Make You Beg

“What happened to Steve and Nicholas?” she asks.

I turn to look at her over my shoulder. Scout had already told her downstairs that we killed them, but I guess she wasn’t listening to that part. Or she heard, and she’s testing me to see if I lie or tell her the truth. “They’re dead,” I say, then open the door and walk out.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

HENLEY

ONCE AGAIN, I sit on my bed with the TV turned off. My hair is fixed, makeup on, and I’m wearing Law’s white Graveyard T-shirt that I took from his closet after he left me for a run two hours ago.

My heart hammers in my chest, and my palms are sweaty. I’m nervous. Thinking that maybe I should have thought about my father’s order and just accepted leaving town. But why would I run? I wanted to stay when I thought I was right. Running now would just look worse. I know what I have to do, and my father raised me to admit when you’re wrong.

Taking a deep breath, I hold up my phone and press record. “My name is Henley Nicolette Greene, and I’m making this video regarding Brenda Nash. Earlier today, the world learned what really happened to her. And although I hate that she is no longer with us, I want to publicly apologize to Dax Monroe and to anyone else I have disgraced with my actions.” My eyes start to tear up. “My words. And most of all, my accusations.” The first tear runs down my cheek, and I take in a shaky breath, trying to calm my breathing. “I know these words can’t take back what I’ve said or done.” Another tear falls, and I watch it on the camera that starts to shake due to my hands holding it up. “But I hope it shows how sincere my apology is.”

I hit stop and swallow the lump in my throat. Before I chicken out, I pull up my social media apps, log in, and post it to all of them.

All I wanted was for Dax to come forward to say he did it. Now it’s my turn to admit I was wrong.

A knock comes at my door, and I quickly rub the tears from my face. “Come in,” I call out, knowing it’s not Law. He never knocks.

“Good evening,” Lisa says cheerfully as she enters.

“Evening.” I give her a nod. She and my father have been avoiding me since news broke earlier of Brenda. Well, my father has been ignoring me. I think Lisa has been keeping him away, afraid he might ship me off against my will. He still might after that video I just posted.

“I have a gift for you.” She holds up a large square box in her hands. It has the Valentino logo on it.

I silence my phone that is already going off with notifications to the video. “A gift?”

“There is a fundraiser tomorrow night, and although your father thinks it may not be the best idea for you to go, I want to invite you.”

He’s ashamed of me. All of those people who called me crazy were right. I’m betting he wishes he would have sent me to that boarding school overseas now.

“It’s at the Monroes.” She pushes her hair behind her ear.

“I see.” I nod. “He doesn’t want to be seen there with me.”

“No. No. That’s not it.” She sits down next to me. “He doesn’t want you to be uncomfortable. Henley …” She places her hand in mine. “Your father is very concerned about you. After everything that happened with the trial and then having to move in here and learn about our engagement. Now that Brenda’s body has been found.” She sighs. “He just wants you to be happy and safe.”

I pull my hand from hers and look down at the white box with a black bow. “And this is what exactly?”

“This …” She pushes it over to me. “This is a dress for you to wear if you decide to go. Because Henley, I don’t want this city to keep you from living your life. You did something very brave. And I think that should be encouraged, not silenced.” With that, she gets up and leaves my room.

I bite my bottom lip and pick up my cell, shooting a text to Lacey, ignoring the incoming notifications.

Me: Did you find a dress for the Monroe party tomorrow?

She had told me that she was going shopping with Mrs. Miller today for one.

Lacey: Yeah. But I don’t want to go. I’m trying to get out of it.

Me: What if I went with you?

Lacey: I’d love that.

Then it’s settled. I’m going to the Monroes for their annual fundraiser with Lacey. No matter how awkward I may feel.

GRAYSON LAW

I slow myself down once I hit the driveway to my house. I’m sucking in air; my side aches, and my thighs scream. You would think football would keep me in shape. Maybe Monroe was right, and I should lay off the weed. “Why Are You Here” by Machine Gun Kelly blasts in my ears. When the song stops, it starts ringing instead.