Overdrive by Dawn Ius Page A

choice.”
    The look on his face tells me I’m right. My skin prickles.
    â€œTrue. If you refuse my proposal, I will simply kill you all and start over.”
    Roger starts laughing before I can get the gasp out. He slaps his palm against his chest, and chuckles. “I’m sorry. That was in poor taste.” He wipes his eyes. “Of course no harm will come to any of you, regardless of your decision.”
    â€œBut we’ll be of no use to you,” Mat says.
    â€œWhen you turn eighteen, you’ll be expected to move out, as per normal foster care arrangements.”
    Right. Except that none of this is normal.
    â€œOnce you’ve considered all of the factors, I’m sure you’ll find my proposition intriguing,” he says.
    â€œWhat cars are on the list?” Nick says.
    A sly smile tugs on the ends of Roger’s mustache. “I’m afraid that’s classified information until you’ve agreed to the terms.” He fixes his gaze on me. “I’m truly looking out for your best interests. Even Emma’s. None of us would want anything to happen to little Ems. It’s such a cruel world.”
    My temperature spikes. I lunge forward, fist clenched. “You hurt her and I swear . . .”
    Nick grabs my wrist, spins me around. My body slams into his chest. I punch him once, twice, over and over. I can’t stop. He wraps his arms tighter around me until my awkward struggle ends in a whimper of defeat.
    There’s no turning back from this—Roger has dead-ended us.
    Nick runs his hand over the back of my head. I bury into him, soaking up the warmth, desperate for a split second of normalcy. Even in this terrifying moment of clarity, there’s something about the way Nick holds me that feels so . . . right. I’m not ready to let go.
    â€œWe won’t let anything happen to Ems.”
    â€œDear God, no.” Roger feigns shock. “My apologies if I gave you that impression.”
    The depth of Roger’s scheming astonishes me. I shouldn’t be surprised—I knew there was something off about him. But this level of maliciousness? I had no idea. I unwind from Nick’s hold and wipe my eyes before turning around. The smug expression on Roger’s face makes me want to vomit.
    He stands, tucks his chair back under the table, and adjusts his fedora, his vest, straightens his glasses. “Such a delightful little girl.”
    â€œSo, how would this work?” Chelsea says. “I mean, if we decide to do this, what happens next?”
    Roger smiles. “Once you’ve all made a decision, I’ll provide you with the necessary details and tools.”
    Mat leans back in his chair. “And if not all of us are in?”
    â€œThat’s not ideal, but I suppose we could come to some sort of arrangement,” Roger says. “However, I’d advise each of you to consider my offer carefully—and quickly. I’m not a patient man.”

7
    IT’S SQUID. MAYBE OCTOPUS. HELL if I can tell. Either way, it’s not going in my mouth. If the stench alone doesn’t make me gag, the texture will finish the job.
    Nick’s lips twist. “It doesn’t bite.”
    I give him the evil side-eye and I push my plate forward. “Yeah, well, me either.”
    He shoves a forkful of the shit between his lips and makes a scene out of chewing. Up- crunch -down- slurp -up. Gag. A ball of vomit inches its way up my esophagus. Beside me, Emma pokes at her appetizer with a fork. I form a crooked smile of sympathy. “Not your thing either, huh?”
    A flush of red creeps up the side of her neck. She drops her voice. “What is it?”
    â€œOctopus,” Roger says. He sits upright and slices off a piece of the meat for himself. My vomit ball swells, almost choking me now. “I would like for you to at least try it, please.” My sister screws up her face with disgust. Roger