Page 55 of The Forbidden Note

I want them to succeed.

I want them to soar.

I want to be the wall between them and the ugly truths that Sloane and I were forced to face at Redwood.

Between the chaos with Cadence and Mulliez, investigating the perp behind the fire, dodging my feelings for Zane—I’ve been busy.

With the wrong things.

All distractions.

Today’s funeral cracks the ice, peels back the layer of confusion and makes everything clear.

I’m not just a teacher at Redwood Prep.

My purpose goes much deeper.

Sloane is waiting for me to find the truth.

I clasp my hands together as the minister says a few words about heaven and resting in peace.

Viola, Cadence’s sister, lets out a little sob. The thirteen-year-old is wearing a black dress with a fluffy skirt and black heels. Cadence is wearing something a little more formal—an A-line black velvet dress and a small veil in front of her face.

Dutch, Zane, and Finn are all in matching suits.

It’s funny. A few days ago, they were wearing suits for Cadence and Dutch’s wedding.

Now, they’re in suits for her mother’s funeral.

After all the crazy things they’ve done, I can’t help feeling sorry for this group of friends. Losing a loved one—even if it’s someone who made plenty of mistakes—can rip your heart apart.

The minister drones on.“And I know Tina’s watching us from heaven, smiling and wishing she could give you a hug.”

Heaven?

Is Sloane there too?

I don’t think so. Sometimes, I feel like I can see her staring at me. Waiting for me to do what needs to be done before she can go home.

The minister closes his book.“May God have mercy on her soul.”

I almost laugh.

The God I know is not a God of mercy. If so, why allow Sloane to suffer? Why let the people responsible for her death flourish and move on without justice? Why leave me behind to live with the guilt and pain?

Soft murmurs reach my ears. I see the minister moving down the line of funeral attendants and shaking hands.

A blonde girl has her arm around Cadence’s waist and is saying something to her. On Cadence’s other side, Dutch is holding her hand and giving it a squeeze.

Behind them, Sol and Serena are standing a distance away. They both seem uncomfortable.

Zane and Finn look appropriately grim.

I sweep a curl behind my ear, studying Zane from the safety of the trees. It’s hard to see his eyes from this distance, but I know they must be glittering in the sun. A mixture of green, blue, and a snap of gold.

The jet-black suit along with his midnight-violet hair gives him an aura of danger. Knife-like. Sharp and cutting. It doesn’t help that his hair is pasted back, bringing my attention to high cheekbones and a jaw that could slice someone in half.

I hear leaves crunching behind me.