Chapter 11: The Emails

Benedict opened his laptop on the white comforter.

I sat beside him with the sheet pulled up under my arms.

"Two months ago," he said, "Camryn began sending me messages at night. I never answered most of them. I kept them."

He turned the screen.

The first email was sent at 1:14 a.m.

"Benedict, please call me. Foxcroft is pulling the Ellingwood Fellowship seat."

"There's a hearing about my last paper. They say I copied it."

"I didn't copy it, I borrowed the ideas. Mother can't find out."

"Can Amesbury Capital make a donation?"

I read it twice.

"She was in a plagiarism hearing," I said.

"She was found responsible."

"When?"

"Seven weeks ago. The seat was withdrawn from her."

"The foundation couldn't use it without a new name on it. Miriam hid it, and kept the announcement for the brunch."

"So she needed someone to fill it."

"Someone with a better story than hers."

I swallowed.

"Show me the next one."

He scrolled.

"Benedict, why won't you answer. I did the interview, you know I did. I'll work harder. Please don't tell the board."

Then, two days later:

"I know you ended it. I'm not going to tell anyone it was you, I'll say I ended it. Please let me keep that."

My eyes stung.

"She begged you," I said.

"For weeks."

"And you let her keep the lie."

Keep reading free with an account. Start Using My Friend's Cast-offs to Become Successful from Chapter 1, then sign up free to read the rest of this chapter.