Masquerade of Lies (14 page)

“I don’t know. Things have gotten really weird lately.”

“What do you mean?”

“I found a friend of Brooke’s on Facebook and went to go see him. He told me Brooke was dating some guy named Mike Ellis, until he dumped her. I figured he had a motive to kill her, but after talking to him I’m not so sure he did it.”

“Yeah? Why? What did he say?”

“It’s not just what he said, but the way he said it.” The sound of the espresso machine startled me.

As the coffee shop got busier with the lunch rush, the murmur of chatter got louder and the ordering lines got longer.

I traced circles on the table with my index finger as I continued to think of possible suspects. After a while, I leaned a little closer to Josh and spoke in a low voice.

“You’re gonna think I’m crazy, but what about Claire?”

“What
about
Claire?”

“What if
she
killed Brooke?”

He grimaced. “Come on. No way.”

“Just hear me out,” I said. He crossed his arm across his chest. “What if Claire found out you kissed Brooke and totally flipped out?”

“She doesn’t know. Trust me,” Josh said.

I sat back in my chair and thought about Jessica, how messed up she looked when I bumped into her in the hall, how I saw those pills she was probably taking. She was obviously going through something; maybe she knew Claire killed Brooke, and it was eating her up inside.

“Well, she told the detective she was with Jessica at her house,” I said.

“There you go.”

“But how do we know that’s true? Jessica is one of Claire’s BFFs. Of course she’ll cover for her.”

“Look, it’s not Claire, okay? Just drop it,” Josh said.

“But everybody knows she hated Brooke.” I tucked some hair behind my ear. “Also, you should have heard the things she said to Brooke’s mother when she came to our school.”

“Yeah, I heard about that.”

“It was almost like she was happy because she knew she got away with it.”

“You’re right: I think you’re crazy,” Josh said with a smirk.

I let out a wry giggle. A girl in a black pencil skirt with long free flowing blonde hair walked by, and I caught Josh checking her out; suddenly, I felt very self-conscious.

“I guess those are the kind of girls you’re into, huh?” I said.

“Why would you say that?”

“Because if your eyeballs popped out any more, they’d be on the table. Plus, she’s like a carbon copy of Claire.” 

The girl had beautiful hair, a pretty face, and a killer body. I couldn’t compete with that.

“I like brunettes, too,” he said facetiously. I rolled my eyes. “So, how are we gonna clear our names?” he asked.

“Easy. We’ll break into Brooke’s house to see if we can find anything the killer might have left behind.”

“What?! Are you crazy?”

“Maybe we’ll find something the police missed.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I think it’s better if we just stay away from that house altogether.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re already suspects. How’s it gonna look if we get caught breaking and entering Brooke’s house? It’ll look like we’re trying to hide something, especially after the confrontation you had with Brooke’s mom,” he said, throwing his hand in the air.

“Well, I went to go see her the other day.”

“You went to see Brooke’s mom? Man, you got balls,” Josh said, shaking his head from left to right.

“I tried to explain that Brooke and I were like sisters and that I’d never hurt her, but she slammed the door in my face. I have to get in that house to see if I can find something,
anything
, that can lead me to Brooke’s murderer.”

“Let’s just say I decide to go along with this,” Josh said. “How are we gonna get into Brooke’s house?”

“Do you have any experience with picking locks?”

“Uh, no, can’t say that I do,” he said sarcastically.

“Okay, well maybe we’ll get lucky and one of her windows will be open.”

“What if we get caught?”

“We won’t. Now are you gonna help me, or would you rather sit in a cell and live in fear of dropping the soap?” I asked. 

He gazed at me for a long time without saying anything. Finally, he said, “Fine. I’ll help you.”

“Good.”

“So when are we gonna do this?”

“I’ll let you know.” 

“Okay.” He took another sip of his coffee and gave me a wondering stare. “By the way, I heard what happened with that guy at the party? Why didn’t you tell me?”

I bit my lip. “I don’t know. You had a lot going on with Claire that night; besides, it’s not
your
responsibility to protect me.” He smirked.

My phone buzzed, so I took it out of my pocket. It was a group text from Claire to me, Katie, and Jessica. It said:
Getting ready at my house for homecoming. Be at my house by 4 bitches.

