I stormed out of the station and sped home, furious.There were figures on my porch. I stormed up the stairs and swung my arm out into my yard at my friends.
“Fuck off, every single one of you. Get out of here.”
Therese stepped toward me. “Eisley, we just want to explain. Soleil’s just upset. You can’t be mad at her.”
“For accusing me of murdering my friend?”
“We know you didn’t,” Rem offered. “Therese is right. Soleil’s just pissed and scared. Hell, we’re all scared. I mean, it’s weird, isn’t it?”
“What is?” A million thoughts ran through my head. Weird that he was a client? Weird that his girlfriend knew about it. The fucking shrine he had of me in his bedroom?Micah came forward.
“That four teens from families with good names were stabbed and now Spencer? I mean, come on now. We’re being targeted.”
“We are?” I laughed and pointed to my chest. “I ain’t shit. I don’t even have a last name, let alone one with status. Sounds like ayouproblem.”
“Wow.” Emi shook her head. “Since when did you become such a bitch?”
“Since I listened to my friends talk shit about me for ten minutes because of my past. Sorry if I don’t feel bad you had a good childhood. Poor you.”
“We should go.” Therese tugged on Rem’s sleeve and glared at me. “I hope whoever the killer is doesn’t come for you next.”
“It’s probably her creepy boyfriend,” Emi said, following the group down the stairs.
“Feel free to give the police more proof of that. You know, like Soleil did for me.” I flipped them off as they left and then I went inside, slamming the door behind me.I fell back against it and then, only then, did I let myself cry for my friend’s death. I crumpled to the floor and sobbed.
Spencer was gone. He was an asshole, but did he deserve to die?
I sobbed until my voice was hoarse and then I got up and went to my kitchen, where I reached for my bottle of rum. I drank straight from the bottle, and my vision grew more and more blurry with each swig.My phone began to vibrate in my pocket, and I pulled it out. It was a text from Therese.
Look, everyone’s upset and angry. We all went home separately, but we’ll try to talk like adults in a few days. Just give Soleil some space.
I text back.
Fine by me. She knows where to find me when she’s ready to apologize for accusing me of murdering her boyfriend.
A moment later, I received a call. I clicked on Therese’s face.
“That’s fucked up,” she immediately said. “He was your friend too.”
“She sure as hell doesn’t seem to think so.” I looked at the bottle on my counter. “I’m drunk. I need to go.”
“I thought you weren’t supposed to drink. You know…”
I hiccupped. I bit back the urge to tell her I’d stopped taking them. She’d only use it against me. “I’m fine without them.”
“Well, we’re having a party to honor Spencer after the funeral. I think Soleil said Friday afternoon for the service. Will you be there?”She asked.
“Am I welcome?”
“Of course. She held the phone away, mumbled something, and then returned to the call. “Of course. I know it’s a little weird with the whole obsession thing, but we’ve talked to Soleil and his family, and they think you should be there.”
“Can I bring someone?” My mind drifted to Constantine. I wanted him here with me right now.
“Sure, actually that’d probably look better. Yes, bring your tattooed boo, okay?” She was slipping back into the friend I knew and loved. She didn’t believe I had anything to do with his death.We hung up, and still grieving, I swaggered to the living room with my bottle of rum.I pulled out my tablet and logged into my website and clicked onFarawayFox’s name.
I went through every message, looking for a hint that it was Spencer. We’d been chatting for over a year. He’d been my biggest client and my most eager one. He’d offered me the world, just to get naked, but each time I refused.I was grateful I hadn’t done it.
The sun was going down, as was the alcohol left in my bottle. A knock sounded on my door.I wobbled to it and opened the door.Soleil, looking as drunk as I was, stood in front of me.
