Page 57 of From Hell

Sage makes a hmmm sound in agreement. “And it’s definitely someone at Berners House? The car that followed you that night is registered to the member’s club, isn’t it?”

“I can’t help but think it’s the same man who tried to murder me all those years ago. It has to be. The knife in the dishwasher, the body turning up. The letters. I saw Max this morning, and he had no clue about sending me anything.”

Her eyes widen. This is news to Sage, Nola already knows my theory since I talked to her about it in the car when she picked us up from the cemetery and then she called me after my visit to the prison for an update.

“I don’t think you should be alone. What if this psycho tries something?” she exclaims. “Stay with me. We have lots of room.”

“I love you, but your parents will never agree to that. If it gets hairy, I can always stay with Cash.”

Nola gives me a look. “Fuck Cash, he lives in a rathole.”

“You’re staying with me. I’ll speak to my parents.”

“Ifyou speak to your parents, I will.” Sage’s parents will never agree, which suits me fine. Every night, I wake up screaming bloody murder or leap out of bed with a weapon, ready to slay the monster who haunts my dreams. I don’t need the friends I’ve made a murder pact with to witness my crazy.

“Promise me you’ll do that.”

“I promise.”

I wasn’t expecting Nola to offer me a place to stay, but I’m surprised she’s quiet. When I finally returned to the event, Nola had left. Well, at least I assumed that’s what happened. She didn’t answer my texts or calls until midnight, and I was in bed when she rang back. Her mother had an unexpected visitor, and she had to go and remove him. I didn’t have the energy to be annoyed after that. I was glad Nola wasn’t locked in some room being interrogated by security guards, and sleep was calling.

Nola’s food arrives. Fries, a burger, and a black coffee. After she takes a bite, she asks breezily, “Did you decide to screw Jaxon after he screwed you?” There’s a gleam in her eye with every word.

Sage’s face brightens. “What did I miss?”

With a sigh, I explain what happened—Jaxon making me delete the evidence, and him driving me home.

Nola chews a fry. Her head cocked as though deep in thought. “You say he’s not involved, but he feels connected somehow. You should really fuck him and find out if he knows anything about the frat club he’s part of.” She gives Sage a conspiratorial look.

“I’m not fucking anyone—”

Sage laughs. “Oh, that’s a good idea. Men can’t resist gossiping in bed.”

I almost choke on another pasta twist. “No. Absolutely not.”

“When was the last time you got laid, sweetie?” Nola smiles, twisting the knife.

I scowl at her. “None of your bloody business.”

“Is he hot?” this is from Sage.

“He’s definitely Lainey’s type—all suit and square jaw,” Nola retorts.

I focus on eating, my food now cold, wondering for the life of me why I wanted friends. Living alone in my hell hole of life seemed so much better, but as they banter back and forth, teasing me about Jaxon and my lack of sex life, the dread in my gut dissipates, and the icicle of fear hanging over me melts. And then I’m laughing, too.

Sitting with my friends, the only people I can trust, warmth floods my chest because I haven’t cracked a real smile in years, never mind days.

“Whatareyou going to do about Jaxon?” Sage whispers in my ear, leaning in for a hug as we say our goodbyes. “He might be a way in.”

“I don’t know yet.” After I told him not to come near me and I stood him up for gun shooting, I’ve been avoiding the hospital or any places he might be, but Sage is right, as much as I hate it.

She nods. “Call me after. Let me know if you need me. You’re not alone, remember?”

I remember, and it’s the only reason I’m still sane.

Nola comes back from the bathroom and hugs me, too.

“I need to learn how to use a gun,” I say as low as possible in her ear.