I took a deep breath. Cecily and Kai had been going out to Manhattan clubs since they were sixteen. But intentionallydruggingsomeone—and aprofessoron top of that—was insane. Not to mention illegal.
Daisy raised her eyebrows. “So what do you think?”
They all stared at me, waiting for me to answer. The air suddenlyfelt very still. As my pulse raced, I remembered that I’d allowed this to happen. I’d seen Lila’s bruise and didn’t say anything. Maybe they were right. We couldn’t go to the police. But we also couldn’t donothing.If we couldn’t get him arrested, this was the next-best option.
I swallowed. “So once we get the confession, we’ll take it to the administration?”
Daisy looked to Cecily, who nodded. “Of course.”
After inhaling a shaky breath, I locked eyes with her. I didn’t see another way. “Okay, I’m in.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Naomi
February 2023, three months before her death
The next morning, the soundof my phone vibrating jerks me awake. It’s a text from Ben:Hey Naomi. I know you might not want to hear from me, but there’s something I think I should tell you. Call me when you get this?
I sigh. Ben had come to the BAC show and sat right in the front row with his friends. It was sweet. But it’s too late for anything to happen. That ship has sailed.
“You’re up,” someone says, and I look up to find Zee and Amy standing in the entryway to the common area.
“I must’ve fallen asleep here. I was visiting my sister in the city yesterday.”
“Did she say anything?” Amy asks, taking a seat in the chair across from me.
I look from her to Zee, wondering why she’d bring this up around her. “I’m not sure what you mean,” I say, pointedly.
Zee and Amy exchange a glance. After a moment, Zee says, “I have a confession: Amy’s laptop was open on her desk…and I looked through her email. I wanted to know what you two were being so secretive about. I want to help you guys.”
I looked at Amy—having someone go through your emails was pretty violating, especially when she’s been so worried about making sure no one knows what she’s working on. “I was pissed, of course, but it’s been done, and she convinced me I had to show you this…”
Amy folds open her laptop. “These are the emails Professor DuPontforwarded to Theodore Hunt. I think he was trying to convince him to help in order to protect his wife, Cecily. The reporter I’m working with had asked me not to show anyone, to protect her source. But, Naomi, you cannot sayanythingabout them to anyone. It could put my source in very real danger.”
September 2, 2022 7:56 AM
TO: Matthew DuPont
FROM: Marta Koval
Hello, Mr. DuPont,
I received a message from a man by the name of Trevor Jones. He insists he is the brother of Miss Lila Jones. He found her cellphone in his parents’ garage while going through their belongings. I’ve ignored his calls, but he is now asking to meet. He is being very persistent.
Regards,
Marta
September 2, 2022 8:01 AM
TO: Marta Koval
FROM: Matthew DuPont
Don’t worry about him, just block his calls.
September 2, 2022 8:05 AM
