I was trying to rationalize my thoughts when the room went silent. I looked up to see why, but wished I hadn’t. James was walking into class. I didn’t want to make eye contact with him. I flipped my book open to a random page and pretended to read.
I was done with him. He was trouble. Everyone at school had heard about Mrs. Pratt’s heart attack and that James and I were in her office when it happened. No one had mentioned the pool incident yet and I was hoping no one would find out about it.
Logan slid into the desk in front of me. “Morning, Alex.”
James turned at the sound of my name, but I didn’t give him the satisfaction of looking up. I was in no mood for him.
Sadie and Lucas were late to class. I was glad, because I didn’t feel like talking to them either. I just wanted everyone to leave me alone.
Class was painfully long. Mr. Eubanks lectured the entire period and I successfully tuned him out for the duration of his speech. I was tired and grumpy from lack of sleep. A nervous feeling was growing in the pit of my stomach about the upcoming sixth period assembly.
After what seemed like hours, but was only fifty-five minutes, the bell rang. Logan shot out of his seat and made a beeline toward Mr. Eubanks. Sadie and Lucas were discussing our American Lit project. I grabbed my books and was about to make a graceful exit when I bumped into a girl rushing out of class. All my books tumbled to the ground.
“I’m sorry, Cheyenne,” I apologized.
She rolled her eyes and walked away.
“Oh no, don’t worry about it. I’ll get them,” I said sarcastically. I knelt down to pick up the scattered books.
I reached for the paperback under my desk, but tan hands snatched the book away from me.
“Great, it’s you.” I sounded more irritable than I’d planned.
One dark eyebrow lifted into an arch. James fought back a smile that his dimples had already given away. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
He waited to see if I was going to yell at him again. When he was confident he wasn’t going to be attacked, he glanced at the book he’d stolen from me—The Crucible by Arthur Miller.
“Interesting book.”
“It’s for my book report,” I said.
“The one due next week? I heard about that. Are you going to help me with mine?”
“No.” I held my hand out for my book. “Obviously, you have a short-term memory.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Did you forget what happened yesterday? The pool? Mrs. Pratt?”
“We didn’t get in trouble.”
I shook my head. “Because she was too busy having a heart attack to dole out the punishment.”
“You’re probably right,” James said.
“Of course I’m right.”
“Are you going to tell me what this book report is about?”
We were still kneeling on the ground and I was willing to bet we looked ridiculous. I abruptly stood up. “It’s a five page paper on a novel by an American author.”
“About what?”
“Anything.” Why wouldn’t he give me my book back?
“What’s yours on?”
“Group psyche and the decrease of individuality in extremely religious societies.”
James handed me the book. “Interesting topic.”
He towered over me. He was a lot bigger than I’d initially given him credit for. I didn’t like feeling so small standing next to him. I took a step back. “I have to run.”
“See you at lunch? Cool people’s table?” A dimple appeared with his sarcastic remark.
“No, I won’t be at lunch today.” I turned on my heel and left James standing in the middle of the aisle.
Something seemed to ooze out of James. Was it confidence? Cockiness? I couldn’t put my finger on it. I, unlike the rest of the girls at Hawthorne Prep, wasn’t sure I wanted to get to know James Van Curen any better. Cute or not, I was going to take a pass.
* * *
Two hundred students crammed into the gymnasium. The bleachers were pulled out on one side of the gym. A small podium with a microphone stood in the center of the basketball court.
“Do you see them?” Jillian asked.
I scanned the crowded bleachers for Olivia and Sadie. “Maybe they’re not here yet.”
“I’ll text Sadie.”
“Ramsey! Over here!” Lucas waved from the top row of bleachers. He was sitting with Logan and James.
If this was any other day, I wouldn’t think twice about sitting with Lucas. I always sat by him. Lucas was one of my better friends, but he was with James and Logan and I really didn’t want to sit with them. I looked for Sadie. Maybe she’d already saved seats for us somewhere else.
I didn’t seem to have any choice in the matter because Jillian was already standing with one foot on the stairs waiting for me to follow. I glanced around for Sadie one last time. No sign of her. I sighed in defeat and followed Jillian up the stairs.
We sat in the row in front of the boys. Sadie and Olivia arrived just as Mr. Armen tapped the microphone. I guess he was filling in for Mrs. Pratt, too.
Mr. Armen waited for the audience to quiet down. “As many of you know, tragedy has struck Hazel Cove. Megan Lackey was not a student at Hawthorne Prep, but I’m sure many of you knew her. During these difficult times, we must pull together as a community.”
“I can’t believe someone killed her,” Sadie whispered.
“I know, it’s unreal.”
The microphone squealed during Mr. Armen’s speech like nails on a chalkboard. “We will be extending hours at the guidance office for anyone who feels the need to talk with one of the counselors. Detective Henry from the Hazel Cove Police Department is here to speak with us today. We hope that someone has seen or heard something that will lead to the capture of Megan Lackey’s killers. Detective Henry?”
Plural. More than one killer. My stomach dropped. I didn’t want to hear what this detective had to say.
A plump older man wearing a long khaki trench coat walked across the gleaming hardwood floor to the podium. Detective Henry nodded at Mr. Armen and shuffled through his notes before addressing the student body.
