Page 103 of What Happened on Roslyn Street?
“I hate that we’re doing this here,” I mutter, unsure of how dirty our hands will have to get.
Will we be able to get proof of the murders, or… will we have to take matters into our own hands and hope for the best?
This may not be a favorable location for the latter.
“What do you consider the prime location to kill a killer?” Margaux asks dryly, making her way to the door. “Come on. If we keep blabbing, she’ll hear us.”
That’s the problem with going up against another vampire. She has the same strength and gifts that Margaux does.
I remind myself of the stake strapped to my thigh, but it offers little security. Having Margaux’s help is a small comfort, but we’re still going up against a member of the undead. There’s no saying how it will end.
Caldwell and Margaux hide, and I prepare for my part.
After all I’ve done for the cause, I’m throwing myself into the metaphorical den of lions. At least it’s only one lion, I suppose.
I tap my knuckles against the door. Even with the knowledge that Amelia is inside, I’m half-hoping she doesn’t answer.
Caldwell thinks I’m brave, but I’m not sure he’s right. When the door swings open, I feel like a coward, fighting the urge to run and hide.
I plaster a smile on my face, all too aware that she can hear the rabid beating of my heart. I manage to keep my hand steady, holding out one of the coffees as an offering.
“Morning!” I chirp.
Amelia greets me with a smile—is it a hungry one, or has paranoia taken me for a ride?
“Tobey!” There’s a genuine surprise in her features—I think. Good. She reaches to take the coffee, her head tilting to the side. “It’s been so long! To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I know we keep planning dinners, but… I’ve just been so busy! So, I stopped by my favorite café for coffee this morning, and I was like… you know what? Let’s get Amelia a treat!” Why can’t I shut up? “You’re always hard at work in class, and, you know, you deserve treats too!”
“You know what?” She giggles, stepping aside to let me in. “You’re so right! And I can’t think of a better coffee date than one with you.”
Before she can shut the door, Margaux barges in behind me.
Amelia’s face shifts from bliss to confusion, her bright eyes widening. They grow even rounder as Caldwell slowly joins us, shutting the door with a soft click.
He twirls a stake in his fingers, his eyes never leaving Amelia.
“You’re going to be quiet,” he says calmly.
Amelia nods, stumbling back until she collapses on the bed.
“Good,” Margaux purrs, smiling sweetly. She stalks toward the bed, fangs flashing, clutching a stake of her own. “Now, set the coffee down.”
Amelia listens without question, setting the cup down by her feet. “O-okay…”
“And drop the act.” Margaux rolls her eyes.
“Tobey…” Amelia’s gaze shifts in my direction. She looks so pitiful that my heart sinks. “What’s happening? I thought we were having a coffee date!”
What if Caldwell made a mistake?
Trusting him is the only option. I can’t think that way.
I breathe in shakily, not sure how to talk to her. Until my phone is out, I say nothing, pressing record. I make sure her face is in the frame.
“Amelia,” I say. “We know whathappened—with you and with the students on campus. We know you were involved.”
“What are you talking about?” Her eyes flash. It’s a subtle shift, a narrowing. The confused frown is still firmly on her face. “Do you have any proof?”
