Page 329 of Tis the Season to be Bullied

“Where did you see it?”

“In Baker’s house. That kid was looking at it. I only saw a glimpse, but I know my own work when I see it.”

“How do you knowhestole?—”

“That whole family’s rotten as a barrel of week-old fish.” Father shakes his head, teeth flashing. “I told you back then I didn’t want you seeing that boy.”

We were so young. I thought we played in the woods because what fucking kid wouldn’t if they had the chance?

But now I remember.

We played there because else I would get into trouble. And I only brought Marcus over when I knew my father would be out of town.

Over the years, I must have forgotten the real reason. So much has happened since then, I mean, fuck. Junior high, high school, Jessica.

Indi.

“I…forgot.”

My father shakes his head, but I can see there’s a touch of doubt in his eyes now. “What were you going to use it for?”

I shrug. My father’s mouth twists.

“The money! What was it for?”

“A loan, that’s it.”

“Like the bracelet?” Dad’s eyebrow quirks up. “Is that in your car too?”

I shake my head. “No. I have to… I still have to get it back.”

“Then get it back.” Dad tugs at the hem of his suit jacket, twisting his neck. “The police are busy fingerprinting my computer and study. I already know what they’ll find.”

Because of course my fingerprints will be all over that shit.

But not his computer. I’ve never touched it. I knew it was off-limits.

“You’re wrong about Marcus,” I say. “He’s never done anything—” I cut off, aware of the bald-faced lie I’m about to lay on my father. “He’s a good guy.”

Father lets out a soft laugh. “No, son.You’rea good guy. Marcus? He takes advantage of good guys like you.”

Dad’s words play on end in my mind as I head home. I zone out so badly that the car behind me at the traffic light honks before I realize the light is green.

I coast down the freeway.

It doesn’t matter which way I twist things, I can’t fit the pieces together.

Of course, it doesn’t help that my mind keeps going back to Indi. How vengeful she looked. How hard she pretended that she’d actually be able to hurt me with that little blade if she tried.

Liar.

When could she possibly have overheard me and Marcus speaking about Jess? We know better than to run our mouths where anyone can hear us.

The church.

Was she there? Was that what I saw before I got so caught up in Marcus that I forgot?

What the fuck was she even doing there?

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