Page 63 of Symphony for Lies

“No one really does,” she admitted. “All I know is that something is wrong in this town.” She ran a trembling hand through her hair.

“Rita, are you okay?”

She hesitated before pulling a small note from her pocket. “I found this taped to your locker.”

My stomach dropped.

“It’s not your handwriting, is it?”

I took the note, unfolding it with shaky fingers.

On one side were musical notes; on the other, written in eerie, careful handwriting was a disturbing message.

Some songs last forever. Others end in the middle of their melody. How will yours end?

P.S. Will you find me?

My fingers curled tightly around the paper, my breath coming out quick and harsh. Everything around me felt like it was spinning. The letters on the page seemed to wrap and twist as my pulse pounded in my ears.

Rita gripped my arms tightly. “Amelia, what does that mean?”

I glanced down at the note again. My throat felt dry, and for a long moment, I couldn’t find the right words to say. “When did you find this note?”

My coworker shifted uncomfortably. “I was the first one here this morning, and it was already taped on your locker. At first, I wasn’t sure if I should show you. Maybe it’s a prank, you know? But... I have the feeling you need to see it.” Her voice was rushed, laced with nerves.

I bit my lip.It couldn’t be a coincidence.

“Thanks for telling me. But don’t worry. As you said, it’s probably just a silly prank.”

“If you say so…” She didn’t sound convinced at all but didn’t press further. “Do you need a ride home?”

I shook my head. “No. I have something to take care of first.”

“You sure you’re okay?”

I nodded and gave her a forced smile.

She stared at me for a long time and eventually sent me a reluctant nod before walking out of the room.

Turning on my heel, I went straight to my locker to scan my things for anything out of place.

Nothing. Just my work uniform and a few personal items. Everything was exactly where it should be.

I let out a slow, shaky breath, pressing my palm against the cold metal.

The note…

Had the killer really been in the clinic?

When?

And, more importantly, why did I get the note?

A sick feeling twisted in my gut. I wasn’t ready to analyze the message’s meaning.

“Will you find me?” I recited under my breath.

Pulling out my phone, I quickly typed a message to Spencer and attached a picture of the note.

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