“Who was that?” asked Josh.

“Claire. We’re getting ready for the homecoming dance at her house. She wants us to be there by four.”

“Sounds like fun,” he said with a giggle. “So, who’s
your
date?”

“I’m going with Mark Edwards,” I said, tucking some hair behind my ear.

“Oh, I see.”

“Yeah. He asked me, and I said yes.”

“That’s cool.”

“Besides, who else would I go with?”

He smiled and crossed his hands on the table. His pinky finger gently brushed against my arm, making my skin tingle. He looked at me a little longer than usual, and for a moment neither of us said a word.

I quickly pulled my arm away and said, “So…I guess you’re going with Claire?”

“Uh…well…I kinda have to, considering we’re probably gonna be crowned homecoming king and queen.”

“Right. Of course,” I said, lowering my eyes. “What if
I
was crowned homecoming queen?” I said joking. “After all, I
am
a candidate.”

“That would be interesting.” He said in a serious tone.

“Ohmigod, I’m just kidding. Could you imagine? Claire would kill me.” He nodded his head and grinned. “Hey, is it true Brooke was running for homecoming queen?” 

Josh burst out laughing. “Are you high? Who told you that?”

“Katie, actually.”

“Figures. I wouldn’t believe everything that comes out of that girl’s mouth. She’s a walking National Enquirer.” 

***

After I left the café, I went home to pack the stuff I was bringing to Claire’s house.

Before long, Katie’s black Range Rover pulled into my driveway, and I hopped in the back.

Jessica sat in the front next to Katie.

“Hey, girls!” I shrilled. I was really excited about going to the homecoming dance.

“All right, bitches, let’s get ready to party!” Katie shouted as she put the car in reverse and we were on our way.

I was sporting my Juicy tracksuit, but I planned to change into the dress Claire “bought” me once we got to her house. My Motorola chimed; it was a text from Stephanie. It said
: Wanna meet up and head to the dance together?
I wrote back:
Getting ready at Claire’s house. I can ask her if you can join us?
She said:
No, that’s okay. I’ll see you at the dance.
Katy Perry’s song
Last Friday Night
was blaring, but Katie turned it down so we could talk.

“So, who are you ladies going to the dance with?” I asked.

“Shane Richards, of course!” Katie shrilled. “We hooked up a couple times.”

“What about you, Jessica?”

“Are you kidding? I’m not interested in going to the dance with
anyone
at our stupid school,” she snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. “The only reason I’m even going is because I don’t have anything else better to do.”

Awkward.

Katie turned the music back up, and we didn’t talk the rest of the way.

A short time later, Katie steered into Claire’s circular driveway. She parked behind Claire’s punch buggy and cut the engine, then we all spilled out of her Range Rover and sauntered to Claire’s front door. Katie was carrying a black tote Coach bag that looked overstuffed with clothes and make-up, and Jessica was carrying a Chanel travelling bag. As for me, I’d borrowed a bag from my mom. When we reached the door, Katie pressed the doorbell, then gave Jessica a nudge. 

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Jessica muttered.

The door whipped open, and Claire stood there with a raspberry Smirnoff Ice in her hand. She was wearing a pair of slim fit Escada jeans and a pink tee. Jessica immediately changed her demeanor; as soon as the door opened, she pasted a fake smile on her face. I was a little nervous about seeing Claire because I wasn’t sure if she was going to be upset about me being a candidate for homecoming queen. Katie and Jessica gave Claire air kisses on both cheeks, so I did the same. “So what’s going on?” Jessica asked.

“Well…my mother’s friend owns a salon, and she offered to do our hair for the homecoming dance! Surprise!”

“No way!” I shrilled.

“Way! Come on, we’ll take my car.”

She grabbed her Kate Spade handbag off the hall table, and we left.

“You rock, Claire!” Katie yelled.

“I know, right?”

As we all got into Claire’s punch buggy, she pulled her icy pink lip gloss out of her bag and slowly spread it on her lips. She then started her car and veered off into the street.

“I can’t wait to get my hair done!” Katie said, excited.

I caught Claire rolling her eyes in the rearview mirror. She looked over at Jessica, who was quietly sitting beside her.

“Hello? Earth to Jessica,” Claire said.

