Page 152 of The Silent Note

And there’s no way that it ends well.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

GREY

Normally, I’m treated like a leper by the staff at Redwood Prep. The teachers suddenly showering me with attention, praise and coffee made my head spin. I barely managed to give them the slip.

The day is already starting off on a weird foot. I amnotlooking forward to my first class.

Honestly, I don’t expect anyone to be there, which is why I take the risk and sneak into an empty stairwell so I can call Finn.

“I told you I’d let you know when it was done,” he answers impatiently.

I wince. “I know. I, uh, actually, wanted to call and say thank you.”

There’s a sharp silence.

I clear my throat. “You’re missing school this morning because of me. You didn’t get any sleep…” I shuffle my feet, chewing on my bottom lip. “My relationship with Zane doesn’t have anything to do with you and neither does my investigation. You don’t have to do any of this.”

“You think Zane would let me live if I didn’t help you?”

“Even if you’re doing your brother a favor, you don’t have to do it this well or put so much effort into it.”

Finn lets out a breath. “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not.” I swallow hard. “You keep your feelings close to the chest, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have them. I know more than anyone what it’s like to be the quiet one in the room. Dutch and Zane are louder and, uh, pushier…”

He lets out a laugh.

“But I wanted you to know that I see you, Finn.”

There’s another beat of silence.

“Honestly…” Finn hesitates over the phone. “I can’t fix the flash drive. I took it to a repair shop and they said the same.”

My stomach sinks.

No, no, no.

“There’s one more option. It’s a long shot. And really risky.”

“Yes.”

“You haven’t even heard what I want to do yet.”

“Yes.”

“What if you regret saying yes to this?” he challenges.

“I trust you.”

Silence rings out.

“Finn?”

“I think I get it,” he says with an amused voice.

“Get what?”

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