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“Isn’t targeting our class.” Sienna looks back toward the B&B. “They’re targeting the Reds.”

The finality in her voice sends another chill through me.

“Jordan. Then Sydney. Now Brooke.” Her jaw sets. “Three victims. Three separate killings. Same target pool. And if I’m right about the same unsub being responsible,” she looks me straight in the eye, “then that can only mean one thing—Fairhope has a serial killer on the loose.”

Great.

Most high school reunions come with name tags and awkward small talk.

Ours just had to come with a body count.

Chapter 18

Fairhope, 16th September 2013

I’m pulling on my coat when a loud car horn cuts through the quiet street.

“What the hell?”

When I open the door to see who’s making all that racket at seven in the morning, I’m surprised to find Misty behind the wheel of her brand-new car, with Sienna sitting in the back seat. I’m still trying to process the sight of my two best friends parked on my street when Misty leans over the passenger seat and opens the door for me.

“What’s going on?” I ask, sliding into the seat.

“What does it look like? I’m taking my best friends to school,” Misty says, all smiles.

I shoot Sienna a questioning look, only to be met with an eye roll.

“It came as a shock to me too.”

Misty laughs at Sienna’s sarcasm and pulls away from the curb.

“Thanks, I guess,” I mutter, still trying to make sense of whatever strange chain of events led to Misty popping back into our lives.

“No need to thank me. That’s what friends do, remember?” She grins.

“Friends also answer their friends’ calls, but what do I know?”

“Sienna,” I scold.

“No, no. She’s right. I’ve been a bad friend lately. I know.” Misty interjects, looking genuinely remorseful. “It’s just that between cheerleading practice and my grandmother being on my case twenty-four seven, I haven’t had a lot of free time. But that’s on me. Not on you guys. I should’ve made more of an effort.”

I’m about to tell her it’s okay when Sienna cuts in, “Your Grams can’t be too upset with you if she bought you this fancy car.”

“Isn’t it gorgeous?” Misty squeals, no longer looking quite so guilty about blowing us off these past few months. “Best sweet sixteen present ever.”

I try to keep my smile intact, but it’s hard when you’re reminded you weren’t even invited to your own best friend’s birthday.

Misty must sense where my thoughts have gone to because she quickly adds, “I didn’t do anything special. It was just my grandmother and me.”

I nod, even though my gut is telling me she’s not being entirely truthful.

It doesn’t matter. She’s here now.

“I also wanted to come by to thank you and Sienna for coming to the game last Friday. I know how much you don’t like football, so I really appreciate you making the effort to see me cheer.”

I extend my hand to hers on the gearshift and give it a small squeeze.

“Of course. We wouldn’t miss it.”