Games We Play (Thistle Cove 2)

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“I was a year behind your parents at Thistle Cove. Everyone knew Jason Chandler.”

I fight rolling my eyes, although from the dirty look Juliette gives me I feel like she sensed it anyway. “I’m sure you’ve heard my dad is back as the new head football coach.”

“Actually, I did hear something about that. I’m sure he’s eager to continue Viking tradition by leading these guys to state.”

Juliette grins. “You really do know my dad.”

Shannon gives her a tight smile and points to the binder, “Got your design in there?”

Each class has to design their own float, and then get it approved by a school representative. If you change your float in any way, you can get disqualified. The overall theme is Thistle Cove Through the Decades, due to the centennial, and we specifically got the 1980s. While Juliette goes over the plan, I unzip my bag and pull out my camera. With such a good crowd tonight, it may be the best time to snag a few photos.

I walk around and grab pictures of the different groups, most in tiny circles rolling balls of tissue. A few girls from the dance team aren’t doing anything but fussing with the playlist, trying to find something suitable. I even get a shot of the chaperones huddled around the fire. Before I realize it, I’ve walked back over to the trailer where Ozzy, Finn, and Ezra build the frame.

“Smile, boys,” I say, getting their attention. If anyone else had asked, they’d probably refuse, especially Oz, but for me? I can get them to do almost anything.

“That’s Ezra Baxter’s son, right?” Shannon asks. “Looks just like his dad.”

“Right?” I say, looking back at the shot. Ezra’s sharp cheekbones and pouty lips make a striking profile. “It’s a little unnerving.”

“Tell me about it,” she mutters. “You like taking pictures?”

“I do, but these are for the yearbook. It’s more like work than pleasure.”

“Ah, the Valhalla,” she says, fondly. “I was the editor junior and senior years.”

“That’s where I’ve heard your name!” I exclaim. “I’m the editor! I’ve seen it on some of the old paperwork and stuff in the office.”

“That’s awesome. I really loved working on the yearbook. I even joined the staff when I was in college, too.”

“Oh,” I say, an idea popping into my mind, “Since you’re in town and you have some free time, maybe you could help us with a project we’re working on.”

“Sure. What kind of project?”

I explain to her how we’re going through the archives, looking for old photos to use in the current yearbook to celebrate the centennial. “Since you’re already familiar with the archive system and everything,” I say. “It’d be fun to have you on board, too.”

“That sounds great.” She gives me a curious look. “You know it’s weird, but I heard about your classmate, the Waller girl? We had something similar happen to someone in our class.”

“Someone committed suicide?” I ask, my voice low. The last thing I need to do is get Juliette riled up or upset Mrs. Waller.

“No. A girl went missing, but they actually found Jaqueline’s body.”

“Jaqueline?” I repeat. “I swear I’ve never heard that name or anything about this before.”

Shannon chuckles darkly. “I’m not surprised. Thistle Cove likes to keep its secrets buried, and Jaqueline’s death was a dark mark on the town.”

“What happened to her?”

“The cause of death was strangulation. They found her body down by the water’s edge.”

“In the cove?” She nods. My stomach flips nervously. “Did they arrest anyone?”

“No. It was a dark time for the town. Everyone was very freaked out. People started locking their doors. The city council enacted a curfew. It happened in the winter, and the last half of our senior year we were all on lockdown. They even cancelled our senior retreat.”

“Senior retreat?”

“They still don’t do that?” She looks thoughtful. “Wow, that’s something I figured they’d add back in once the panic died down.”