Page 60 of Cry Madness

She’s quiet for a beat, then, “Do you want to come here?”

Do I?

I think about it for a second before I answer. “No.”

Because going to Tiger Lily means I have to leave so her mother doesn’t find me there in the morning.

“Oh,” she says softly, clearly disappointed. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, then?”

But I need to see her.

“Pack an overnight bag. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“But you said?—”

“You’re sleeping at Folly House.”

“Maddox…”

“This is non-negotiable.”

“Okay, but I’ll meet you there because I need my car?—”

“No, you don’t,” I interrupt her. “We’ll go together.”

“Together, together?” she practically shouts.

“Problem?”

“No, of course not, but?—”

“Twenty minutes. And Alice?”

“What?”

“Don’t keep me waiting. I’m tired.”

“Oh, my God…” she says, laughing as I hang up on her.

With that settled, and knowing Alice will spend the rest of the night in my arms, my heart rate is finally slowing. The demon’s piercing wails are quieting as well, and when I rip off the glovesand turn up the radio, I drive away from this shithole and head toward Tiger Lily—leaving the worst of myself in the basement of that hovel with Adaway’s corpse.

Alice is waitingfor me outside.

She’s adorable in those pink sweatpants and a T-shirt.

Apparently, she’s only a little Goth queen out in public. Behind the scenes, she’s still the same Alice she was three years ago. The one painted in brilliant color.

Tonight, I’m the one dressed head to toe in black. The mask is still in my back pocket, and I’m tired, and I’m sure I stink like sweat. Torture, when it’s done correctly, is one hell of a workout. And yet here I am, grinning like an idiot as I roll up to the front door. I get out and grab her bookbag and overnight bag and toss them in the trunk, and I’m going to help her in as well, but she’s quick and jumps in the passenger seat.

I slide behind the wheel, sleepy as I offer her my hand. “Hi.”

“Hi,” she says. “You okay?”

I nod. “Just needed you tonight.”

Her smile is radiant as she takes my hand and gives it a little squeeze. “I’m here.”

“I know.”