Page 143 of The Darkest Note

I hear theclick, click, clickof heels like someone’s closing up my coffin while I’m still inside. My heart slows to match the rhythm of the steps. As she comes into view, my eyes slide up her heeled loafers, to the white socks, the too-short skirt, and the blouse that’s obviously too small for her.

When my eyes crash into hers, everything inside me goes still.

“Cadence Cooper,” dad announces.

The gym falls into shocked silence. Everyone knows we kicked Cadence out of Redwood.

Whispers fire up around us.

Finn gives me a stunned look.

Zane’s eyes are about to roll on the floor.

Sol looks uneasy.

I only take a moment to soak in their reactions before I pin my gaze back on Cadence. She’s looking right at me, her brown eyes narrowed and her lips up in a smirk.

My phone buzzes.

Jinx: Your search for Cinderella requires no glass slippers. The one you want is already in front of you.

I tap on the video she sent along with the message, unable to breathe when I see it.

Redhead. Outside the back-to-school showcase. Taking off her wig.

My heart is racing and I’m on my feet, pouncing down the bleachers before I even realize where I’m going. People duck to keep from being trampled. Dad stops in the middle of his speech.

It doesn’t matter.

I have to get to her.

How is it possible that Cadence is Redhead? Has she been playing me all along?

I can hardly breathe when I get to the middle of the gym. Dad is staring at me. The entire freakingschoolis staring at me. I look like a maniac on a war path. But Cadence doesn’t look scared at all.

In fact, her smile turns cruel. “Do you need something, Dutch?”

“Who the hell are you?” I hiss, baring down on her.

She steps close to me. Goes toe to toe. In a dark, warning voice, she whispers, “I’m your worst nightmare.”

* * *

Jinx: Hello, citizens of Redwood. I’m sending my royal proclamation through our school app for the last time. Going forward, no one’s secrets will be hidden. If you want to know what’s happening with the highest of the elite at Redwood, all you have to do is subscribe to my new app.

Here’s a juicy little tidbit for free. Redwood’s very own Cinderella was seen poofing into the gym on the arm of her fairy god-father. And there was one prince who wasn’t very happy with that.

It looks like a war may be brewing between Prince Charming and his working class love, but this Cinderella is not to be underestimated. Today’s showdown is proof. How will our blonde prince deliver his first blow? Join my app and you’ll be the first to know.

Until the next post, keep your enemies close and your secrets even closer.

- Jinx

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