Monday
February 5
Detective Lina decided that the five of us should have around-the-clock protection, so I have a cop—Officer Grey—with me on the way to the library. There is a car parked outside our house and, until Sonny’s killer is found, we will all have officers acting as our shadows.
This should make me feel more comfortable, but it’s attention I really don’t want. Sonny’s murder and the rest of us being stalked is all anyone can talk about on campus. People who used to say hi to me now either stare or look the other way, whispering to their friends. It’s like they think they’ll become a target if they interact with me. I don’t know. Maybe they would. But I hate being avoided like I have some contagious disease. I thought about escaping—packing a bag and heading home to see Riley—but that wouldn’t solve anything. As much as I love my brother, he couldn’t comfort me like my mom would’ve. Besides, I can’t take time off without it having a negative impact on my grades.
In my pocket, my phone vibrates with a text message making me jump. My hand flies to my racing heart. So much for the police detail making me feel less skittish.
I pull out the phone. Riley. Of course, it’s Riley. How are you?
Sighing, I tap a reply. I’m fine. Promise. Going to study.
You sure? I can come if you need me.
I’m good. Honest. Try not to worry about me.
You’re my baby sister and the only family I have left.
He doesn’t elaborate, but he doesn’t need to. When we lost Mom and Dad, we lost everything. Everything except each other. There is no one else. No grandparents, no aunts or uncles, no one. We are a family of two.
I send him three heart emojis and slip my phone back in my pocket. Riley shouldn’t have to pick up my pieces time and time again because I’m not strong enough to hold it together. He’s had to do enough of that already.
“Lylah?” Officer Grey prompts since I’ve stopped outside the library.
“Sorry. Are you going to come in too?”
He gives me a curt nod. Dressed in black suit trousers, a cream shirt, and a heavy jacket, he doesn’t look much like a police officer. But it’s painfully clear he’s not a student. Still, I’m grateful he’s not in uniform.
“Of course,” I say. Nothing is going to happen to me in the library with so many people around, but his instructions are clear: don’t let Lylah out of sight.
I push open the door and keep my head down. At least it’s warm in here. He follows me along the short corridor and into the main part of the library. Although I don’t make eye contact with anyone, I can feel people around watching me.
Grey leans in. “Are you okay?” he whispers.
The walls close in until I feel like I’m standing in a cell. Everyone around me seems so much bigger, like they’re giants.
There’s no air in here. I need to get out.
“Can we leave?” I ask Grey. Of course we can, I don’t actually need his permission. Move your legs, Lylah.
“Yeah, come on,” Grey says.
Somehow I manage to make myself move. Grey accompanies me back outside, this time walking next to me, rather than a step behind. His blue eyes are alert and concerned.
“Lylah, are you okay?”
I breathe deeply once the fresh air hits me. “I’m fine now. Sorry, that was really embarrassing.”
“What happened?”
“They were all watching me.”
He nods. “People will do that. Ignore it.”
“Easier said than done.”
He replies with a sympathetic smile. “This won’t be forever.”
No, but how long will it take for the police to find the killer?
I decide I’d be more comfortable working at home, so we start walking back. Soon, I spot Zak by a café on the corner. He’s alone, unless his dad and sister are inside. His arms are folded, and he looks deep in thought, eyebrows furrowed together.
Against my better judgement, I start toward him with my bodyguard trailing behind. We haven’t been told to stay away from Jake’s family, but given the circumstances, it’s probably best we do. Still, I can’t quite bring myself to stop. If anyone in Jake’s family is willing to do what’s necessary to find Jake, it’s Zak.
He sees me and walks toward me with long strides. “Lylah, hey.” His eyes flick over my shoulders, probably looking for one of my friends.
“I’m alone,” I say. “Well, aside from Officer Grey, that is.”
“Right, you have…protection.” Clearing his throat, he looks at the ground, ashamed.
“We don’t blame you, Zak. I know this is awful for you too.”
He raises his eyes. “I think Chace blames me.”
I shake my head and take a step closer. “No, he’s angry, scared, and confused, but he knows this isn’t your fault.”
“Thank you.”
“Have you heard from Jake yet?”
“No. His phone has been turned off for the last four days. I tried this morning and my dad is constantly calling and texting. He won’t answer anyone.”
“Four days. So his phone was on after Sonny died?”
Zak wets his bottom lip with his tongue. “Yes.”
At this point, I don’t even know if that means anything. It’s still not proof that Jake killed Sonny and sent those notes. We need something solid so the cops can make headway.
“How is your dad?” I ask.
“He’s devastated. We haven’t had contact with Jake, and now he’s a suspect in a horrible murder investigation.”
I want to ask if his family still thinks Jake is innocent, but they probably do. I wouldn’t give up on someone I love.
“What are your theories?”
“He’s been hurt. That’s pretty much all we got.” Zak’s nostrils flare as he takes a sharp breath.
“Pretty much? What aren’t you telling me, Zak?”
“Nothing.”
“If you know something, you need to tell me. Or tell the police.”
“Lylah, I know you want answers, but I don’t have them.”
