Page 35 of The Forbidden Note

“We live in that big house all alone. Jarod Cross is barely home and even when he is, he barely talks to either of us.”

“Jarod is a busy man, darling. I knew that before I agreed to marry him.”

“But mom—”

“Relax.” She rubs her hand down my shoulder. “Gracie, I know you’re worried about me, but you don’t have to be. Everything isn’t some grand conspiracy. You have to learn to live in the moment.”

I stiffen, seeing the flash of pity in her eyes. “What does that mean?”

“I know you’re upset about what happened to Sloane—”

“Don’t.” I pull away from her. “Don’t go there, mom.”

“Darling, all I’m saying is that you’ve been stuck in the past for too long. I remember Sloane being a bright, happy young lady. She was the type who’d grab life by the horns. She wouldn’t want you to carry this burden all the time.”

“You don’t know what Sloane would have wanted,” I spit.

“Maybe I don’t.” Mom arches a brow. “But do you?”

I grit my teeth, my heart flaying in pain. It feels like someone’s prying at my ribs with a crowbar.

Glancing down, I murmur, “I forgot I have an appointment. I’ll see you at home, mom.”

“Where are you going?”

Fighting back the stinging tears, I run to the bathroom and crash into a stall.

My breath comes in hard, fast spurts.

The room starts spinning.

I hang my head and catch my breath.

In the silence, I feel my phone buzz.

My entire body stiffens when I read the message.

* * *

Jinx: Horses, footmen and beautiful dresses turn to ash at midnight. I wonder what will burn when your time runs out? Tick-tock, Miss J. Trade a secret for a secret.

CHAPTEREIGHT

ZANE

I lean against the wall facing the parking lot, eyes on the street. Dusk is settling on the city and the moon is bright, yet it’s drowned out by the lights from nearby skyscrapers.

My fingers expertly flip around my drumstick, causing it to spin like a pinwheel.

Two girls saunter past, their hair flying in the breeze. They do a double-take when they see me and giggle, whispering to each other.

Uninterested, I take out my phone.

Two minutes.

I sent Miss Jamieson the location an hour ago. She didn’t respond, but that doesn’t bother me. After the turn things took in the classroom today, I don’t expect her to be cheerful and cooperative.

But I do expect her to be here.