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“That’s what I thought,” she mutters, eyeing the people around us as though any one of them could be a potential suspect. “That’s the problem with old grudges. You never know which ones have been quietly festering. Or which one has already signed your death certificate.”

“Or maybe revenge is just what we’re supposed to believe is the motive. Revenge always sounds satisfying in fiction. It gets a lot messier when someone starts leaving actual bodies behind. Not everyone is willing to go that far just to settle an old score. What if there’s another reason Reds are being killed? Something that has nothing to do with revenge at all?”

“Okay, I’m listening. If the Reunion Killer isn’t offing Reds because they have a bone to pick with them, then why kill them?”

“I wish I had an answer for that.”

“Yeah, me too.” Sienna lets out an exaggerated sigh, her shoulders slumping in frustration.

I give my friend a sympathetic look before nudging her gently with my shoulder.

“You look worried.”

“That’s because I am.”

A small smile curves my lips at the realization that she’s taking all of this so seriously because she’s determined to clear my name.

“You’re a good friend, Sienna. I really don’t know how I lucked out with having someone like you in my corner.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Not this again.” She pinches the bridge of her nose, looking thoroughly exasperated.

“No, seriously. It’s sweet that you care so much. But you really shouldn’t worry yourself sick over this. Chief Neptune can’t pin these murders on me because I didn’t commit them.”

She turns to me, blinking twice as though she’s not entirely sure she heard me correctly.

“Please tell me you’re not actually that naive. Do you have any idea how many innocent people get railroaded by the justice system?”

“True.” My smile fades at the reminder. “But you don’t have to worry about that happening to me. Lauren already has a bunch of lawyers on speed dial in case things go sideways.”

Sienna’s eyes practically pop out of their sockets.

“Did you seriously just imply that your rich white privilege is going to get you off the hook?” she demands, staring at me in disbelief. “Because there are about a million things wrong with that statement, and I don’t even know where to fucking start.”

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it,” I retort, whatever warm, fuzzy feelings I had for my best friend a moment ago quickly evaporating. “What I meant is that maybe you should take a step back and let Chief Neptune do his job.”

“And what a bang-up job he’s done so far.” She shakes her head, looking thoroughly vexed. “I don’t think you’re fully grasping just how much danger you’re in right now, Max.”

“I told you. I’m not going to jail for something I didn’t do.”

“That’s not the danger I’m talking about,” she replies, her tone turning deadly serious.

“I don’t understand.”

“Of course you don’t. Because while you’re still flipping through each chapter, I’ve already closed the fucking book.” She fixes me with a pointed look. “Whoever is killing the Reds isn’t just getting away with murder, Max. They’re making damn sure you take the fall for it.”

“So let them. I already told you—”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Neptune can’t pin the murders on you. So you keep repeating,” she mocks. “But there’s more than one way to skin a cat, Max. Do you have any idea how many serial killers take their own lives when they realize the cops are closing in on them? And how easy it would be for someone to make a murder look like a suicide? You should. Just ask Brooke.” She pauses, giving me a pointed look. “Oops. Sorry. Can’t do that now, can you?”

“Okay, now you’re just being belligerent.”

“No, what I’m being is realistic. If the killer realizes you’re not going to take the fall for these murders, then guess what? He’s going to find another way to make sure everyone believes you were behind this whole clusterfuck of a situation. Even if he has to slit your fucking throat to do it.”

I swallow dryly with the unpleasant image forming in my mind.

How fucking ironic. A few minutes ago, I was trying to lay an old ghost to rest, and now I have to worry about becoming one myself.

“So what you’re saying is that once all this is over, he’s going to come after me next?”