “There’s a picture on it. I want you to install it on Sullivan’s computer account.”
“What is it?” Keshawn asked.
“Let’s just call it insurance,” Luther said with a nasty laugh. “In case he tries to get cute. Oh, you can look at it if you like,” he added. “Might get you hot.”
This guy is sick, Keshawn thought. I just want out.
Now.
“Look, Luther, can’t we just quit this now?” Keshawn asked. He knew it was futile, but he was so tired of the whole thing. “I’ll change your grade and Chance’s. But can’t we stop at that point?”
Luther pulled out his phone and rubbed the side. “Do I have to remind you?” he said.
Keshawn knew Luther was referring to the taped conversation. It seemed like a year ago when he’d first made him that stupid offer.
“No,” he said miserably.
I have to end this, Keshawn thought. I need to find a way to make it go away.
Without getting expelled.