“What do you want?” Jessica asked.

“What’s
your
problem? Are you on your period or something?”

“No, I’m cool. Just a little tired.”

“Well, snap out of it. Don’t be such a drag.”

“Well, don’t be such a bitch!” Jessica snapped.

Katie gasped. Jessica glanced back at us, and I could tell by the look on her face that she knew she’d crossed the line. Claire glared at us to see our reaction. She knew what she had to do. She was the queen bee, and
nobody
ever talked to her that way because they knew better; she had to put Jessica in her place.

“Claire...I...I...” Jessica started.

Claire jammed her foot on the brakes, and the car came to a screeching halt.

“Get out.”

“What?! Claire, I’m sorry...I’m just not myself…I–”

“Get out!”

“But I don’t know where I am.”

“Now why is that my problem?” Claire snapped.

Jessica grabbed her Chanel bag, opened the passenger door, and got out of the car. Katie and I sat in stunned silence.

“Close my door!” Claire demanded.

As soon as Jessica closed the door, Claire hit the gas, then flipped her hair over her shoulder.

I looked back and watched Jessica stand there all by herself as we got farther and farther away.

Suddenly, a thought came to me:

If Claire can do this to a friend, what is she capable of doing to an enemy?

CHAPTER THIRTEEN—DRINK, ANYONE?

Claire pulled into the parking lot of a salon called
Kool Styles
. She shut off the engine, and we all got out of the car. As Claire strutted towards the door, we followed behind her. She pulled open the glass door, and as soon as we stepped inside, the smell of chemicals and shampoo violated my nose. Blow dryers droned throughout the salon, and lounge music played in the background. A lot of people were waiting, but as soon as Claire walked in, we were given precedence.

“Claire!”

“Hi, Mrs. Chamberlain.” Claire said.

She was a slim middle-aged woman with a diamond-shaped face. She wore a red Gucci pantsuit and had long blonde feathered hair.

“These are my BFFs, Katie and new girl.”

“I’m Hanna,” I said.

Mrs. Chamberlain looked around behind Claire like she was searching for somebody. “I thought you were bringing three friends?”

“She couldn’t make it,” Claire said.

Katie and I looked at each other.

“Oh, okay. Well, come on, let’s get started,” Mrs. Chamberlain said, then spun on her heels and led us to our chairs. I got a whiff of her perfume, which smelt like a mixture of vanilla and red roses.

A couple hours later, we were done. Claire got a chic updo, and Katie’s hair was pinned half-up, leaving tousled curls falling down her back. I ended up getting a low, twisty bun with a few loose strands in the front. I saw that hairstyle in a magazine once and thought it would look amazing on me, especially with the dress I was wearing.

When we left the salon, we all got into Claire’s car and headed back to her house. When we got there, Jessica was sitting in front of the door with her Chanel bag by her side.

“Ohmigod, what is
she
doing here?” Claire muttered.

She cut the engine, and we all got out of the car. Jessica stood up as we approached the front door. A spasm of irritation crossed Claire’s face.

“Claire, I-I’m really sorry for the way I spoke to you,” said Jessica. She had a pained look on her face; she knew it was better just to apologize than be shunned by Claire Miller. “Come on, Claire, we’ve been friends too long for this shit. Can’t we just put it behind us?” she pleaded, her eyes wet with desperation.

For a moment, Claire just stared at her with flared nostrils, a stony expression on her face. Then suddenly, her face softened into a malicious smile.

“Fine. But the next time you speak to me like that, I’ll
destroy
you.” 

Jessica looked down at the ground. “Okay,” she answered.

“Good girl,” Claire said, patting her head like she was a dog.

I gawked in disbelief. Katie just stood there with a dazed look on her face.

We all settled in the sitting room and had a few drinks. Claire and Katie were sprawled out on the leather sectional, and Jessica laid back in the recliner.

“Hey, let’s play ‘Never Have I Ever’!” Claire shrilled.

“Good idea, Claire!” Katie bellowed.

“I know, right?”

She tossed her hair over her shoulder as we all gathered in the middle of the room and sat on the floor in a circle.

“I’ll start,” Katie blurted. She sat there for a second, thinking of what to say, then her eyes lit up. “Okay, never have I ever stole somebody’s boyfriend.” 

