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ChapterTwenty-One
Ariana returned to the outdoor seating area where Lia and Rita were removing items Boone had picked out.
Lia wiped her forehead. “Are the cops still at my house?”
“The cars are gone. Both our properties are police-free.” Ariana handed them both a bottle of water and opened hers. “Want to head over?”
Lia guzzled her entire bottle. “I’m afraid to see the mess they’ve caused.”
Rita leaned against the wall. “You’ve been helping with my house. I’ll return the favor.”
“Are you sure you have the energy?”
“If I didn’t, I’d tell you.”
Lia turned to Ari. “Is it like on TV? When the cops search a house, do they tear it all apart?”
“It depends on what they were looking for. From my understanding, the warrant allows them to search for something specific so I doubt they looked through everything.”
“That’s good news, I guess.”
“Keep in mind, I’ve never been an officer. Only went through one semester of pre-law before changing my major.”
“But your dad is a cop.”
“Right. Him, not me.”
Lia shrugged. “Let’s go see the damage.”
As the three friends made their way outside, Ariana bumped into Rita who had stopped walking on the porch.
“Who’s that?” Rita pointed across the street.
A girl about their age with shoulder-length black hair with pink streaks stood in front of Ariana’s property.
“Probably just someone curious about all the neighborhood drama,” Lia said.
“Have you seen her before?” Rita asked.
“No,” Ari said.
“Actually,” Lia said. “She does look familiar. I’m not sure why. New move-in?”
“Let’s see what she’s up to.” Rita marched ahead.
Ariana exchanged a curious glance with Lia before they chased after her.
“Can you believe they found dead bodies there?” Rita asked.
The girl’s eyes widened. “That’s why there’s no house here?”
“It’s a little more complicated than that. I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Rita.” She extended her hand.
“Maya.”
Lia and Ariana introduced themselves.
“Where do you live?” Rita asked.