“I think you’re lying. Your dad and sister seem sure that Jake is innocent. Why aren’t you sure, Zak? What do you know? Was something going on that we don’t know about?”
Officer Grey steps closer to me, visually warning that he will step in if he feels like he needs to.
Zak rubs his temples. “Stop pushing, Lylah. I had one moment of doubt because the police are pushing it, but that’s it.”
I still don’t believe him.
“Sonny is dead, Zak. If there is anything you need to tell the police, you have to do it. Isaac has been threatened. Other people lives are at risk here. Including mine.”
“Lylah,” Officer Grey warns.
Zak ignores him completely. “I’m sorry for that, Lylah, I really am. But I can’t help you. I’ve always liked you and your friends, so if there was anything I could do to help, I would. I’m already trying to contact my brother, and I’m cooperating with the police. Whatever you think I’m hiding, you need to get it out of your head. There’s nothing I know that the police don’t. I’ve been completely honest.”
“Okay,” I concede. “I’m sorry for pushing. This is all impossibly stressful. Jake was our friend. I don’t want it to be him.”
“But you still think it is. Are you sure there’s no one else that might have done this? Jake hasn’t been to this school in months, so why would he do this?” He bows his head.
I hate talking about his brother like this, but Zak needs to face the reality that his brother could be a murderer.
“You must think I’m an idiot for still believing he wouldn’t do this,” he tells me softly.
“No. Of course I don’t.”
“I can’t give up on him, Lylah.”
We’re at an impasse, so I change the subject. “Where are you staying?”
“Knights Hotel. It’s nearby.”
“Is it nice?”
He snorts. “Not really. But it’s cheap, and we don’t know how long we’ll be in town.” He eyes Officer Grey. “Does that guy follow you everywhere?”
Rolling my eyes, I cross my arms. “Everywhere but the bathroom.”
Zak laughs. “Is it driving you crazy?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m glad you have protection.” He smiles, holding my gaze a fraction too long.
Biting my lip, I shift on my feet. “Um, thanks. That’s…er…flattering.”
Holding up his hands, he says, “Whoa, I wasn’t coming on to you! I meant I’m glad all of you are safe.”
Oh my God, is my face actually on fire? It feels like it is.
“Oh, I know you weren’t.”
I’m such an idiot! How self-centered I am to assume he only meant me?
“What are you doing with her?” Behind Zak, Sarah stands with two coffees in her hands, trying to strike me down with a glare.
Sighing, Zak turns to his sister. “We were talking.”
“Well, don’t. You know what it and its friends think of Jake.”
It. Nice one.
“Drop it, Sarah,” Zak growls.
She shoves a coffee at him, and it almost spills as he takes it. “I can’t believe you’re siding with her!”
“I’m not siding with anyone! Lylah’s done nothing wrong.”
“She’s accused our brother of murder, and now our whole family is being treated like suspects.”
I can’t help but lash out. “How do we know you’re not?” I shouted.
Officer Grey steps almost completely in front of me. “We need to leave.”
“Lylah!” Zak snaps.
I ignore him. I’m sick of Sarah and the snotty attitude she’s giving me. This might not be her fault, but it’s not mine either.
“You can go to hell, bitch,” she spits. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. You strut around here, throwing people away when you’re bored of them, and then have the audacity to incriminate one of them in murder case.”
“Sarah, stop. This isn’t doing any good,” Zak growls, playing referee.
“Enough!” Officer Grey snaps. “We’re leaving, Lylah.” He turns to Zak and Sarah. “I suggest you two do the same.”
A few students stop to openly and unapologetically gawk at our exchange. Sarah is getting more and more agitated, her shoulders tilting back and eyes narrowing.
She’s giving the crowd a good show. And I suppose I am too.
“Whatever, this is pointless. I’ll speak to you later, Zak,” I say.
He gives me an apologetic smile.
“You won’t speak to him later. Stay away, Lylah. I mean it!”
Officer Grey puts his hand across my stomach. “Let’s go. Now, Lylah.”
“Ignore her,” Zak calls. “I’m sorry,” he says more quietly to me.
“It’s fine,” I reply. Officer Grey steps forward, making me move back. “All right, I get it. We’re going home now,” I tell him and turn on my heel. He’s right behind me, keeping close.
I can’t blame Sarah for being angry, but we’re all getting gossiped about, so you’d think she would keep a low profile.
“Yeah, run along. Jake didn’t need friends like you, and neither does Zak. Stay away from us, or you’ll be sorry,” she shouts after me.
I turn back to her and narrow my eyes. “That sounds a lot like a threat, Sarah.”
“Enough!” Zak snaps. He takes her elbow and guides her in the other direction.
“Lylah,” Officer Grey says again. “You’re not doing yourself any favors here.”
I watch them go. They’re clearly having a hushed argument by the way she’s waving her free hand around and scowling at him. Zak doesn’t look at her or back at me. He walks like he’s on a mission.
Officer Grey stares after them, tense.
What is he thinking? Does he think she could know more than what she’s told the cops?
Would she conceal Jake’s whereabouts and let him get away with murder?