Free The Nines (The Nines #1) by Sierra Avalon, Dakota Madison

I’m not surprised that we’ve never run into each other. Not that it would have necessarily registered, even if I did.”
    When Julio looks at me again I can’t help but notice how lost and already defeated he looks. He’s normally so upbeat and full of energy. Now he looks like an old rag that someone has completely wrung out and then tossed away.
    “Let’s see if we can find Wendi’s boyfriend. What’s his name?”
    “Jason Wilson.”
    ***
    “Try once more,” I suggest.
    Julio frowns. “I’ve already knocked three times.”
    “Maybe he’s sleeping.”
    Julio knocks again just to appease me. We both know he’s not there, but Jason seems like our only hope right now.
    There’s nothing but silence.
    He heaves a sigh. “I don’t know what else to do.”
    “I’m not sure either.”
    As we turn and head down the hallway Jason, who doesn’t seem to be paying attention to where he’s going, nearly runs into Julio. The guy is obviously distracted.
    “Sorry, Man,” he says to Julio.
    “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Julio asks.
    Jason bites on his thumbnail. “I wish I could, dude. But I’ve gotta help my girlfriend. I’ve just got to get some of her stuff from my room.”
    Julio and I glance at each other. Then I say, “What’s going on?”
    Jason does a double take like he’s just noticing me for the first time. There’s something really wrong with this guy. He’s clearly upset and his mind is elsewhere.
    He shakes his head then gnaws on his thumb again. “I really can’t say.”
    “Jason.” I look up at him. When our eyes meet I notice his are red like maybe he’s been crying. “My roommate is missing. We think she was with your girlfriend when she disappeared.”
    He gulps then starts to blink rapidly. He looks like he’s on the verge of breaking down and I don’t think it’ll be the first time today. “I don’t want to talk about this. I can’t talk about it. I just want to get Wendi’s stuff and get it back to her.”
    “Can we talk to Wendi?” Julio asks, but it sounds like more of a demand. “Can you tell us where she lives? She could be the last person who saw Claire before…” Julio’s voice cracks and he doesn’t continue.
    Jason shakes his head. “She’s leaving in a few hours. She’s packing all of her stuff and her parents are on their way now. They’re going to pick her up.”
    “She’s leaving school?” I can’t help the surprise in my voice. It’s the middle of the term.
    “Hell, yes, she’s leaving,” Jason spits. “After what those animals did to her.” Then he shakes his head. “Forget I said that. I don’t need to get blacklisted on top of everything else.”
    “Can you just tell us where she lives?” I beg. “Please?”
    “Brickhouse. Third Floor.” He doesn’t wait for any more questions or conversation. He takes off toward his room.
    Julio is practically running down the hallway. I have to do double time just to keep up with him.
    Brickhouse is on the other side of campus. It’s a smaller dorm, used mostly for Honors students.
    “Will you slow down just a little bit?” I call after Julio.
    He turns around, but still manages to run backwards as he says, “You need to speed up.”
    I’ve never been athletic in any way so by the time we get to Brickhouse I’m gasping for breath.
    “You need to get to the gym more often.” Julio grabs my elbow and pulls me into the dorm with him.
    “You’re—right…” My lungs feel like they’re going to collapse. I’m way too young to feel like a 100-year-old chain smoker after just a quick dash across campus.
    Luckily Julio opts for the elevator instead of the stairs. I don’t think my legs could handle three flights right now. Who am I kidding? My legs could barely handle a few steps right now. I’ll be lucky to make it down the hallway when we step out of the elevator.
    “How will we know which room?” I ask when the elevator doors open.
    The question was completely unnecessary.