Page 109 of The Invite
“How was her behavior? Was she involved in any fights? Do you think a fellow student could’ve done it?”
“Capri mostly kept to herself. She actively participated in the class. I never saw her arguing or fighting. She was very sweet and shy.”
“All right, I think we have all the information for now. We’ll be in touch if we need anything else.”
Without a look back, I walk out.
However, one detail keeps nagging at me. Why would the killer leave that strange message or murder her over it?
Something nefarious is going on but I can’t put my finger on it.
I pray Capri gets the justice she deserves.
CHAPTER – 27
Nessa
“You shouldn’t be alone, Nessa,” says Ace as we hang outin the teachers’ lounge after two more grueling hours as chaos erupted on school grounds. “Come stay at my place. I have a guest room.”
I’m tempted to accept and he reads it on my face.
“You had an awful day and I wouldn’t feel good leaving you alone.” Taking my hand, he caresses my wrist. “Say yes for me, sweetness.”
In the events of the tragic morning, my earlier predicament slipped from my mind. There’s no way I can go to the police now. After I walked out of the conference room, my gut said they were considering me as a suspect.
When they left, they looked to be no closer to answers. Except for confirming that Capri was, in fact, impersonatingher older sister. Her actual name was Amber McVey. Though nobody knows why the sisters switched identities.
I’m flabbergasted that the school missed this.
I think I also saw reporters despite Mr. Crane’s best efforts to keep the news under wraps. Someone from the office must’ve slipped it to themedia. In a matter of hours, the passing of Amber will be flashing everywhere, turning it into a scandal.
Squeezing Ace’s hand, I reply, “Okay. I really would like that.”
“Good girl.”
My chest warms at the endearment.
I skip telling him about the Augustus situation. Besides, Augustus won’t touch me while I stay with Ace. It’ll be the last place he’ll think of searching.
Since the school is closed for the next two days, I can get a break from him and come up with a solution. However, there’s one problem. I need to grab clothes if I’m going to stay over at Ace’s. The plan for a peaceful couple days will fail if Augustus sees Ace and me together.
There’s another tiny problem.
I didn’t drive the SUV today. How am I going to explain my shitty car to Ace?
“I do need to pack a bag, Ace,” I tell him. “Can I meet you at your place? Just text me the address.”
“Are you sure?” He blinks behind his glasses. “I can come by tomorrow for your car if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
“No, it’s fine. I have a quick errand to run as well.” I lie about the second part.
“As you wish.”
I tuck my hair behind my ear. “Also, thank you for staying by my side and for taking care of me.”
“I’m always here for you, Nessa.” His beautiful face etches in worry. “I’m sorry you had to see that. I wish I reached the school first so you didn’t have to go through it.”
“It’s going to take me a while to forget that.”
