"I wasn't lurking," Raven said through gritted teeth. "I was waiting."
"In a disguise," Karen added helpfully.
Annabelle felt hysterical laughter bubbling up in her chest. This was ridiculous. This was absolutely, completely, utterly ridiculous.
"She's not suspicious," Annabelle said, fighting to keep her voice steady. "She's helping with our book donation drive. We've been collecting books."
"In a hood and sunglasses," PC Davies said slowly.
"Because she's famous," Annabelle said. "She's trying not to be recognized. Because she's Raven. The Grammy-winning musician. Who is helping with our fundraiser."
There was a long silence.
Karen's mouth fell open.
PC Davies blinked several times.
"The rockstar?" he said finally.
"Yes," Annabelle said.
"The one who sang 'Krimson Khaos?'"
"That's the one."
"Bloody hell."
Raven yanked off her sunglasses and hood, her face scarlet. "Are we done here?"
"I…yes. I suppose so." PC Davies put away his notebook, looking thoroughly embarrassed. "Apologies, Ms…., um. Ms. Raven. We take security around the school very seriously."
"Clearly," Raven muttered.
"Oh my God," Karen breathed. "I called the police on Raven."
"You did," Annabelle agreed, still fighting laughter.
"I'm so sorry. I had no idea. I just saw someone suspicious and I thought… oh God, everyone's going to hear about this, aren't they?"
"Everyone already knows everything in Bankton," Annabelle said kindly. "Don't worry about it."
PC Davies beat a hasty retreat, and Karen followed, already pulling out her phone to presumably text everyone she knew.
Annabelle turned to Raven, who was standing very still, her face still flushed.
"I am so sorry," Annabelle said.
"I was nearly arrested," Raven said.
"You weren't nearly arrested, PC Davies was just being thorough."
"I was interrogated in a school car park for the crime of wearing sunglasses."
"To be fair, you did look a bit suspicious."
Raven's eyes snapped to her. For a moment, Annabelle worried she'd gone too far. Then she saw it, the tiniest smirk at the corner of Raven's mouth.
"A bit?" Raven said.
