Nightfall (Devil's Night 4)

Closing the door, I looked around the room—seeing everything exactly as I’d left it. The bed still held my dent from when I’d laid there yesterday after escaping Martin, and all the old makeup still laid about the floor in front of the mirror propped up underneath the stained-glass window.

Walking over, I hung the dress up on a rafter and smoothed it out, looking at it with a flutter in my stomach, remembering last night.

Who else had worn it before me? Did their night beat mine?

Taking off my bag, I worked quickly, picking up the makeup, fixing the bed, and stuffing my clothes from yesterday into my school bag. My phone laid on the bedside table, and I took it, turning it on.

Fourteen percent.

The battery was almost dead, and I had umpteen calls from Martin.

And a message from Will. I opened it.

Morning! Smile.

Or don’t. It’s completely your choice. Don’t let a guy tell you you’re prettier when you do. You don’t need to be pretty for anyone. Your value does not rely on my opinion. Damn the patriarchy.

I laughed, shaking hard and my eyes watering. What a moron.

The smile slowly fell, though, knowing he was too good to keep. I sure liked him, though.

So much it hurt.

I typed a message to Martin, letting him know I’d be home right after school and I’d have dinner ready. Heading to class now.

Before I left the room, I walked to the window, peering through a wedge of clear glass and seeing two boys crossing the street to their cars.

Damon to his BMW and Kai to his Jeep Wrangler. Damon was in here this morning, too?

I kind of wondered what happened with Kai and that girl in the confessional, but I was going to be late if I didn’t hurry.

I sighed, watching them take off and head toward school. It was Devil’s Night and time to face the music, I guess.

I left the room, locking the door behind me.

• • •

“Devil’s Night!” someone screamed, racing down the halls and leaping into the air to snatch the Homecoming banner hanging over the hallway.

I gripped the strap of my bag in both hands, the excitement in the air raising the hair on my arms.

“Man, back off!” a girl yelled.

I turned my head to see Rika Fane pushing some guy away who had crashed into Winter Ashby. She just laughed, holding on to Erika’s arm as they scurried away.

“Did you see it?” Tabitha Schultz whispered to her friends as I passed. “David and I drove past this morning. It’s a mess!”

I faltered in my steps, but I kept going.

Was she talking about the crypt? My stomach churned, suddenly feeling guilty.

But…I wasn’t sad. I was sorry for the McClanahans, but not for my brother.

Please just let me get away with it.

I turned, heading into first period, but a hand swiped under my tie, flipping it up.

Will circled in front of me, a grin he couldn’t contain playing on