Page 37 of The Invite
Quickly picking it up, I rush inside and lock the door. First thing tomorrow, I’m changing all the locks—another expense that I can’t afford—to make sure Augustus stays outside. I hate that my paranoia came true tonight.
I had such a fantastic day with Ace.
He genuinely uplifted my mood, went to the woods with me, and patiently searched until we found the ditch my suitcase fell into. In the broad daylight, it wasn’t as deep as I thought the previous night. With Ace’s athletic build and tall height, he was able to jump in and get it out without breaking a sweat.
I owe him one.
Switching on the light in the living room, I sit down on the couch and study the mysterious envelope. It’s smooth. Feels expensive with an extra shine. The letter ‘A’ is embossed in red ink in a circle on the front. Below it ‘Anonymous’ is written in beautiful cursive.
I stare at it hard and unblinking, too scared to open and read what’s inside.
My heart and mind say nothing good will come out of it.
Or perhaps it’s a prank by one of my students? Greta did warn me about them. Just not about how corrupt and influential they are.
Heart in my throat, I flip it open and pull out the folded-up note. The text is printed instead of handwritten. The first thing I notice is the scent of the paper like it’s fresh off the print. The white paper is thick and of supreme quality.
I read the message.
Secrets are the new currency.
Wait, I forgot who I am talking to.
You, of all people, know it.
But did you know that I know yours?
A hint: Roses are red, Violets are blue,
I know the killer and she’s on the loose.
Don’t worry, I have no intention of revealing it… yet.
Unless you play my game and come out the winner.
A secret for a secret.
Yours for another’s.
A week and then I’m coming to collect.
Xoxo, A.
Oh, and welcome to Fallthorne, Nessa.
I swear I forget how to breathe while colorful spots dance in and out of my vision. I read the cryptic letter over and over, willing myself to not go into a panic mode. This has to be a silly prank with The Massacre Ball looming around the corner. My secret is safe. Whoever has sent me this is betting on me being foolish enough to believe it.
Well, I’m not playing around with them.
The only danger I have in my life is Augustus Grayson. I cannot worry about some anonymous blackmailer.
Crushing the paper and the envelope in my fist, I march to my kitchen and throw it in the trash can.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Drinking a glass of water, I fix my parched throat. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was until now. When I move to put my glass in the sink, I notice the previous one and suppress a shudder.
Augustus is certifiably crazy.
