Page 10 of The Silent Note

“I don’t want to leave you alone.”

“I’m not a child. I can handle being alone for a few hours.”

“It’s not that.”

“What is it then?”

Her gaze sharpens. I read her like every thought in her mind was transcribed into a book.

“You’re worried about Zane coming to see me,” I whisper.

“I saw Dutch and Finn walking around the hospital this morning. I’m sure of it. That meansthe other oneis close by.”

He’s closer than you think, mom.

“I told you. Zane and I don’t speak anymore, and we won’t meet ever again.” Mom looks unconvinced so I add, “I have no interest in complicating my life right now. With the accident and the stuff at school, I’m barely keeping my head above water.”

“I just hate that he tempted you to do something so immoral. Your entire life could have been ruined. You canstill be ruined. In these cases, it doesn’t matter how you justify yourself. If anyone eventhinksyou were being inappropriate with a student, with yourstepbrotheron top of it all?—”

“Mom.”

“He thinks he’s slick with the motorcycle and the tattoos?—”

“Dutch and Finn have tattoos too.”

“But they’re not as cocky. I can smell it all over him. He takes pleasure in toying with girls only to ruin their lives.”

My eyes dart down. It’s not that I disagree. It’s just that I feel awkward about Zane hearing mom’s bashing in person.

“I promise, mom. Zane and I are nothing to each other. He will never be anything more than my student and Jarod Cross’s son.”

A little twinge in my chest whispers that I’m lying, but I ignore it. I will not allow myself to cross the line.

Not again.

The accident showed me that the road I’m walking is dangerous and I need to walk it alone if I have any chance of bringing justice to Sloane.

Mom moves over to me and gives me a hug. Her exhale stirs my hair. “You’ve always been a good daughter, Gracie. Always. That’s why I forgave you for letting things get that far in the first place. Your candle flickered, but that doesn’t mean the flame has to go out. If anyone can hold on to their light, it’s you.”

I blink rapidly and nod.

Mom steps back, eyes tearing up, and blows me a kiss. “I’ll pick up some ribs on the way back.”

“Sounds good.”

Her footsteps retreat and the door slides open and shut.

We’re alone.

“You heard her,” I announce. “This can’t happen again.”

Zane slowly unfolds himself from beneath the bed and straightens to his full height. A muscle in his jaw ticks, underlining his frustration or resolve or maybe both. He runs his good hand through his hair, mussing the violet-black strands.

I keep my face turned away, forcing myself to pretend I don’t care.

“I’m sorry, but you won’t be able to keep that promise,” Zane says.

I stiffen. “What promise?”