Page 43 of The Silent Note

“We’re dealing with kidnapping a senior citizen, a psycho murderer who chops up teenage girls for a living, our dad running for governor and a crazy inheritance. Jinx is the least of our problems,” I mutter.

“You think that now,” Dutch says wisely. “But keep ignoring her, and I guarantee, she’ll become one of the worst.”

Jinx: You can’t put a band-aid on a head wound… or a secret.

The Kings were spotted prowling around the hospital today, dressed in tuxes and formal wear. I wonder what royal ceremony they performed? And did it have anything to do with Sexy Teach who just happened to be admitted to that very hospital?

Our precious princes better tread lightly. The bodies in the morgue may soon join the ghosts that haunt them.

Until next time, keep your enemies close and your secrets even closer.

Jinx

Chapter Eleven

GREY

“I’ve called a million times! Why are you just picking up?” Mom’s voice squawks over the phone so loudly I have to pull it from my ear.

“Sorry, mom. My appointment ran long.”

“What appointment? Where are you? Who are you with? What are you doing?”

I frown at the interrogation. “I told you. I got a tip about my investigation.”

“Gracie, even if youdidn’thave a head wound, I wouldn’t think being out this late at night chasing boogeymen is a good idea.”

All I can do is sigh in response.

“Come back to the hospital.”

“I can’t.”

I still owe Zane one night and I meant it when I said I don’t want that promise hanging over me like a guillotine. Knowing him, he’ll milk it for everything it’s worth and I doubt my defense can hold out for that long.

“Grace Elizabeth Jamieson.”

“Mom, saying my full name won’t work on me anymore. I’m no longer seven.” I dig my fingers into the phone, even as my voice trembles.

“You think just because you’re twenty-four, you can talk back?—”

“I’m not coming home tonight,” I say firmly.

There’s a shocked silence.

My heart beats so fast I’m afraid I’ll faint.

“It’s because of her, isn’t it?” Her voice is thin, dejected.

“Mom…”

“Why do you keep doing this? Sloane isdead, Gracie. She’s gone. You have to put that tragedy behind you andmove on.”

I glance up. Meet a pair of familiar, blue eyes that are crinkling at the corners. “Sloane’s not dead, mom. She’s right here. Right in front of me.”

Mom makes an exasperated sound in her throat.

Sloane lifts both thumbs.