Page 34 of Soul So Dark

I don’t give her a chance to finish. “You should probably keep that one to yourself.”

Dallas doesn't know Aiden like I do, and that's not something that can be explained in a matter of minutes. I could tell Dallas exactly why Aiden is doing what he’s doing to Sydney, but the danger of that cannot be overstated. There’s a reason that I’m the only one who knows what Aiden found out before Sydney ever set foot in Dire Ridge and why no one else can know as long as she’s still here.

As much as I want to tell Dallas everything, I can't tell her about the night I went into Aiden’s house and heard Sydney's screams echoing through the corridors. I can't tell her about running through the house, searching for Sydney, and nearly coming to blows with Aiden before he told me why Sydney was locked in his closet. I can't tell her why, afterward, I promised to do whatever Aiden asked, no matter how much Sydney fought him...or me.

I’m still debating how to respond to Dallas’s question when my phone vibrates with a text.

COLSON (9:52PM): Wells and his minion showed up here and took Aiden to Canaan to be questioned

I setThe Outsidersface down on my leg and glance at Dallas, who’s still engrossed in her game.

ME (9:52PM): For what?

His response sucks all the air out of my lungs when I read it.

COLSON (9:53PM): Murder

CHAPTER TWELVE

Dallas

My phone vibrates again, and I know it’s Shelby.

The last time I spoke to her was at Evie’s funeral, and that was limited to as few words as possible. I don’t know if she kept it cordial to be polite or if it was just because Carter, Maddie, and Austin were there, too, and she didn’t want to risk getting called out again in front of everyone.

I don’t know why I haven’t answered her texts. Maybe because so much has happened in a two—going on three—week span of time and I can’t handle much more, even something as small as this. Nothing ever happens in Dire Ridge, and even though Evie lives in Canaan, she’s still Evie…myEvie. And I should be talking about all this with Shelby, but I can’t because she went and did something shitty at the exact time when she should’ve done the opposite.

My phone vibrates yet again and I let out an exasperated sigh as I glance down at it. It’s not Shelby, but I still don’t want to answer it.

AUSTIN (8:12PM): R U on? The headset arrived

I should be glad it’s Austin. In many ways, he’s the one better suited for dealing with this shit show my life has turned into. He’s a year older than me, and being close friends with a sophomore made the start of high school way better. He can be an idiot, especially when he’s around his basketball friends, but he always knows how to turn the most boring event into a good time. I can be dramatic and petty and completely outrageous with Shelby, but when she’s too off the chain even for me, I can be low-key and snarky with Austin. One look from his caramel eyes beneath his signature swath of sandy blonde hair and I’m cackling.

He’s always been the laidback, preppy one with his skateboard and Boston University gear, replenished annually by his parents each fall after they return from Homecoming weekend at their alma mater. I know if I finally break down and talk to him, he’s going to try and convince me to respond to Shelby because there’s no doubt they’ve been talking about me this entire time. Because he’s always the one to smooth over tense situations.

But it’s still more comfortable here in my pink cocoon. I make myself pick up my phone and start typing, but another text comes through before I finish the first word.

ALEX (8:15PM): Wanna play Diablo?

Well, shit.

I stare at the text for a few seconds, unsure of how to respond. But, soon, my fingers start to move and type out a quick response.

ME (8:16PM): Yes. What’s your handle?

I turn on my PlayStation and start loading the game.A few seconds later, my phone buzzes with his response.

ALEX (8:16PM): Obi GYN Kenobi

I let out a snort and squeeze my eyes shut with a giggle. It takes about 30 more seconds to search for Alex, send him a friend request, and join his party. But when I do, my heart sinks. In addition to Alex, there are six more players who I don’t know.

And that’s a problem, because no one outside of Austin and Maddie knows who I am. And I intend to keep it that way.

Just then, Alex’s smooth voice comes through my headset. “You’reAmerican Ass Eater?” he asks with a chuckle.

I smile to myself despite the unexpected situation. I’m pretty proud of it.

ALEX (8:19PM): You’re muted