Page 191 of The Forbidden Note

Sol crosses his arms over his chest. “It’s still evidence, and if Harris gets enough students to point us out…”

An unsettling silence falls on the room.

Grey’s case makes this threat feel bigger than any we’ve faced before. Whether or not we can wiggle out of trouble is one thing. Unravelling all of Grey’s progress by getting caught is another.

I promised her that I’d exact her revenge.

I meant it.

That means making different moves. This is too grave, too important to act impulsively. Chasing death was fine when it was just me. Now, I can’t shatter before giving her what she wants.

For a moment, I close my eyes and breathe.

When I open them again, I’m looking straight at Finn. “Did Jinx say anything?”

He shakes his head slowly. “Nothing yet.”

“What does that mean?” Sol wonders out loud. “That she’s not interested?”

“No.” Finn shrugs. “It means she’s probably gathering evidence.”

My heart sinks, dragging my mood with it.

Sol starts to fidget. His eyes dart between me and Dutch. “If Jinx starts getting involved, she’s going to be a problem.”

“What do you want us to do, Sol?” I snap. “Kidnap Jinx? Kill her?”

Finn flinches.

Dutch growls at both of us. “Jinx isn’t our problem right now. Principal Harris is.”

I open my mouth, but someone at the door catches my attention.

Dutch picks up on my subtle chin-nod and goes quiet.

Finn turns to face the entrance.

Sol sits up straight.

We all stare uneasily at the police officer who rams his knuckles on the door and steps in. He’s accompanied by another cop, a stockier guy with beady eyes and a bad haircut.

“Sorry to interrupt. I’m Detective Bradley.”

No one answers.

The air turns chilly.

Bradley’s gaze snaps between me and Dutch. “I’m looking for a Zane Cross.”

My fingers dig into the bedsheets as I try to keep my cool. “And why are you looking for him?”

“I have a few questions.”

Dutch steps around my bed and stands in front of me. Finn stretches like a cat waking from sleep and moves over to my side too.

Sol remains by the chair, but he’s watching everything with a narrowed gaze.

I push Dutch to the side. Whether this is about Hall or about Principal Harris, it doesn’t matter. I won’t let anyone take the rap for me.