Page 100 of The Darkest Note

My mouth opens and falls shut.

“I know he’s the one who helped you get over your stage fright.”

“That’s… it’s not what you think.”

“I like him,” Viola says again. “But what matters more is that you like him too.” She smiles at me and then starts singing, “Dutch and Cadey sitting in a tree…”

I grab a pillow and aim it at her head.

The door squeezes shut before it can get to her and my sister’s maniacal laughter rings through the house.

* * *

Still no message from Dutch.

I open my locker and reach for my textbooks. Glancing over my shoulder, I check both ways, wondering if Dutch has gotten to school yet.

“What are you looking for?”

“Ah!” I yelp and turn to face a smiling Serena. “You scared me.”

“Sorry.” She tosses her black hair. Today, her face makeup’s a little lighter than usual, but she smeared her thin lips in black. The motorcycle jacket’s back along with the school blouse and skirt.

“You look nice.” Serena bumps me with her hip.

“Uh, thanks.” Before I left this morning, Viola insisted on doing my make up.

‘You’ve got two guys trying to get with you. You’re popular now. You can’t be running around without eyeliner.’

I forced her to keep it light, but I do kind of look nice.

“I heard you shredded it with The Kings yesterday.”

“Let me guess. Someone texted Jinx for information?” I sigh.

“No.” She snorts. “It was all over social media. The Kings have their own hashtag you know.”

“Oh.”

“How does it feel to be the newest member of the band?”

“I’m not the newest member.”

“Aren’t you?” She drops an arm around my shoulder. “I thought you were Sol’s replacement.”

“Sol? Who’s Sol?”

“The only guy allowed to sit with the Cross brothers during lunch. He quit Redwood at the end of junior year though. No one knows why, although some say it’s because he got kicked out the Cross brothers’ good graces for not being rich enough.” She lifts a hand and says, “And before you ask, no. I haven’t asked Jinx. That was just a rumor too.”

“What’s up with that Jinx thing anyway,” I ask, thinking of all the texts she’s sent. She hasn’t let up at all.

“No one really knows. She buys and sells secrets. Sometimes, if she’s feeling nice, she gives out secrets for free.” Serena’s eyes sparkle. “But we all know one thing for sure. If Jinx gets in touch with you, it means your life is about to be insane.”

I frown at her explanation.

Just then, I see Dutch entering the hallway. As usual, Zane and Finn flank him on either side. Today, he’s wearing a hoodie up over his face.

Immediately, I sense that something’s wrong. His eyes are darker than usual—less amber suns and more of a solar eclipse. His steps aren’t measured. They’re heavier, more urgent. Like he’s a mercenary, marching to eliminate his next target.