Page 85 of Missing White Woman

The camera flips back to Billie, still beaming. “The vigil tonight was amazing. Janelle would’ve been so happy. The only thing that would’ve made it even more perfect is if she could have been there.

“I’m truly humbled by seeing so many people come out for Janelle both in person and online. Seeing all of us together, united. We definitely sent a message to the police—and to all the men out there who keep hurting women. If you missed it, don’t worry. We’re uploading the entire thing. Of course there are lots of other videos from all the folks there too. Please check the Justice for Janelle hashtag.”

The photo disappears and we’re back with Billie in the hotel suite. “I’ve finally had a chance to check my DMs again. And, of course, read your comments. So many of you are asking me what’s next. Well, the fight continues. And I’ve decided to stay here to keep putting pressure on the police to identify Janelle’s body for her sister. She couldn’t make the vigil, and although I’m bummed, I totally understand why.”

She pauses, appropriately somber.

“Someone else reached out to me. And I’ll be honest, at first I was hesitant when I found out they wanted to talk. But then I realized I needed to do this. Because they are the only person alive who can give us the answers we need. Who can tell us about Janelle’s last moments.”

She pauses again, dramatically.

“Later tonight, I’ll be chatting with Breanna Wright. We’ll be going Live around 1 a.m. I know that’s late, but I want to make sure we get all our questions answered as soon as we can. So please comment with what you want me to ask her.”

TWENTY-FIVE

I never told you Bree wanted to be filmed.” Adore’s eyes shot daggers.

Her target sputtered for a few seconds before finally getting a sentence out. “But, Kristine, you said she wanted to talk.”

“Correct. There was no mention of it being on camera.”

Billie faced us, the glow from her oversized ring light causing an almost ethereal cast behind her. “How else would we do it?” Billie looked genuinely confused.

Adore and I were side by side. I was quiet—shocked—as she spoke. “You knew exactly what I meant when I spoke with you tonight. You’re trying to use her for views.”

“Of course,” Billie said. “But don’t tell me you aren’t doing the same thing. That’s why you’re here and not with the police. It won’t take long. She’s looking a little washed out, though. No offense. I’d love to make her a look a little more camera-ready.”

“How nice of you.” The sarcasm dripped from Adore’s voice.

Billie turned from Adore to me, having decided I was the reasonable one. “You’re fine with it, right?”

Now they both looked in my direction, each wanting me to tell the other they were wrong. “Billie, I really do appreciate you letting us come,” I said. “But, honestly, I’d rather just talk to you first.”

“Oh yeah, of course. We can get to know each other. Then go Live.”

Adore cut in, her words sharp. “If you had brought up anything about being filmed, we would’ve left sooner. Just like we’re doing now. Come on, Bree.”

She immediately followed through on her words, heels gliding so fast on the carpet I was surprised there weren’t sparks. But I was too stunned to move. So I was right there when Billie called out. “That’s a shame, Kristine. I’ve already told my followers we’ll be speaking.”

But Adore was gone. I stared at the open door, then turned to find Billie staring. “I can’t tell your story for you, Bree. You need to do that yourself. That’s the only way they’re gonna be on your side.”

I practically recoiled. “Billie, I watch your channel. I’ve seen every post. Every Live. Every dramatic reveal. Every shocked expression. Every fake tear. You’re the one who turned them against me.”

She shook her head, and when she spoke, it was with pity. “No, I’m the one who made people care about Janelle. The police weren’t doing shit. And if I had to get all pretty and do some theatrics to get the world to tune in, I am okay with that. Because it made them care too. Do you want the person who did this to be caught?”

The hair. The hands. The jeans. The blood covering it all.

I pushed the thought away, but Ty’s voice just replaced it. I’ve wanted to tell you: I love you so much.

My mouth went dry.

Billie was still going. “People talk about how big the internet is. It isn’t. It’s small. Full of people looking for connection. Herd mentality at its best. If you do this, they’ll believe whatever you want them to. You just have to present it in the right way. But if you don’t do it, what do you think they’re gonna believe?”

I swallowed. “Let me go talk to Adore,” I said.

“Take your time,” Billie said. “I’ll get the mascara out for you.”

She smiled. Eyes crinkling.

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