Secrets We Keep (Thistle Cove 1)

I reach for a black one with long, shoulder-length hair and thick, sweeping bangs. With one hand, I twist my hair into a bun and pull it on.

“That’s from my Wonder Woman costume,” she says, brushing aside the bangs. “If you’re going for sexy Amazonian princess, you’ve picked the perfect one.”

“Sounds exactly like what I need to give my Spanish Tourism guide video the extra boost for an A.”

She laughs and tucks a fallen strand of hair back into the wig. It’s a nice moment. Too bad all of it is a lie.

“You’re planning on staying home tonight, right?” Mom says as she slips her arms into her coat.

“Yep. No plans.” I smile reassuringly. “You look great in that dress.”

“Oh,” she says, looking down at the fancy black dress with a sequined top, “thank you. I hope it’s not too dressy for the fundraiser.”

“It’s perfect,” I assure her, as though I have any clue what kind of outfit is acceptable for a political campaign event-turned missing child fundraiser.

“Your father is already out in the car. Keep the doors locked and text me if you have a change in plans.”

“No plans other than binge watching that new Netflix series.”

She smiles and kisses my cheek. “You’re a good girl, Kenley.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

I don’t feel the slightest pang of guilt. Does that make me a monster?

I wait until the car pulls out the driveway and peer through the window, making sure the Holloways have also left. The whole town is going to the fundraiser tonight. Poor Mayor Carson. He was already in for a tough race against Brice Waller. Throw in the sympathy vote and he should drop out now.

I see a shadow move across the front window of Finn’s house and grab my coat. I’m pulling it on when he walks out on his front porch.

“Need a ride?” I offer from the shadow of my own steps.

He zips up his letter jacket. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m going with you.”

“No, you’re not.” He pulls the keys from his mom’s car out of his pocket. “And I don’t need a ride.”

“Fine, you can drive, but let me come with you.” I give him a pleading smile. “Please?”

He walks over to the SUV and I follow, standing on the opposite side.

“Why do you want to come?”

“Because while you look for the device, I’m going to poke around Rose’s room and see if we’re missing anything.”

He nods. “Okay, but be prepared, you’re going to have to climb a tree.”

Shit.

We don’t talk much on the way to the house. The whole neighborhood feels quiet—all the adults are probably at the fundraiser.

I flip the vents open and closed. “Have you thought about how Rose going missing pretty much gives Mr. Waller the edge in the race?”

“My dad said something like that earlier today.” He glances over. “You don’t think he’d do something to her on purpose do you?”

“Mr. Waller is pretty cutthroat, but no, I don’t think so.”

A car passes and we both look away.