So Many Boys (The Naughty List #2)(9)

Izzie gasped. “Our reputations will be destroyed.”

“Take a breath, Iz,” Kira said. “I think they’re only taking the spying public and not the members.” She shot a side glance to me before continuing. “Luckily for us, Tessa’s here now, and together we’re going to fix this.”

I was pretty sure I had no idea how to help fix it, but I nodded and stepped up next to Kira, facing the squad. It was good to look unified.

Kira rubbed her lips together as if deep in thought. “We have a fraud,” she announced. “And after discussing it with Tessa, I ran a thorough check last night and have determined that none of the Kittens were involved.”

“Well, of course we weren’t,” Leona snapped.

“Right, Leona,” Kira responded. “Like you hadn’t considered continuing SOS.”

Leona reset her jaw. “No more than you, Kira.”

“Enough,” I said, holding up my hands. “Look, I made some calls, and that SOS notice went out to every girl in Washington High, West Washington, and Fairfield. But as far as Google Search is concerned, we’re still very much secret. The copy-Kitten could be bluffing.”

“What if she’s not?” Izzie yelled, her voice cracking. “If the copy-Kitten exposes us to everyone, the boys at school will be totally ticked!”

“Shit. She’s right,” Leona muttered from her spot on the bleachers. I shot her a dirty look, but she just shrugged. Actually, I echoed her sentiment internally, just in a much more polite way.

The entire squad began fretting, and I knew I had to take control. Kira was right. They were turning on her. I stepped forward.

“Listen,” I said. “I’m hoping that the girls we’ve protected will be able to see that this is an obvious forgery. Most of us”—I eyed Leona—“don’t cuss. And hopefully that, coupled with the fact that they’re charging money, will jump out as phony-baloney nonsense so that even if they do name us, no one will buy it. I have no idea what this copy-Kitten wants, but our priority should be finding the culprit and stomping her out before she can do something we’ll all regret.”

“Should I type up a rebuttal?” Leona asked. “Calling out the imposter?”

I sighed. “Unfortunately, I don’t think we can. The copy-Kitten has our identities in her back pocket. We can’t go on offense until we know more.” I glanced down at the floor, noticing how my white sneakers covered up my toes—the toes that used to always be painted (badly). Now they were colorless.

“We need to set up surveillance,” I said quietly. “Starting with Chloe Ferril.” My stomach sank. I knew this would directly violate the promise I’d made to Aiden. Sure, technically I wasn’t restarting SOS, but it was still spying.

“You should do it.” Kira pointed, volunteering me as she smiled. “After all, Tess, you still owe her a little payback for the alarm clock incident.” She tapped her forehead with her index finger.

“Good point,” I replied. I wouldn’t mind catching the ex-vixen who tried to steal my ex-boyfriend (sort of). I turned to the squad, and as they looked back at me so attentively, I sighed. I wanted to do something more to help out my best friend. “Girls,” I pleaded. “While I check into Chloe, I need you all to do something for me. Kira’s been working really hard to get you prepped for homecoming. Can you please show her some more respect? This routine is our most important of the year.”

Kira let out a breathy noise next to me, and I felt her move closer. The squad looked around at each other guiltily and then nodded toward us, mumbling apologies to Kira. Well, except for Leona. She was picking at her nails.

“Great! Now go kick some tail!” I added, hoping to rev them up before practice. As they began to adjust their waistbands and hair ties, Kira leaned her shoulder into mine.

“Thanks, Tess,” she whispered. “Your support means a lot.” When I looked over to her, Kira’s blue eyes were brimming with tears, and I realized I’d missed the snot out of her. And the squad.

SOS CHANGE-OF6STATUSMEMO

CASE: 002

CLIENT: Jenn Duarte

Jenn Duarte originally contacted SOS about her boyfriend Riley Richards’s relationship with an unnamed female. The female was later identified as Megan Wright, her best friend. Although the cheating has not been confirmed, there is cause to continue the investigation.

However, the client has since been named a subject in another case. Ms. Duarte was observed with Tate Donovan, who is not her boyfriend.

This may be a case of mistaken identity or a double cheat. Right now, both Ms. Duarte and Mr. Richards are official suspects.

The investigation will resume immediately.

SOS

Text: 555-1863

Exposing Cheaters for Over Three Years

CHAPTER FOUR

KIRA SLAPPED HER HANDS TOGETHER TO SIGNAL the start of practice, her loud clap echoing through the gymnasium. Just then, a cell phone sounded from the bleachers—it had a techno ring tone. I tsked and looked sideways at her. I’d never allowed the girls to have their phones on in the gymnasium.

“That’s me,” Leona called, leaning over to dig through her backpack. “I had my tech guy trace the SOS e-mail to get an IP address.”

“Oh, well, good thinking,” I said, truly impressed. Leona was a better spy than even I had realized.