Page 45 of Hunting Pretty

Thank you, Lord, that we are not Liath Byrne, missing and forgotten and probably not shopping anytime soon.

Amen.

I drummed my fingers on the table as Grace ended.

From the side doors came the food carried on silver trays by servers in crisp white shirts with the school’s insignia on the breast.

With them came noise again in the dining hall. Grumbling about class schedules for the new term, posting dorm room makeovers to Instagram, comparing winter break vacations in Aspen versus Liathco, darling.

I forced a smile at the servers when they came around to our table and waved off the plates of food. “Just tea, please.”

I leaned forward. “Aisling, we need to talk to you about Liath.”

At Liath’s name, Aisling began to cry.

Shite.

Lisa wrapped her arm around Aisling as I reached across the table and grabbed Aisling’s hand. She clung to my hand as if I was a lifeline.

“It— It’s—” Aisling said through sobs. “It’smyfault she’s gone.”

Goosebumps raced up my forearms and a cold prickle spread across my upper back.

Aisling knew something.

Aisling pressed her face into her free hand, her shoulders shaking as she moaned. “It’s my fault. My fault.”

I leaned closer, keeping my voice down. “What do you mean?”

Lisa held Aisling closer and glanced around the hall. “Maybe we should do this later?”

We were already getting too many stares.

But Aisling knew something about Liath’s disappearance and I had to know.

I squeezed Aisling’s hand. “Babe, tell us what happened. We’re not going to judge. We just want to help find her.”

Aisling shook her head, wiping her face with her trembling fingers, smudging her mascara even further. “You’re never going to find her. She’s gone. And it’s my fault.”

I took out a tissue from my handbag and handed it over to her. “Here.”

I stared at Aisling as she hid her face into the tissue, dissolving into sobs.

What did she mean, it was her fault? Did she know who took Liath? Did she… inadvertently help them?

I wanted to push, to grab her and shake her for answers, but I knew I couldn’t push. I had to be patient. Had to wait until she was calmer.

I reached out and placed a hand on her forearm, squeezing softly. “Take your time, babe.”

Over her shoulder I spotted the dean, his gaze latching on mine.

Crap.

If he knew I was investigating Liath’s disappearance, he’d tell Ebony. Ebony would tell the commissioner. I’d get into so much shit.

I ducked my head and tried to stay out of his line of sight as the server came round with tea, setting out three cups and a steaming ceramic teapot.

I poured tea as Lisa handled the sugar and milk.

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