Dead, Actually Part 16

Had Seth and I been suckered?

Everyone started talking at once, all claiming that the clues were lies. Well, why wouldnt they? It wasnt like they were going to admit to anything! It gave me a minute to look around, and what caught my eye was JoJo.

OMG she was walking through people! She was kind of slipping into them! I knew from experience that she wouldnt have much staying power away from my room, but trying to suck energy from these chicks? Bizarre!

As she popped out of Demi I shuffled closer, just in time to hear her huff, 'That was totally uncalled for!

I kept my voice low; desperate for information but afraid someone would notice me talking to air. 'What are you doing?

'Trying to read their thoughts!

Hope surged, even though I didnt want to feel anything but hate for her. 'How long have you been able to do that? Then I shook myself. 'I dont care, just tell me if you found anything that helps.

She sighed. 'Nothing I didnt know. Theyre all pretty s.p.a.ced out. Yes, well, they should have thought about the repercussions before they all took their side trips into the dark side, shouldnt they? Nothing comes without a cost, right?

I sighed . . . Was it possible to be born without a conscience? Wasnt that the definition of a sociopath?

I pulled back, but JoJo didnt notice. Probably she didnt care. She kept rattling on. 'Jade has nothing in her head like thats a surprise. Demi needs to vacuum her mind she was thinking some really nasty things about me that were totally uncalled for! And no, I totally didnt get the indignant thing not coming from JoJo. 'And Chloe is a brainless b.i.t.c.h. All she can think about is shoes. Shoes? I mean, even I would be thinking about something more than shoes if my life was about to explode right in my face!

Yeah, sure she would . . .

Id tuned out the ma.s.ses while I dealt with JoJo, but it was getting nastier and louder. And impossible to ignore.

'I dont care what you say! Its all lies! And no one can prove any different! JoJo was my friend! Demi screamed at Jade.

Interesting. According to JoJo, Demi had not been entertaining friendly thoughts five seconds ago. So, what the . . .?

'I dont know why you all dont just drop the act! If even half this stuff is true, then JoJo was s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g you all! Why dont you all just admit you all hated her? I am! Im saying it out loud right now! Teahna yelled. 'She was a b.i.t.c.h. Am I glad shes dead? You bet. Would I dance on her grave? She paused. 'Well, if it wasnt all dusty and would ruin my shoes? You bet . . .

A totally random thought went through my head that dancing on graves sealed or not was not only really bad manners but probably against the law. Which was quite bizarre, really, because at that very moment, a police cruiser pulled up, and two cops got out and headed our way.

Heart thundering, I watched their progress in the silence that had floated down over the whole crew, and my one random thought multiplied to dozens of questions. As it turned out, my thoughts hadnt even been close to the mark. It was something far more shocking. And none of us had seen it coming . . .

Funny, when the cop car had pulled up, I should have a.s.sumed they were there in connection to JoJos death. Strangely, I didnt even think of it and, in a way, that convinced me again that I really didnt believe shed been murdered.

Apart from my own stress at being blamed for the phone messages the only other emotion I felt right then was confusion, especially when the older cop introduced himself and asked for Pete Hamill.

Seth had moved closer to me again, but I felt him stiffen at the mention of Petes name. My gaze followed Seths to the guy himself, whod turned green.

The cop followed the direction of our stares and took a step forward. 'Peter James Richard Hamill? Wed like you to accompany us down to the station to answer some questions about- 'Hes not answering anything. Im Richard Hamill, his lawyer and his father.

In all honesty, I hadnt seen Mr Hamill arrive, but a quick glance showed his Mercedes Sports parked under a tree beside the police car. My eyes flicked back to Pete, who was sweating badly. Did that mean hed broken the law? In fairness, it was probably a general response to any police questions; anyone would be freaked.

'Dad! What are you doing here?

Mr Hamill wasnt looking impressed. 'They turned up at home. Your mother overheard you on the phone and knew where you were and she called me. He held up one hand. 'Just let me handle this, Peter.

The older police guy cleared his throat. 'Mr Hamill, if Peter doesnt come of his own accord, well have to take him forcibly. Which would you prefer?

Petes dad shrugged. 'Hes not going anywhere.

The silence was scary. I could hear every gasp and perhaps it was my imagination every heartbeat.

'Mr Hamill, we have information and evidence that links your son to a hit-and-run accident on Pacific Palm Road on the nineteenth of May this year. Were prepared to listen to his side, but if you make this difficult . . .

Hit-and-run? OMG the Facebook page mentioned a hit-and-run! I glanced around me, and pushed in closer to Seth. Everyone was silent but fear etched every face. A tear escaped and rolled down Kristies cheek and I remembered the shoplifting admission. One by one looks were darted my way, hatred spewing from every eye. Huge fists squeezed my chest, cut off my breathing, and my head began to swim. OMG did they really think Id done this? Seths arm crept around my waist and anch.o.r.ed me to the spot; the only thing holding me there.

