Page 121 of What Goes Around

Because Amy was my friend.

I stepped forward before anyone else could speak.

“What exactly do you think you’re doing?”

The girl shot me an offended look. “Your friend stole Apple’s bracelet.”

“Let me see it,” I said calmly.

She hesitated, then thrust it toward me.

One glance was enough.

“That’s not the same bracelet,” I said flatly. “I was there when Grandma gave it to Apple. This isn’t it.”

Amy found her voice then. “That’s mine,” she said sharply. “Give it back.”

The girl scoffed. “Yeah, right.”

Before I could speak again, Liam stepped forward.

“What’s going on?” he asked, his tone edged with authority. “I’m a police officer.” His eyes locked onto the girl. “And you just accused my sister of theft. On what grounds?”

The girl faltered.

Her gaze flicked over her shoulder. Straight to Apple.

Confusion crossed her face. Then panic.

“She… she must’ve taken it,” the girl said, grasping for certainty that wasn’t there. “It was in her bag.”

“Because it’s her bracelet,” Liam replied. He held out his hand. “I’m going to need you to return my sister’s property. Now.”

She hesitated.

“And for the record,” he continued, “accusing someone of theft without evidence is defamation.”

That did it.

She dropped the bracelet into Liam’s hands like it burned.

“But—” she started.

I tilted my head slightly, my voice low and even, quiet enough that only the people closest could hear.

“You’re very brave,” I said softly, “for someone doing someone else’s dirty work.”

Her brows knit together. “What are you talking about?”

I glanced past her, just briefly, toward Apple, who stood a few steps back, hands clasped in front of her, eyes wide, perfectly innocent. Watching. Waiting.

“Interesting,” I continued, my tone almost conversational, “how you were so quick to accuse. So eager to perform. Yet the person who actually lost the bracelet hasn’t moved an inch.”

The girl’s jaw tightened.

“I was just trying to help,” she snapped. “That bracelet means everything to Apple.”

“Of course it does,” I replied. “Which is why she let you take the risk instead of stepping forward herself.”