Free Secret of the Sevens by Lynn Lindquist Page B

lattice-work thing with pieces of chocolate-dipped fruit stuck to it. Open bottles of champagne are everywhere, along with crumpled wrapping paper and empty boxes.
    I can see Stephen Kane standing with Cameron in front of a wall-to-wall cabinet at the opposite end of the room, pouring himself a glass of brandy. The other Pillars relax around the table, dressed in tailored suits and shimmering dresses. Samantha Mann pulls back her hair while Kayla Kaminski fastens a sparkly necklace at the nape of Samantha’s neck. They both scream and make a toast when it’s on her properly, glinting in the light.
    Not to be outdone, Kayla fingers her own necklace to show off the diamond pendant that hangs low in the plunging neckline of her gown. Across from them, Zack Hunter, Iman Kabal, and Nick Robinson are deeply engrossed in comparing new laptops.
    Stephen Kane takes a sip from his glass. “To business relationships!” He raises his goblet. “You all know I was able to achieve great things after my time at Singer. The least I can do is pay it forward, guys. Here’s to the Pillars.”
    â€œThe Pillars!” they all cheer.
    â€œWe certainly appreciate it,” Cameron says. God, the guy just can’t stop.
    Kane lays his hand on Cam’s shoulder like a proud father. “And I appreciate your support at the board meeting.” He addresses the other Pillars. “Consider this a lesson in orchestrating a mutually rewarding business arrangement. When you approve my plan to sell the school along with Singer Enterprises, we’ll all prosper exponentially.”
    Six heads nod their support.
    Kane lifts his glass again. “To teamwork!”
    The church bell rings with eight deafening bongs that sound like they’re coming from just outside the wall. Which means we’re in the north end of the Executive Building, right next to Providence Church. I’ve never been inside this building. It’s off-limits to students and only used by Singer executives.
    â€œMy driver is waiting to take you back to Winchester House,” Kane tells them. “Which reminds me, I’ve been talking to an acquaintance who owns a Lexus dealership.” He flashes his shiny smile. “There may be some cars in your future.”
    Zack fist-bumps Nick as Kane walks them out the door. Kayla stops to scoop up some glasses from the floor, but Kane waves his hand at her. “No, Ms. Kaminski. We hire people for that.”
    As the last Pillar staggers out, I rub my face and try to process what I’ve just seen. Laney is already climbing down the ladder in a stupor. She pulls out her flashlight and I follow her back down the chute. My head is swimming and I’m starting to feel sick again. I can’t process anything in the dark confines of this creepy tube.
    I step off the last rung and she whispers, “I can’t believe what we just heard! Listen, we need to hurry to get back in time. Do you remember the way?”
    I normally have a killer memory, but the darkness has me freaking again . Suddenly, it occurs to me. “It’s the second half of the poem. We left off at the place that said ‘everything you thought you knew, will turn around, and you will, too.’ The next part said, ‘Left to sort what’s wrong from right, and why you’re going to have to fight—”
    Laney finishes, “To take what’s left and make it right.”
    â€œSo we take the first left.” I start jogging to get the hell out of here, fumbling with my flashlight.
    Laney flicks hers on and catches up. “Well at least we know now that this is real.” She stares up at me. “And we know what the Sevens want from us.”
    â€œWe do?” I only slow when we make the first turn.
    â€œOf course. They want us to stop Stephen Kane and the Pillars from selling the school.” She’s talking faster and faster, like she’s the one with ADHD.