Page 111 of The Glittering Edge

Alonso steps forward, and Penny can see the trajectory of his fist before he ever throws it. She grabs his wrist and pulls him toward her, until they’re chest to chest. Alonso looks down at her, his body quaking with rage. His scent is a mixture of mint and sweat, as if he’s carried the humidity inside with him.

“Let go,” Alonso says.

But Penny won’t, and so he doesn’t move. She looks at Corey. “You have a right to be mad at me, but you should know that Dylan is okay.”

“Right,” Corey says. “Great to know you did all of this for nothing. Tell my aunt I’ll be in the car.”

“Corey, wait,” Penny says, because there’s so much to tell them. About the Shadow, and Charles and Giovanni, and the strange things Ellie said to Penny in her dream or vision.

But Corey is already leaving, and Penny feels whatever tenuous friendship they had disappear.

Cozy Mystery Book Club

JULY 30, 11:04 PM

ALONSO DE LUCA removed PENNY EMBERLY from the chat.

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Alonso De Luca

hey

corey

Corey Barrion

Why did you kick Penny out?

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Alonso De Luca

because i need to talk to you and i refuse to save your number

did you talk to dylan yet?

Why do you care?

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Alonso De Luca

because i’m not the only one who pulled some shit tonight.

What are you talking about?

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Alonso De Luca

just watch the video she livestreamed.

You’re really not going to tell me why?

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Alonso De Luca

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