Claire smiled wickedly and took a drink. She caught all of us staring at her.

“What? You bitches are just jealous because you can’t do that.” 

I rolled my eyes. “Okay, my turn,” I said. “Never have I ever had sex.” Everybody took a drink except me.

“You’re a virgin?” Katie asked, surprised. I nodded my head. “Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry,” she said, putting her hand on my arm.

“It’s okay…really. It’s no big deal,” I said.

Jessica sat with her knees to her chest and bit her nails.

“I’ll go next,” Claire demanded. “Never have I ever been a
loser
.” When none of us took a drink, Claire stared directly at Jessica. “What are you waiting for, Jessica? Take a drink.” 

Jessica’s shoulders were hunched over as she clenched her legs. Hers eyes were flooded with tears.

“You want me to drink? Fine!” she said, then fiercely picked up her glass. “Never have I ever…been raped!”

She took a swig as tears streamed down her face. Nobody said a word; you could cut the tension in the room with a knife. She put down the glass and wiped the tears away from her face with her hand.

We all scurried towards her at once...well, all except for Claire, who stood up and crossed her arms over her chest. I put my arms around Jessica’s neck, and she broke down.

“Oh my goodness! When did this happen?” I asked.

“At Angela Blaine’s stupid party.”

“What happened?” Katie asked, tucking some hair behind her ears.

“I was dancing with a drink in my hand. I was having a good time, you know? Then I feel this guy come up behind me. He was cute, so I danced with him.” She had her arms wrapped around her knees and rocked back and forth. “After a while, we went upstairs to talk because we couldn’t hear each other over the music. We went into one of the bedrooms, then he closed the door and locked it.” Her voice was trembling. “We sat down on the bed, and he began kissing my neck. At first it was nice, but then he started to get aggressive. I asked him to stop, but he wouldn’t. I kept saying, ‘Zack, stop! Zack stop!’”

My jaw dropped; hearing that name cut me like a knife. The guy who tried to rape me at Angela’s party was also named Zack.

“Jessica, what did he look like?” I asked.

She described my attacker to a tee, everything from the Justin Bieber hair to his rancid breath. The air got caught in my throat, and I felt a rush of heat to my face. Katie gazed at her in disbelief, with her fingers over her parted lips. Claire just stood there with an annoyed look on her face; she couldn’t stand the fact that all the attention was on Jessica.

“Anyway, after it was over, he buttoned up his pants and left. He just left me there like a piece of discarded meat. I couldn’t get out of that house fast enough. I just left and ran. I kept running until I could barely see Angela’s house. I stopped at the first gas station I saw and called a taxi to go home.”

“Ohmigod
. That’s why we couldn’t find you,” I said.

Jessica just looked down at the ground.

“Are you sure he raped you, Jess?” Claire asked as Katie and I craned our necks to look at her.

“Am I sure? Yeah, I’m pretty sure, Claire!”

“Look, I’m not calling you a liar or anything, and I’m sorry if you felt like you were being attacked.” She sauntered towards her. “I’m just saying maybe you led him on a little bit.”

“You’re saying it was my fault?”

“Claire, come on!” I yelled.

“What?! I’m just
saying
, you were in that slutty dress and you went upstairs to the bedroom with him. I mean, come on.”

Jessica’s eyebrows shot up, and she blinked her wet eyes rapidly as her mouth fell open.

“Claire, you’re unbelievable,” I said. She just smiled maliciously as I directed my attention back to Jessica. “You have to go to the police!”

“No! No way! No police!”

“Why not?!”

“You heard what Claire said! What if they think the same thing? What if nobody believes me?”

“You have to do something,” I said in a hushed tone. “Taking prescription pills isn’t the answer,” I said, shaking my head from left to right. She gave me a hard stare.

“You’re taking
drugs
?” Claire asked with a sneer. “God, you’re pathetic.” 

Jessica stood up and ran away.

“What’s your problem, Claire?!” I demanded.

“Problem? I don’t have a problem. Do
you
have a problem?” Claire shot back.

As I opened my mouth to say something, I heard a loud thump coming from the other room. It sounded like a body plummeting to the floor...Jessica’s body.