Page 80 of Cruel Abandon (Fallen Royals 5)

“I wish someone would fill me in.” I rub my eyes. “This is exhausting.”

“Just avoid the police,” Mom advises. “They can’t do anything. They won’t.”

Except, something is bugging McAdams, and I’m at the center of it.

21

Sky

Mom leaves me with a half-unpacked room, her phone pressed to her ear. We’ve been in here so long it’s grown dark outside. The news broke a few minutes ago that the dead girl found at the reservoir was Natalie, and investigations are underway for her murder.

Only a few minutes later, my phone buzzes.

Mitch: Sorry about your friend.

Me: Thanks.

I don’t bother saying that she was never my friend. Hell, she was probably in on the video. Maybe it was her idea to post it from my account?

Mitch: I’m nearby. Want to get a drink?

I bite my lip and contemplate it.

Honestly? It’s weird being here. I’m holed up in this room under the guise of unpacking, but I’m sitting on the bed Mom made for me before she left. There’s an empty dresser in the corner that could’ve come from Goodwill. The room itself is light blue. A gray patterned carpet. A big window, currently with the shades closed and sheer curtains pulled closed.

It’s just… basic, and a little bit sterile.

My stomach growls.

I hop off the bed and crack my door, trying to see if Liam’s in the main room. His living room and kitchen are all one big space, which means there’s no hiding. The only saving grace is his bedroom is down the hall, on the other side of the bathroom.

But luckily, it’s empty.

Me: Sure. Meet me at Moe’s.

I grab a sweatshirt and purse and hurry to the door.

Liam doesn’t appear in time to stop me, and I’ll consider the consequences later. Right now, all I want to do is escape.

I step out onto the street, and someone immediately knocks into me.

“Sorry.” She flashes me a toothy smile. Blood runs down her chin from dark-red lips.

I cringe back.

There’s a furry man next to her, but when I don’t respond, they keep moving.

My phone buzzes again.

Mitch: Moe’s is having a costume party.

Mitch: What are you wearing?

Halloween isn’t until tomorrow—why the hell is a bar having a party on a Monday night?

But this is Boston… nothing makes sense here.

“Boo!” someone shrieks, running up the street.

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