Page 50 of Whispers of Deception

There’s a pause, a sharp intake of breath before a muffled voice echoes in the background. Augustus’ father is shouting something indistinguishable.

“Fuck, I gotta go . . . Call me, Lils. Please. I’m sorry.”

(Click)

Sebastian

Cell

November 19, 2022 at 10:30 p.m.

0.00-0.40

Transcription

“Lils, I know you’re hurting. I get it, okay? But you can’t just shut me out this like. I’ve called you ten times. I feel like a psycho stalker. I need you to know that I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. I know that I can be . . . a lot. But, you don’t have to go through this alone. You’re all I’ve got—hell, you’re, I mean you guys are everything I’ve got. You know that. We’re supposed to stick together, remember? No matter how bad it gets. We’ve been through worse. Just . . . call us back, please. I don’t care what time it is. Just call me back.”

(Voice cracking)

“Please.”

(Click)

Ellie

Cell

November 20, 2022 at 11:12 p.m.

0.00-0.27

Transcription

“Hey. I know you’re probably feeling like the world’s closing in right now. I just wanted to remind you that we’re all here for you, okay? You’ve been there for me, for all of us. I’m not going anywhere. When you’re ready, just . . . I’ll be here. You know how to reach me. Oh, this is Eleanor by the way—but you probably know that . . . caller ID.”

(Distinct laughter in the background)

“Sebastian, shut up.”

(Beat of silence before a soft sigh)

“I miss you.”

(Click)

Lilah

Cell

November 20, 2022 at 11:30 p.m.

0.00-0.45

Transcription

“I’m so pissed at you right now. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. We literally tell each other everything, remember? Do you know how stupid that was—I can’t believe you slept with him and didn’t tell me about it! God, I want to punch you, but I’m just . . . I’m scared out of my mind.”

(Voice cracks)

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