“If that’s true, then just show me the Google Maps tracking data on your phone,” I said, folding my arms. “Scroll back to Halloween last year and show me how it doesn’t match the so-called fake data in these pages.”
Cherry’s eyes widened. “I… I’m not showing you my phone!”
“Why not?” My brows rose again. “You want to prove that you’re innocent, right? And that the evil Dionysus Club is manipulating me. So do it.Prove it.Show me your phone.”
She took a short step backward, head slowly shaking. “You know… data like this isn’t even legally admissible,” she said, waving the file. “Because I obviously never gave anyone permission to hack my phone and track it. It was illegally obtained, and therefore it can’t be used. If it’s real, that is. Which itisn’t.”
“Most innocent people aren't super concerned with the legal technicalities of the evidence,” I replied. “They're more concerned about proclaiming their innocence. Or proving it. And like I said, all you have to do is show me your Google Maps activity to prove yours. Pretty easy, right?”
She rolled her eyes, dropped the file, and turned away. “This is completely ridiculous. I’m leaving.”
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
She turned back to me. “Why not?” she asked, voice dripping with scorn.
“Because I lied when I said I came here alone,” I said. “I actually invited Julian to come with me, and he and his friends are guarding every single exit to this building. They won’t let you leave. Not until we’ve finished our conversation. Oh, and if you try to attack me… well, all I have to do is scream, and they’ll be here in five seconds flat. So I wouldn’t do that either, if I were you.”
Cherry rolled her eyes again. “Wehavefinished this conversation, Vee. I haven’t done anything wrong, and I didn’t kill Calista.” She threw her hands up. “That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Conversation over.”
“Do you really think anyone else will believe you when I tell them what I’ve found?” I asked.
“Yeah, actually, I do,” she replied, smiling thinly. “Because everyone knows Cal was my best friend, and they also know you were taken in the Selection hunt. Soyou’rethe one that no one will believe. They'll just think you're yet another girl who went crazy after spending a few weeks at the Dionysus estate.”
“You’re awfully hostile for an innocent person,” I said, frowning. “And those tears dried up pretty damn quick, didn’t they?”
She scoffed. “I know what you’re doing, Violet. You're trying to goad me into admitting that I did it. But it's not going to work, because there’s nothing for me to admit,” she said. “And honestly, I can’tbelieveyou would ever make such a heinous accusation against me. That’s why I’m not crying anymore. Because I’m so fucking mad at you. As I should be!”
“Oh, I forgot to mention… the tracking data isn’t the only proof I have,” I said, straightening my shoulders. “I also figured out that puncture mark on Cal’s thigh. It was from your EpiPen.”
It was quick, but I saw it. A mix of shock, fear, and anger flaring in Cherry’s eyes before she recovered. “You can’t prove that,” she said, lifting her chin.
“Again… that’s a really weird thing for an innocent person to say.”
“No, it’s just the truth,” she said. “You can’t prove anyone stabbed her with an EpiPen, because—”
“Because the adrenaline spike wouldn’t register in the tox screen, seeing as it naturally occurs in the body,” I said, nodding slowly. “I know, Cherry. I can use Google too. Just like you did when you planned out my sister’s murder.”
“I didn’t fucking murder her!” she screeched, throwing her hands up. “And why the hell would I stab her with my EpiPen, anyway? That wouldn’t kill anyone! Not unless they were unbelievably unlucky!”
“You know why you did it. It wasn’t to kill her. It was just to make her dizzy and disoriented, so you could easily shove her through that window and ensure there’d never be a trace of any substance in her system when they did the tox screen.” I tilted my head. “It was smart. I’ll give you that.”
“God, you’re fucking insane,” Cherry hissed. “Everyone is going to think so when they hear this shit.”
“Just tell me why you did it,” I said calmly. “Tell me why you decided to kill my sister.”
“I didn’t!”
“Cherry… I already know that you did it. I just want to knowwhy.That’s why I got you here alone tonight,” I said. “I knew there was no way you’d ever admit it in front of the others, but I think you at least owemean answer. Because Cal was my sister.So… I figured I’d give you a chance to tell me before I turn you in to the police.”
“For the millionth time, I have nothing to tell you,” Cherry said, voice dripping with disdain. “And even if I did it, which Ididn’t…why the hell would I ever tell you the reason behind it? That’s basically the same as admitting it! Which I won’t do.Ever.Because I didn’t fucking do it, and you can’t prove anything, either. Not with all that bullshit ‘evidence’ of yours that would get thrown out by any lawyer within five seconds.”
I nodded slowly. “I had a feeling you’d say that. But here’s the thing. I think you’re forgetting that you’re not just dealing with me anymore.”
She cocked a brow. “Oh yeah? Who else am Idealing with?” she asked, putting the last two words in sarcastic air quotes.
“I’m involved with the Dionysus Club now, remember?”
“Ah, yes. The guys who’ve spent the last four weeksbrainwashing you and making you totally fucking crazy. Those guys.”