Even in my distress I felt his hand stiffen as the younger policeman unhooked his handcuffs, but Mr Hamill still didnt budge. By now Petes eyes were huge. 'Dad? Lets just go and talk to them, I- 'Shut up, Peter! Youre acting like an idiot.

'But Dad, the guy was drunk! He staggered in front of the car! I want to explain that!

Mr Hamills eyes narrowed and he moved closer to Pete. 'I said, shut up! Youre making a fool of yourself! Just like you always do!

Petes face flushed bright red. 'How? By trying to be honest? He turned to the cop. 'I wanted to come to you when it happened, but I made the mistake of calling him first!

Mr Hamill moved right into Petes face. 'I did this for you! Because you wont be able to study law if you were charged, you fool. You wont be able to come into the firm. I was saving your a.r.s.e. Saving your career!

'No, you werent. You were cleaning up the mess so no c.r.a.p could fall on you! You didnt listen. You never listen. I didnt hit the guy deliberately; it was an accident!

'Peter, I think you should come with us, the younger officer said.

As Pete walked away with the two officers, Mr Hamill glared at their backs. 'Dont call me for help. Do you hear me? Im washing my hands of this and you!

Pete didnt turn around; he just kept walking.

Within minutes theyd all left the cemetery, the two cars headed in completely opposite directions. Seth pulled out his phone as soon as hed noted the direction of Mr Hamills car.

'Who are you calling?

'My dads lawyer. Pete needs help. He shrugged. 'The guys a jerk at times, but hes still a mate.

I loved him for his thoughtfulness, but I just wanted him to hurry.

And I was right to worry. The silence around us broke all at once. Like someone had rung a recess bell, everyone started babbling. Arguing. My head was pounding and I was still having trouble breathing.

The sun had moved higher, bouncing off the polished marble, and I started digging in my bag for my sunnies. Maybe in my crazed mind I thought theyd help me hide . . .

Scared to take my eyes off everyone, I continued to fumble, but only one person really stood out. Not surprisingly, that was JoJo herself. There she stood, right in their huddled midst, but not angry or even satisfied as I might have expected. She was fading, but she looked thoughtful and her focus was pinned on someone; however, as people jostled and the light blinded, I couldnt pick which one. Had she remembered something? I wanted to go to her before she faded out, but I had other concerns the crowd was closing in and I knew I was the target.

Forgetting the sunnies, I stepped back, but had barely taken two strides before phones started chiming all around me.

And everyone froze.

It was like someone had dropped a bomb.

Or threatened to . . .

Voices stopped mid-sentence. Eyes darted and the fear clouding every face ratcheted up to barely concealed terror. Reluctantly, one by one, messages were revealed.

I shuffled back to Seth and read over his shoulder, my hands shaking as the words blurred before my eyes.

Tsk tsk . . . Poor Pete. Not! See what can happen?

Chloe was the first to react with a scream that pierced the morning as she clutched her bag to her chest. Jade rushed to throw her arms around her. Nausea swirled through me as I stared at them and even kicked up a notch when my attention was dragged to Demi, who was having it out with Davo. Zack dived in, grabbing Davo to hold him back. More voices joined in, each one determined to be heard, each one more heated; their combined fury almost a palpable being . . .

A being powerful enough to break through their carefully constructed pretences and facades and leave them clothed in nothing but naked fear. It was chaos; a train wreck. My stomach clenched and my eyes searched Seths, pinning him with my own fear. 'Please, please, please tell me that didnt come from my phone? I whispered.

Seth didnt even have to say the words.

It was in that instant that I heard the second sudden silence. Id whispered, but still theyd heard, and the ten people that stared at me with hate-filled eyes a.s.sured me I probably didnt have to ask for a second opinion.

Oh my G.o.d. The clenching of my stomach threatened to cut me in two. Desperation pushed its way through me, dragging that tight feeling up to my throat. I held up both hands. 'I do not have a phone! What do I have to do to prove that to you?

Seth and Macey moved into their protective positions; Maceys expression close to murderous. She held her handbag out in front of her like a loaded machine gun. Nothing like a threat to her best friend to bring out her inner Al Capone.

'Back off! she ordered. 'She doesnt have her phone! And one of you knows that, because you have it!

Jade and Teahna pushed forwards, and in my dazed state I couldnt work out who was dragging whom. Or even if they were being pushed. Because all of a sudden everyone seemed to be surging forwards again. Jade and Teahna were still at the head of the pack. Jades eyes looked positively evil. 'We saw you digging in your bag just before the phones went off!

'To get my sunnies! My explanation made no difference. Okay, this was getting serious. I stepped back, but a hand reached out and snagged my bag. I tried to pull away but the grabbing hands were faster and stronger. 'Hey! Back off !

But it was futile. Ma.s.s hysteria had overtaken and they could smell blood. Specifically mine.

Honestly, I couldnt believe my eyes! It was like some mad feeding frenzy in the wild! Seth and I struggled to grab my bag back, but faster than lightning it was s.n.a.t.c.hed from hand to hand until someone held it high.

