Read Mockingbird's Call for Free Online Page B

quietly into the background until he made new friends with similar interests, or he could yield to the temptation to do something daring. He’d never had much chance to be boyish at home, not with all those women around. And his pa was so starchy, he couldn’t imagine Adam Stuart throwing caution to the wind. “I’ll do it.”
    â€œIt’s a deal then.” Benjamin stood up. “All we have to do is wait until everyone is asleep. I’ll get the necessary equipment.”
    Jared took a deep breath and placed his hand in Benjamin’s outstretched one. He hoped he would not regret his impulse.
    â§
    Jared pulled the slack out of the rope he and Benjamin had tied to the professors’ doorknobs. All was quiet on the hall. The other students were snug in their beds, no doubt sleeping as he and his roommate should be doing. Instead, they had crept to the end of the floor where their professors slept in rooms directly across from each other. Following Benjamin’s instructions, he had tied one end of their rope to Mr. Whitsell’s doorknob. Benjamin looped the other end around Mr. Wallace’s doorknob. He watched as his roommate tied a knot that would prevent either professor from opening his door in the morning.
    â€œHow long do you think it will take them to get free?”
    Benjamin shushed him and returned his attention to their handiwork.
    â€œWhat are you boys doing down there?” The whisper sounded as loud as a musket shot in the quiet hallway.
    Jared gasped and jerked around to face the consequences of his actions. His whole life passed in front of his eyes in that brief moment. He would be sent home in disgrace. His parents would be so disappointed. Why had he ever agreed to such a silly prank?
    His heart climbed up to his throat when a shaft of moon-light from a nearby window revealed Luke Talbot’s wide shoulders and dark hair. He wished he could sink into the floorboards or disappear like a puff of smoke. Of allthe people to catch them, why did it have to be a man who already despised him? “We’re uh. . .we’re—”
    Benjamin pushed his way past Jared and stepped up to Luke. “We thought we heard a noise in the hall and came to investigate.”
    â€œIs that right?” Luke turned his attention on Benjamin. “And I suppose you have no idea who might have tied that rope to the professors’ doorknobs?”
    â€œI suppose it could have been any number of persons. Anyone with access to a length of rope who might also have a grudge against sneaky teachers who surprise unsuspecting freshmen with examinations.”
    â€œAnd what do you have to say to that?” Luke turned back to Jared.
    He held out his hands, palms up, and shrugged. He was about to confess when Luke chuckled quietly. “Is Wallace still pulling those same old tricks? Maybe this will convince him to desist.”
    Jared could not have been more surprised if Luke had grown a tail and horns. This man had a sense of humor? He wasn’t going to turn them in? They weren’t going to be expelled?
    â€œYou two better get back to your room.” Luke pointed a finger at them. “And don’t think I’ll be as lenient if I catch you out in the hallways after hours again.”
    Benjamin winked at Jared as they crept back to their room. Once they shut the door behind them, he slapped a hand on his chest and expelled a loud breath. “I thought we were done for when I heard him.”
    Jared undressed quickly and pulled on his nightshirt. “Me, too. I was already imagining the disgrace of being sent home before my first month had passed.”
    After they had both climbed into their beds, Jared lay still, contemplating the near disaster.
    â€œI thought you said Luke Talbot was a pompous windbag.” Benjamin’s voice was thoughtful. “I have to disagree with your opinion. I think he’s a regular sport.”
    Jared closed his