The detective cleared his throat. “Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming. I am here today because we need your help in solving the murder of Megan Lackey. Please remember this is an open case and I am limited in what I am able to say. This morning I went to Hazel Cove High School to discuss the same—”
“Hazel Cove High sucks!”
Muffled laughter scattered across the audience. Mr. Armen shot out of his chair and glared at the sea of teenagers. He had no idea who’d made the remark.
Undeterred by the rude comment, Detective Henry continued. “You all were Megan’s peers. Many of you knew her or at least knew of her, that’s why we’re reaching out to the local high schools. Hazel Cove is a tiny community. Someone has to know something.”
“Did Peter know her?” Lucas whispered from behind me.
I nodded. “He had classes with her.”
“As many of you know, Megan was reported missing two weeks ago,” Detective Henry said. “Unfortunately, we found her body last night in the woods near King Lane—only a mile from her own backyard. If anyone has any information, anything at all, please contact one of our officers. Anything you can tell us would be helpful. At this time, I’d be happy to take questions.”
One student hesitantly raised his hand. “Um, how was she killed?”
“I’m sorry. We can’t release that information to the public yet.”
“What can you tell us?”
The detective fumbled through his papers. “We found evidence that indicates Ms. Lackey was attacked while she was at home. She was then chased into the woods behind her house. She was wearing jeans and a white tank top. If anyone remembers seeing her that day, we would like to ask you a few questions.”
I felt dizzy. Last night’s horrible nightmare was seared in my mind. Jeans. White tank top. Megan??
?s house. The woods. The men chasing her. How was this happening to me?
Detective Henry tapped the microphone to quiet the bleachers. “Like I said before, there is only so much I can say regarding the case. However, I can tell you all that the details surrounding the homicide are particularly heinous and unlike anything we’ve ever seen before in Hazel Cove. As a precaution and to ensure the safety of our citizens, the Hazel Cove Police Department is instituting a curfew. Everyone under the age of eighteen must be indoors by nine P.M. on Sunday through Thursday and ten P.M. on Friday and Saturday. Curfew is effective immediately.”
Chapter Three
Wednesday marked the second day in a row that I wasn’t late for school. I stopped by my locker before class and quickly wished I hadn’t. Yesterday, it was Olivia. Today it was James.
“Good morning, Alex.” He casually leaned against my locker.
I groaned.
“Not a morning person?”
“Do you need something?”
“I wanted to come by and say hello,” James said.
“Hello.” I pointed at my locker.
James stepped aside, but unfortunately he didn’t leave.
“How did you know this was my locker?” I blocked his view so he couldn’t see me put in the combination.
“I saw you here yesterday.”
“Aren’t you a regular Sherlock Holmes?”
He nodded to a group of girls walking by. “Sweet car, by the way.”
“What?”
“The little silver coupe. Mercedes Benz E350-Coupe, right? I saw you pull in this morning.”
James peered at the pictures taped inside my locker. I didn’t like how close he was, so I slammed the locker shut. He pulled his nose out just in time.
I raised an eyebrow at him. “Are you following me around, Van Curen?”
“Nah, it’s a small town. I’m observant.”
“Hmph.”
“I heard the principal is doing better,” James said. “It was a pretty weird scene.”
The whole accident was strange. The gust of wind that blew in from the window. Mrs. Pratt’s sudden heart attack. I couldn’t fight the feeling that I was responsible. She was angry at me. If she hadn’t been so worked up, maybe it wouldn’t have happened.
“She was seconds away from dialing your dad and WHAM!” James slapped the locker to emphasize the sound. “You might be the luckiest girl in town.”
“How on earth do you figure?”
“That little episode saved you from suspension and trouble at home. Mrs. Pratt had it in for you.”
I grabbed my bag. “I’m going to be late.”
“Let’s do something Friday night. You can show me around Hazel Cove.”
The nerve of this guy. “I don’t think so.”
“Why?”
“Why what?” I asked.
“Why don’t you want to do something?” A grin spread across James’s face. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
“No.” For some reason, Peter flashed into my mind. I narrowed my eyes at James. His cockiness was annoying. “No, I don’t. Not that it’s any of your business.”
“Do you have plans already?”
“No.”
“Let me get this straight. You don’t have a boyfriend, you don’t have concrete plans and you still won’t go out with me?”
“That’s right.” I nodded with a smile. “See you in class.”
* * *
“There aren’t enough hours in the day.”
Bradley scooted the plate of cookies over to me. “You sound like you’re thirty. What could you possibly have to do?”
“I have hours of calculus and biology and an art project.”
“All for tonight?”
“It’s all due tomorrow, but I guess I’ve known about it for a while….”
Bradley rolled his eyes.
“I know, I know. I’m going. Can you tell Mya to save me a plate for dinner? I don’t have the energy to deal with Victor and Emma.”
“Sure, I’ll let her know, but your parents are gone.”
“Really?”
Bradley stood up from the barstool. “They went to Manhattan for the weekend.”
“It’s only Wednesday.”
