Page 74 of Make You Mine

MADELYN

I’m in a heated argument with troublemaker Chad, who’s trying to drag attention to himself again.

He’s insisting his pet snake, which I’m sure he doesn’t have, ate his homework, when Regina, our school secretary, walks into the classroom.

“Maddy?” she whispers, signaling me toward her.

“Chad, I’m going to have to ask you to come up with a more creative excuse while I talk to Regina.”

He scoffs, some other students laugh, and I approach Regina with curiosity.

“Yes?”

“Principal Schultz would like to speak to you. I’m going to replace you while you’re gone.”

“What is this about?”

“I can’t really say.” She gives me an apologetic look. “He’s in his office.”

I nod, not wanting to make a fuss in front of my students and rush out. My heart strumming in my throat all the way.

Why am I being called into the principal’s office this time?

Did my stalker finally go through with his empty threats? Did he hand in my dirty diary?

I try not to overthink it.

Principal Schultz is standing next to his desk, and in his place, sitting down, is a square-faced man in a dark blue uniform.

“Ms. A’gosto?” the man asks.

A freaking police officer.

I nod. “Am I in trouble?”

Stupid, stupid question.

“Not at all. I would like to exchange a few words with you. Mr. Schultz was nice enough to let us use his office.”

Principal Schultz smiles at me but his eyes expand with curiosity. He clearly has no idea why a police officer needs to speak to me.

But I do. I’ve known since yesterday.

I’ve been warned of it.

“I’ll let you two to it.” Principal Schultz leaves the room.

“Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

“N-no at all,” I stutter. Shit. So much for not acting suspicious. A bead of sweat runs down my back. “Could you tell me what this is about?”

“Of course. Ms. A’gosto, do you know a Lucien Spears?”

And there it is. Things escalated quickly.

News sure travels fast when it’s a twenty-something white guy who goes missing.

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