Page 105 of Twisted Liars

Last year, a Netflix exec approached Amerie, Addy, Piper, and me and asked us to appear in a special true crime documentary series based on the Rosmerta case. The series explored the background of the secret society, the scandal when the truth was revealed to the world, and the aftermath for everyone involved. A spinoff was also in the works, and that would look into the lives of the women from the baby farm as they reintegrated into regular society.

Amerie and I were reluctant to do it at first, because we’d already received so much attention when the case first exploded in the public eye back in 2022, but the money on offer was simply too much to refuse.

“What did you use it for?” Addy asked, tilting her chin.

“A down payment on a place in Virginia,” I replied. “It has a nice big yard for Clara, so it’s not too much of a downgrade from this place.”

“Oh, that’s right. Amerie already told me about it. I completely forgot,” Addy said, rubbing her temples. “I swear, my brain is totally scrambled these days.”

I smiled. “It’s from all the studying. But don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, I know.” She returned my smile. “Anyway, when are you guys moving?”

“Two months. We’ll get settled in, and then I’ll start at the academy.”

“I can’t believe you’re actually going to be in the FBI.” Addy slowly shook her head. “I mean, no offense, but when we were back in school, I always pictured you doing some sort of rich douchebag job in the future.”

I chuckled. “Such as?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Hedge fund manager?”

“Careful.” I grinned and lowered my voice. “I’m pretty sure there are at least three hedge fund managers in this room. One of them is our neighbor.”

“Oh, the woman who bought your old house?”

“Yup.”

“What’s she like?”

“She’s nice,” I said. “She kept the beach and boardwalk access open for us, just like my parents used to do for the neighbors. So that’s cool.”

Addy’s lips tightened. “Speaking of your parents, do you ever go to see them in prison?”

“Nope.” I shook my head. “You?”

“No. I don’t want to. They aren’t my family anymore,” she said stiffly.

“Me neither,” I replied. “Anyway, on a less somber note, how’s Eric?”

“Good. He’s actually on his way here now. He’s late because—oh, there he is now!” Addy pointed across the room. “I’ll go and grab him so you can say hi. But we’re getting some cake first. Sorry, I’m starving.”

“That’s fine.” I smiled. “Take your time.”

She melted into the crowd, and I turned away to chat to some other people. A familiar face caught my eye a few minutes later.

“Teddy Oakeshott?” I said, taking a step to the right.

He turned to me with a smile. “Hey, Jensen.”

“I thought that was you,” I said, shaking his hand. “Thanks for coming.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” He cast his eyes around the room. “The decorations look great. Amerie did a really good job.”

“Yeah, she did,” I replied. “Anyway, I haven’t seen you in ages. What have you been up to?”

“Not a whole lot. But I’ve taken over my dad’s contracting business, so that’s something.”

“That sounds great.”

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