As we meandered along back roads, searching for the next object we needed to complete Kat’s “most brilliant idea ever,” I checked the clouds. The sun glared at me, making my eyes water, but I still caught sight of a rabbit and moaned. No, please no. Not tonight. I wasn’t ready to face the zombies—and my reaction to them—again.
Tonight I was supposed to stay at Cole’s gym and guard the bodies the slayers left behind. But. Yeah, there was always a but with me, wasn’t there? I’d be called out just as soon as the zombies were found—and they would most certainly be found.
Would I hear the voices again? Should I just call in sick?
“I’m sure we’re going to get a terrible grade for this,” Reeve said with a groan.
“If anything, we’ll receive a certificate for awesomeness,” Kat replied.
My phone beeped. I checked the screen and stiffened.
“What’s wrong?” Kat asked.
“Cole wants to meet with me,” I said without any inflection of emotion.
Inside, I churned.
I read the text again. My house. Five. Be there.
Dang it. I’d planned to have dinner with Nana before heading over.
“When? Where?” Reeve asked, and I gave her the details.
“Are you going to go?” Kat wondered.
Hands shaking, I texted Nana. Can we reschedule? I’m so sorry, but something’s come up w/Cole.
I waited, but a response from her didn’t come.
To Cole, I texted Why?
Cole (I’d deleted the part about McHottie): Do I really need a reason?
Me: 2 talk? Yes. We’ve said all we need 2 say.
Okay, so that wasn’t exactly true. I still had to drum up the courage to mention his odd behavior, as promised.
Cole: Who runs this show? Just be there.
Me: Fine.
Cole: Your enthusiasm is humbling.
Me: Go screw yourself.
Cole: I have. I prefer 2 have a partner.
I think I gasped.
“Yeah. I’m going to go,” I said. I wasn’t going to call in sick. I had responsibilities. I’d keep them.
“Hold everything.” Kat bounced up and down in her seat and clapped. “I think I see one.”
“Where?” Reeve demanded.
Kat pointed. “Pull over.”
Groaning, Reeve slowed the car, eased to the side of the road and parked. I freed one of the balloons and exited. The girls joined me, and together we approached the centerpiece of our project—a dead raccoon, its arms and legs stiff and pointing in the air.
“Gloves,” Kat said, holding out her hand.
Reeve dangled a pair just beyond her reach. “These are cashmere, you know.”
“I’m sure the raccoon will be thrilled,” she replied drily. “Even though I told you to buy latex.”
“I thought you’d appreciate something softer.” Sighing, Reeve relinquished the gloves, and Kat tugged them on. “I bought hand sanitizer instead.”
“Balloon,” she said next.
I handed it over.
Then Kat crouched over the poor dead animal and tied the ribbon to one of its wrists. There was no wind, so the Get Well Soon balloon stayed perfectly straight, flying proudly over the motionless animal.
“Your family will thank me for this one day,” she said with a nod.
“As if we’re really doing any good,” Reeve said.
“Hello, we so are. People need to be more aware of the creatures crossing the road, thank you, and this is our way of helping. It’s humorous—”
“And gross,” Reeve interjected. “And cruel.”
“And they’ll remember,” Kat finished.
We each snapped a few pictures with our phones, cleaned our hands, got back in the car and hunted the next Get Well Soon victim. I mean, recipient.
I couldn’t help comparing myself to the animals. A car crash. A part of me dying.
I prayed I had a better end but had a feeling I was going to have to adjust my to-do list yet again.
Chapter 12
Deadly Eyes Betray You
We dropped Kat off at the school parking lot, where her car waited, and drove home. Another note had been stuck to the bottom of the staircase railing. Sighing, I sailed into Mr. Ankh’s office—only to find him in a heated discussion with Mr. Holland.
Interesting.
The moment the men spotted me, they zipped their lips. Mr. Holland had been leaning over the desk, putting himself nose to nose with Mr. Ankh. Now he eased back into his seat, and the two acted as friendly as ever.