Page 74 of The Forbidden Note

“You should sing in one of our sets,” Zane offers.

My eyes widen in surprise.

Mom looks touched. “Seriously?”

He shrugs. “Why not?”

Suspicious, I stare at him. Why is he being so nice to my mom?

“I’ve never performed in front of an audience before. What if I don’t do well?”

“Dutch’s wi—girlfriend,” Zane corrects himself, “has severe stage fright, but he got her on stage and she managed to play with us. We’ll take care of you.”

Finn grunts in agreement.

Mom giggles. “I’ve got to break out my boa and practice my runs.”

“You know they play rock, right, mom?” I say a little snottily. “It’s a totally different sound.”

“So?” Zane tilts his chin up in challenge. “Aretha Franklin is the queen of soul and she did plenty of rock covers. Music is a language that everybody can understand, no matter the colour of their skin…” his eyes pierce mine, “or their age.”

“That’s right. Listen to that boy, Gracie. He can teach you a thing or two.”

Zane chomps on a strip of bacon. “Don’t worry. I already have.”

“Mom, how long are the boys staying for?”

“Until they move to college.” Mom blinks. “Why?”

Dread pooling in my veins, I shoot to my feet again. “I’m heading to school.”

“I’m—” Zane starts to get up.

Finn grabs his shoulder and drives him back down in his seat.

I take that opportunity to flee.

Grabbing my purse, I shoot out the door and hoof it to the nearest bus station.

My car is in the shop. Mom offered to buy me a new one, but I don’t want to. Not having a car actually helps me out when I want to do after-hours sleuthing at Redwood. Nothing screams ‘Miss Jamieson is here’ like my rusty car parked in the lot late at night. It’s better when I don’t take it.

I walk a distance to catch a bus since there are none in this fancy, gated community.

By the time I get on, I’m sweating.

I check my phone.

There are no new messages from Jarod Cross.

Quickly, I type:

Any news from your friend?

There’s no response.

The bus stops close to Redwood and I get off. Sunshine hits the top of my head and I fan my face to cool down.

Kids in the Redwood Prep uniforms swarm the lawn and huddle in groups on the front steps.