Bradley shrugged. “A long weekend? I don’t know, but I’m glad to have a few days off. Your father had me driving all around the bloody state last week.”
“When are they coming back?” I hated being in the house alone.
“Sunday night, I think. I’ll be around if you need a ride.” Bradley winked a violet eye at me.
“That’s all right, I’ll be fine. Enjoy your days off.”
“Goodnight, Alex.”
I went upstairs to my bedroom. I changed into a T-shirt and comfy pink sweats and pulled my hair into a ponytail. I opened my biology book, read a paragraph and then slammed it shut. I needed to call Peter before I could concentrate on my homework.
“Lex, what’s up?”
“I’m about to chain myself to the desk. I figured I’d call you first.”
“That much homework?” Peter asked.
“I’m swamped. Emma and Victor are gone again.”
“Where’d they go this time?”
“Manhattan. Bradley said they left earlier today.”
“Did they bother to tell you?” Peter sounded angry.
“No.”
“You can stay the weekend with me,” Peter said. “I work until ten on Friday. I’ll swing by and pick you up when I get off.”
Peter worked part-time at the Hazel Cove docks. He unloaded cargo off ships and into warehouses. It was a tough job, but he seemed to like it.
“Thanks Peter. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
I gathered my books and placed them on my desk. I turned the radio on for background music and dove headfirst into my homework.
* * *
“Ramsey! Sadie! Over here!” Lucas shouted from across the parking lot.
“How subtle,” Sadie said. “Looks like we’re wanted.”
“This can’t be good,” I said. It was Friday and I could already see the sparkle of anticipation in Lucas’s eyes. He had plans.
Lucas leaned against his blue Tahoe. Logan, Olivia, Jillian and James were with him. Sadie and I walked in between the narrow aisle of parked cars. Everyone huddled around Lucas, who was grinning ear to ear.
“Everyone’s here now. What’s going on?” Jillian asked Lucas.
Lucas waited for us to quiet down. “Who’s in for tonight?”
“What’s tonight?” James winked at me.
I rolled my eyes.
“Bonfire at the clearing?” Lucas asked the circle.
“What’s that?” James asked.
“This place in the woods behind the stone bridge on Ashe Street. There’s a bonfire pit and stuff,” Logan said, before Lucas could answer.
Lucas shot his brother a dirty look. “Everyone goes there on the weekend when the weather’s not too bad.”
“Oh fun! I’m in.” Olivia batted her eyelashes at James.
Wow. I didn’t think girls actually did that. Olivia Humphrey and James Van Curen were a match made in superficial heaven—they were both gorgeous and completely full of themselves. Unfortunately, James didn’t notice Olivia’s eye batting, because he was staring at me.
Why couldn’t he take a hint?
“I’m in too!” Jillian’s red hair flapped in the wind.
I rewrapped my scarf around my neck. It was getting cold. How much longer was Lucas going to drag this out?
“James?” Lucas asked.
The corner of James’s mouth lifted into a smile. “Sure, I’m in, as long as Alex goes, too.”
“Ramsey?” Lucas’s shaggy blond hair stood in all directions. He was excited about tonight’s plans. He could hardly contain himself. I hated to disappoint him, but I really didn’t want to go. Especially if James was going.
“What about the curfew?” I asked.
Olivia sighed dramatically. r />
“It’s at ten,” Logan said from the other side of the circle. “Besides, it’s the first Friday night under this stupid curfew. What are they going to do if we stay out a little late?”
“Don’t worry. We’ll be home before then,” Lucas said. “Are you in?”
I couldn’t say no to Lucas. I deferred to Sadie, hoping she’d say no for me. I tried to emit brain waves in her direction hoping she’d read my mind.
Fat chance.
“Sounds like fun,” Sadie said.
“What time are we meeting?” Olivia ran her fingers through her hair. She kept stealing glances at James.
“Seven o’clock?” Logan said.
If we met at seven, I’d have three hours to hang out at the clearing until Peter got off work at ten. I texted Peter my new plans, so he’d know where to pick me up.
As if reading my thoughts, Olivia cocked her head to the side. “Is Peter coming?”
I could feel James watching me.
“No,” I said. “He has to work.”
“That’s too bad.” Olivia’s eyes flickered to James and then back at me. “You know, I saw Peter the other day. He was running through town with the rest of the Hazel Cove hockey team.”
“Really?” I grabbed my bag. “He didn’t mention seeing you.”
“No, I don’t think he saw me,” Olivia said. “But he was looking mighty handsome.”
* * *
“You know he’s nuts about you.” Sadie pulled the flat iron across a strand of short black hair. Steam rose off the shiny lock.
I was looking for my brown sweater, but Sadie’s comment halted my search. “Don’t say who I think you’re going to say.”
Sadie shrugged. “James Van Curen is hot.”
“And a jerk.”
“Touché.” She pulled the flat iron down toward her cheek, pulling the hair with it. The flat iron wasn’t making a difference. Her hair was already stick straight.
“Is that why you don’t want to go tonight?”
I popped my head out from under the bed. “Can you tell?”
“A little.”
“James asked me out the other day. I told him no, of course, but he acts like I’m just playing hard to get. He’s so cocky. It’s annoying.”