Revelation (Private 8)

"I don't need your protection, Glass-Licker. I don't need anything from you," she said, crossing her

arms over her chest. "You know what I think? I think you must have way too much time on your

hands over at Pemberly if you're making up stories like this. Way too much time."

Her smile was mocking. She knew I had been watching her through the window on Sunday night.

She knew just how pathetic and lonely I was.

"I'm not making this up," I said, needing her to understand. "I'm worried about you."

"Well, thanks for the tip," she replied blithely. "I'll make sure to keep an eye out for a wannabe

loser wielding pills."

She turned to go again and I knew what I had to do. I didn't want to, but I had to. It was blackmail

time.

"You're wrong," I said to her. "You do need me."

Her shoulders slumped dramatically as she turned to me once more. "Oh, really? And why's that?

Are you going to teach me all about the ins and outs of NASCAR?"

"A dig at my Middle America upbringing. How original," I said sarcastically. I pulled the Chloe bag

out from behind my book bag and dropped it on one of the small Coffee Carma tables.

"Remember the disc that came with this?"

Noelle hesitated. This time I knew I had her. She had not been expecting this.

147

"Yes," she said slowly. "I believe you destroyed it right in front of my face."

I stared straight into her eyes and just prayed she wouldn't be able to tell that what I was about to

say was a complete lie.

"I made a copy. How stupid do you think I am?" I said.

Inside I knew exactly how stupid I was, but she didn't need to know that. She studied my face, and

I made sure not to blink.

"I still have it, Noelle," I said. "I can zap that information to the entire school, to the entire Easton

community--alumni and parents included--at any time. Everything there is to know about you and

all my Billings sisters. Out there for all the world to read and enjoy."

Noelle's expression was baffled, incredulous. I had her. I so, so had her.

"Are you trying to blackmail me?" she said merrily. "That is so cute!"

Okay. So maybe I didn't have her.