'Cut it out! yelled a voice from the sideline.

We all turned to look at Kristie, who held up her phone. 'Theres an easier way. She shrugged. 'Well just ring Willows number.

'Yes! Ring my number! I yelled back. Yes, do it! That would show them!

I should have felt relief, but stress still had me wound tight. Someone had my phone and we were about to find out who. Breathlessly I waited, my eyes never leaving Kristie. But just when I thought it was finally okay, there it was a familiar Jason Mraz song that until this moment Id loved.

My eyes flew to the bag, then to Seth, who was staring at me in disbelief. No! It could not be in my bag!

I darted looks at everyone but not one sympathetic expression was returned. 'No! That can not be my phone! It wasnt there! I havent had it for days!

Davo held the bag up high and, without taking his eyes off me, slowly tipped it upside down. Everything came tumbling out. All my stuff! Makeup, tampons, tissues, keys, wallet and there in the midst of the heap my phone.

My phone. It was mine. I couldnt breathe. Our phones were all identical, but Id attached a woven Cherokee Indian good-luck charm to make it different.

It was my phone.

But how . . .?

And suddenly the fear Id felt before was nothing. Now there was terror bone-deep terror that wormed through every part of my body. Terror that made my heart pound so hard I thought it might burst. 'I dont know how that got back in there! I swear! I have not sent you messages and I do not have JoJos phone! I swear!

From the middle of the group, Kristie roared towards me like a raging bull. Seth caught her and tried to hold her still. But amid the kicking and struggles, nothing was going to hold back the words she spewed. 'You lying b.i.t.c.h! I believed you!

'I was telling the truth, Kristie!

At my feet Macey was collecting all my stuff. I wanted to keep explaining, I had to make them see, but she started dragging me away. 'Were getting out of here. Move. Middrag she turned to Seth. 'Coming?

Over all the shouting, screaming and struggling our eyes locked. For a moment it was like everything was blocked out and only he and I existed. My eyes pleaded with him not to break my heart, to believe in me, to trust me . . .

But he didnt. There were no words. Just a teeny shake of his head. Then he tossed his keys to Macey.

And turned his back.

And this time I knew my heart would never recover.

Even if he was only pretending to be my boyfriend.

Chapter Fourteen.

I said nothing on the drive home. Neither did Macey. But I mean, really, what was there to say? How had it all gone so wrong? This morning my life was merely in crisis. This afternoon it had been totally annihilated. And I was so tired. I felt like I could sleep for a week and yet I knew if I lay down I wouldnt be able to even close my eyes.

And I wouldnt want to.

Id thought being haunted by JoJo for the past four days was about as bad as it could get, but Id quickly realised how wrong Id been. The looks on those faces as theyd stared at me with such hatred was so much worse. JoJo would eventually go away, I hoped, but the image of those faces would haunt me for life.

But none so bad as the one face that had crushed me. Oh, Seth . . .

Macey pulled into my drive, but she didnt turn off the engine.

'Do you want to come in? For a drink or something? The question was an automatic one, although part of me so didnt want to be alone right then. My chest tightened when she shook her head and the silence in the car grew to a deafening roar.

Then she sighed and, strangely, the coils around my chest eased a bit, because I heard the sadness, as well as the frustration, in that one expulsion of breath. 'Wills? I believe you about the phone, okay? I know you, and I know you wouldnt lie about that and you wouldnt do something as devious as that. But I have to go back to Seth; make sure hes alright. Will you be okay?

Sure. I swallowed hard; swallowed back the truth that was choking me in its need to get out. Instead I simply nodded. Sure. Id be okay. I was always okay, wasnt I? It was what I did best.

Inside the house, my aim was to avoid everyone. My head was spinning; I had no plan other than getting to my room. I was lost. I had thinking to do. I had to get my head around everything.

About to sneak past the study, I heard a voice. Deep. Male: Dad . . . Great. Slipping off my shoes so they wouldnt clunk on the tiled floor, I continued creeping towards the staircase, but with one hand on the rail, I stalled. My mind flashed to the morning of the cruise; the day Id sensed that maybe they were trying harder than Id thought. I remembered how amazing it had felt: the first time Id ever felt that I mattered; that I was really part of them. Like I had no control, my eyes turned towards the study door and I knew the only thing I wanted right then was to have them listen. To hear me. To tell me everything would be okay; to not feel so alone.

My silent steps were robotic and almost before I fully realised, I was at the door. Pushing it quietly open, I saw he was on the phone. Id wait till his call was over. Id . . .

He had his back to me, and it took long seconds for it to dawn that it wasnt Dad on the phone. It was Simon. Disappointment swamped me, but not as strongly as my need to get back out of the room and far away from him. It took till I was gently pulling the door behind me before any words penetrated and then I froze.

It was innocent. I hadnt intended to listen. It was my fathers name that reached me . . . and stopped me dead. You know how you can be in the middle of a whole heap of babble and one word jumps out? Well, that was it.