Page 38 of Bad For A Weekend

“Have you spoken to your dad yet?” Ziggy asks.

“No. Not yet.”

Sara hands me her cell. “You should call him.”

A half-hour later, Owen reappears, looking worried and nervous.

“Did you find him?” I ask.

“No. By the time they figured out where the electricity had been cut, he was gone. But they’re taking DNA samples from the hallway. Did you talk to your dad?”

“Yeah, he’s meeting us at the hospital.”

“Okay. Let’s go.” He doesn’t wait for permission before jumping into the ambulance and giving the paramedic an impatient look.

“Are you okay with him riding with us?” he asks.

“I need him with me,” I say, which is the truth. The only reason I’m not in some basement being murdered is because of him, and I doubt I’ll ever feel safe again if he’s not with me.

But there’s also that kiss. I wish the memory hadn’t been tainted by this because it was perfect.

Someday when this is all over, I’ll demand a redo.

Owen

It’s been two days since prom, and we’re nowhere close to figuring out who the man was. A rush on the DNA samples led us to a dead end. Hudson and I have been combing over hours of video feed the venue gave us, at least what they had until the power was cut.

I’ve watched every second, pausing on each frame to find the perpetrator. So far, every face caught on camera is accounted for. It’s maddening.

“Bro, you need to get some sleep. You look crazy.” Hudson takes a seat next to me.

Corey has given us use of his office for the time being so I can keep an eye on the house while also trying to find whoever did this.

“I’m not tired,” I say, pausing the video and zooming in on each face.

“Yeah, you are. And you’re no good to anyone if you aren’t on top of your game.” Hudson flips the computer monitor off. “I’ll keep an eye on things. You go catch some shut-eye.”

I know he’s right. Faces are blurring together, and despite the many energy drinks I’ve downed, my brain feels sluggish.

“Fine. But just a couple hours and don’t leave the house.”

“Okay, boss,” he says jokingly.

“I mean it.” I pin him with a look.

“Okay, okay.” He cups my shoulder. “But seriously, are you all right? This whole situation might be triggering.”

“I’m fine.” I brush him off and walk out of the office.

I should go out the back door and into the pool house, but there’s a stop I need to make first. Glancing at my watch, I see it’s eleven at night. It’s late, but I won’t be able to rest until I see her and make sure she’s okay.

Baylor’s door is cracked open, so I peek inside. Corey is sitting in the corner of the room, watching over his daughter. The door creaks slightly as I walk in, gaining his attention.

“Is she okay?” I whisper.

“Yeah, she’s finally getting some sleep after the doctor gave her a sedative.”

“You should try and rest too, then.”

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