Page 15 of Games We Play (Thistle Cove 2)

“What about the fact no one mentioned Jacqueline’s death while people were looking for Rose? Like, not a word in the newspaper or on television. Like, that news lady, Janice Hill, never said anything.”

Ozzy chews a mouthful of pancakes and then washes it down with coffee. He points his fork at me. “Okay, I admit, that’s a little more interesting. You would think an old murder with similar traits to a new possible crime would be a big deal.”

I smile, feeling slightly vindicated. “Right? So why did no one say anything about Jacqueline? Why have we never heard her name mentioned?”

“Well,” he says, picking up a piece of bacon, “maybe her family didn’t want to talk about it, and the press gave them some privacy.”

“That doesn’t sound like the press, even in our small town.”

“Maybe the police were embarrassed they never found the killer.”

“Or maybe,” I say, leaning over the table, “someone got everyone to keep their mouths shut.”

“KK, I love a good conspiracy theory as good as the next guy, but who has that much power?”

I slide the photo back across the table and tap my finger over the three boys in the middle. “I know at least one of those boys that is about to become mayor, another that’s a well-respected, wealthy lawyer, and another that every single person in this town loves.”

He eyes me skeptically and tugs down on his cap. I’ve at least piqued his interest.

“There’s a big difference in these two situations, Kenley. Jaqueline was murdered and Rose—”

“Rose has never been found.”

He looks around to make sure no one heard me. “Are you seriously saying that Rose didn’t kill herself?”

Am I? I’ve never said it out loud, not even to myself. Do I think Rose didn’t kill herself? Or if she did kill herself was it for a much bigger reason than depression and discontent?

“I’m not saying anything other than the fact I’m going to look into this.”

“Clearly.”

I shrug, and pick up the photo, sliding it back in my bag. “You don’t have to help.”

He frowns. “Yeah, well, I am anyway.”

“Why?”

“Because,” he says, eyes holding mine, “it’s important to you, and you’re important to me.” I can’t help but smile. “Where do we start?”

“Where all good info about Thistle Cove High lies—the Valhalla office.”

11

Ozzy

After years of being solo; few friends, unique interests, determined independence, breaking into the school on a Saturday afternoon nails home the influence Kenley has on me.

Especially when it’s completely voluntary, and we’re surrounded by four years of yearbooks—the ones leading up to Jaqueline’s death.

While she studies the yearbooks, I focus on old articles in the Thistle Cove Chronicle. I enter in search words; Jacqueline Cates, Thistle Cove High, Missing, Strangled, Found Dead

Hundreds of hits pop up.

Seventeen-Year-Old Student Goes Missing

Have You Seen Jacqueline Cates?

Police Frustrated with Lack of Leads

---