Page 104 of What Happened on Roslyn Street?
It’s not an answer—but it’s not a denial. I exchange a look with Caldwell.
“You’re going togiveus proof,” Margaux says sweetly, poking the stake into Amelia’s chest. “Or I’m going to use this. Don’t think I’m afraid to. Unlike you, I know how to clean up my messes.”
I don’t know how to feel about this version of Margaux. I look away as discomfort takes the front seat.
It’s for Poppy. Margaux can say or do anything if it means we catch Poppy’s killer.
Amelia laughs, her demeanor shifting. I turn my attention back to make sure I get it on camera.
Bubbly, awkward Amelia oozes confidence. She leans into the stake, pressing it harder against her chest.
“I don’t think you do,” Amelia says, pouting. “Maybe your daddy does, but do you think he wants to clean up more of your messes?”
That strikes a nerve with Margaux. “Shut up!”
She’s never been one to anger quickly, but Amelia knows just how to get to her. Anger flashes red in my friend’s eyes.
“Margaux,” I murmur, moving closer, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t let her get to you.”
“Yeah, Margaux.” Amelia is taunting me. She fixes me with a smile I’ve never seen before. “Listen to your stupid, human pet.”
My jaw drops. “You know I’m a human?”
“Everyone knows.” Amelia rolls her eyes. “No onebelieved your pathetic lie. Do you think you fooled admissions?”
“I…” I shake my head.
“You think you’re so smart,” Amelia says, “but you are constantly in your way. You pay attention to all the wrong things, and you miss the answers that are right under your nose.”
I recoil. “You do realize I’m recording, right?”
“Yes,” Amelia says. “And you must realize I don’t care. You’re going to delete the video, and you’re going to let me go.”
Caldwell finally makes a sound. A laugh comes from behind me, and it’s louder than any I’ve heard from him.
“That’s a funny joke,” he says. “Do you know what you’ve taken from us? Fromme?”
That stupid, condescending pout is back on Amelia’s face.
“Your mommy?” Amelia asks. “Your friend? When are you going to realize this wasneverpersonal?”
“Why does that matter?” Margaux asks. The stake in her hand shakes. “You’re killing people.”
“People die, Margaux.” Amelia says. “You’re going to be immortal someday. Get used to losing the people you care about. Poppy died, and soon… Tobey will die, too.”
“No, she won’t,” Margaux says.
“She will. She has to. It might happen today or fifty years from now, but it will happen,” Amelia says. “And you? You’re going to look exactly like this, but a lot lonelier.”
“Stop it!” Margaux screams. “You don’t know me! Why are you talking about me like you do?”
Margaux doesn’t act quickly enough—and Amelia does.
Amelia’s hand is on the stake in a flash, easily wrestling it from Margaux’s shaking hold.
They’re a perfect match for each other’s strengths, but Amelia has the element of surprise. She pushes Margaux down, sending the dhampir tumbling against a wall.
When Amelia turns to me, the smile on her face is hungry. She’s been hunting me all along, and now I know she wasn’t hunting me for friendship.
