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Lozen sighed.
“I want to know, just like you. We just have to be careful.”
“I don’t think it’s going to be a drug-fueled prostitution orgy, Lozen.”
“Ok,” she said. “Well, we’re about to find out.”
They drove to where Lozen lived, a nice, well-kept modern house close to downtown. Lozen stayed in the attached suite with her mom.
“I wish we could hang out,” Saber said, pouting, and Lozen sighed.
“I have got to finish this paper and I know I’m not going to do it if I’m at your house. You’re too distracting.”
“I get it,” Saber said, sighing. “I have work to do too.”
Lozen and Saber didn’t tell Caroline or Mallory they were going to the party. It felt almost like a secret pact between them. They barely even talked about it with each other.
Rex tried to convince Saber to ride with him, but she insisted on driving and bringing Lozen.
They got ready at Saber’s house.
Lozen wore a pair of black overalls over a loose white T-shirt, and Saber wore the black satin dress she’d worn to Ansel’s house the first time.
“You’re going to be the only person in a dress,” Lozen said.
“I’m getting used to that.”
“I’m nervous.”
“I am too, but I’m excited. I don’t actually think anything crazy is going to happen.”
“Probably not,” Lozen said, “but I don’t like this. I don’t like taking stupid risks.”
“Right now all we know is that sometimes there are parties, and sometimes, after the parties, people have died. It’s not like your cousin was hanging out with Laurel and Elise. It might all be a bunch of coincidences.”
“I know,” Lozen said. “Either way, it’s just not my scene, you know?”
“I’ve never been big on parties either. I’m just insanely curious. Thanks for coming with me.”
The fog was thick as they drove up winding roads past pristine farms and woodlands. Saber drove slowly, nervous about driving in the dark, foggy conditions. Every now and then, a raven was in the road, lifting off in flight just as she approached.
“So many fucking ravens!” Saber said.
“I love them,” Lozen sighed. “I love their little black eyes that look like glass. I love the deer, I love the coyotes.”
They arrived at the house, a large, traditional home with a big, well-kept garden and fish pond out front, and found parking on the shoulder of the road.
“So, this looks like a pretty normal house to me,” Saber said, and they got out, walking up the garden path to the front door, white with a knocker that had the name “Jennings” engraved on it.
They knocked, and within moments Laurel Jennings answered, smiling sleepily at them both, like she was high. She had dark circles under her eyes and a waxen pallor, and Saberwondered if she was already drunk. Her long auburn hair hung loose in waves over her shoulders.
“Oh my god, I’m so glad you came,” she said, giving them both a hug like they were longtime friends.
“Lozen,” Laurel said. “I always thought you hated me!”
“Oh my god, Laurel, I do hate you!” Lozen said, and Laurel laughed so hard she doubled over.
Lozen and Saber stepped inside, and for some reason, Saber’s heart was beating fast. Lozen must have been feeling the same way because she reached for Saber’s hand.
