The truth comes out in painful tidbits. Monica, thinking she was about to get caught, aimed her gun into the dark and shot Juliette. The bullet went straight through her shoulder and she lost a lot of blood, but she survived.
Monica confessed to everything, taking all the blame for Jacqueline and Rose’s deaths. She admitted that her intense, overwhelming jealousy got the best of her. Thirty years ago, she was jealous of the smart girl on the debate team. That envy shifted, the focus turned on her daughter’s beautiful best friend. Anyone that could threaten her relationship with Jason was considered expendable. She tried to kill me because I figured it out, and she’d be taken from her husband.
“I just think it’s too soon,” Dad says the day after I’m released. “I know you’re doing your job, but she’s been through hell. I don’t want her to have to relive it.”
“I understand your concern, but the sooner we get her statement, the more accurate it will be.”
“Why do you need it?” Mom says. “Monica confessed.”
“She also has a good lawyer who will try to get that confession tossed out.” Chief McMichael sighs. “We need to hear from Kenley.”
“It’s fine,” I say, revealing myself from my hiding place on the stairs. “I want to talk to the Chief.”
“Honey—” Mom starts. The problem is that they’ve seen the other side of this. The one where the girl doesn’t come home. Rose. And they’re in over-protective mode.
“Seriously, Mom. I experienced it. You can’t take that away.” I look at the Chief. “I want to help.”
My parents give each other a wary look, but finally leave us alone. We sit across from one another at the kitchen table. A large vase of freshly cut orange daisies sits in the middle of the table. It’s not the only one. Deliveries come several times a day and sit on almost every surface. Most sent by people I don’t know. My mom collects the cards in a basket in the dining room.
“Well, now we know what happened to Jacqueline,” I say, knowing it’s a case that plagued him for decades.
“We do. As much as I don’t like the danger you put yourself in, I appreciate your tenacity, so does her family.” He grimaces, eyes cast down.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“I’ve spoken with Ozzy and Janice Hill. I know that you accused Jason Chandler of an inappropriate relationship with Rose Waller.”
“And I was right. Monica admitted it.”
“Well,” he rubs his chin, “although Monica has confessed to killing both girls, she’s claiming that her jealousy was unfounded and irrational. She’s adamant that Jason Chandler never had relationships with either girl.”
“What? No, he did, and not just with them. Other girls too, like Kayla James!”
He nods. “I know. Ozzy told me that. Ezra also confirmed that he’d overheard a questionable conversation between Coach Chandler and Kayla. Unfortunately, the girl denies it.”
I stare down at my hands, feeling the walls caving in. Monica is crazy, but Coach Chandler is a predator. “Isn’t it enough to open an investigation? At least through the school?”
“Jason Chandler is a hometown hero, Kenley. He just led the boys to a region win. State is around the corner. No one wants an upheaval at a time like this. He has the backing of the school administration, the town council, and parents.”
“Brice Waller is really going to support him even though Monica forced Rose off that bridge?”
“They’ve been friends for a long time.”
“You mean they’ve been protecting one another for a long time.”
His jaw tightens, and he looks so tired. I know this has to suck for him, too. “What you’re saying is that Monica is just going to take the fall for this and everything in Thistle Cove will go back to normal.”
Whatever that is.
“I’m telling you that a killer is off the streets. I’m hoping it’s enough to make Jason Chandler think about his actions.”
“I doubt it,” I mutter.
“You’re a smart, strong young woman, Kenley. You did what the rest of us couldn’t by getting under her skin. I’m sorry she hurt you. I’m so sorry she killed Rose and Jacqueline. I’m going to keep the pressure on Chandler; he knows we’re watching, and if he steps out of line again, we’ll be there.”
I nod, pretending like it’s enough, but it’s not. Not by a long shot. The walls of the system, the patriarchy, the fears and traditions of this little town continue to close in. I understand why Jacqueline wanted out of Thistle Cove, why Rose was running away; unless you want to play by their rules, it’s too dangerous to live here.
Epilogue