Good Girls Lie(62)

“Everyone knows,” Vanessa says. “About how your parents died. About your brother, too. Camille made sure.”

Johnny. Oh, my God. Stay fucking calm.

“Everyone?”

“Yes. Becca, too. I know you think she’s your special friend, but she’s been aware of this from day one.”

“You’re lying,” I say, trying hard to look bored. “Whatever.”

Vanessa raises a brow. “I’m not.”

“You are. Becca would have bounced Camille out on her ear for Honor Code violations. I know we are all guilty of bending the rules, but breaking into my computer is beyond the pale.”

Piper shrugs. “Everyone has a price, Ash. And everyone can be compromised. A lot of things at this school go through Becca.” She pinches her thumb and forefinger together, mimicking puffing on a joint.

I’m not entirely surprised to hear Becca is bringing drugs into the school. Tonight, she gave me Ecstasy and vodka, and this morning, the cigarettes. I’ve smelled pot on several occasions. Rumi must be supplying her.

Camille hadn’t been kidding when she said Becca was using me. “Great. Just fucking great.”

“The police have asked to speak with us. Do you know why?” Vanessa asks.

“I’d think that’s blatantly obvious.”

Vanessa shakes her head.

“Camille’s abortion, for one. I assume they think you know who got her pregnant. I certainly don’t, though they asked me enough.”

The two exchange worried glances.

“You do know who she was sleeping with, don’t you? You have to tell them. Maybe it will help them figure out what happened. Why she jumped. I didn’t realize she was suicidal. I know we weren’t close, but I think I’d see that, at least.”

“They think she jumped?”

“Don’t you?”

“Well, sure,” Vanessa says. “But you’re right, she didn’t really seem that depressed or anything. We did think... I mean, only for a second, we know you wouldn’t have, but—”

“Me? You think I hurt Camille? You’re insane, Vanessa”

“Like I said, it was only for a fraction of a second. Camille’s been making you out to be pretty awful. Everyone was saying that you might have found out and confronted her.”

“Everyone? Well, you can tell everyone to relax. I wasn’t anywhere near Camille tonight.”

“You were both gone...and the room looked like a big fight had happened. We heard yelling,” Piper says, haltingly.

Camille had gone to her summons, I’d been kidnapped for the tap. Naturally, they’d think we were off together since we were gone at the same time.

“Do you know who gave the summons?”

Vanessa shakes her head. “No one does. At least, no one will admit it. I’m sure they’ll ask our waitron, but it’s not like she’ll know. Summons are usually dropped off in the middle of the night. That’s how it stays anonymous. Do you think she got tapped? I heard there was a tap tonight.”

“I seriously doubt she was tapped.”

Awe dawns on their faces. “You were, though. You got tapped. Oh, my God. Congratulations, Ash. That’s a really big deal.” Vanessa’s tone chills a bit. She shifts, and her hands tighten into little fists.

“No comment.”

“Wait until everyone finds out.” Piper’s eyes are shining. For half a moment, I think she is actually happy for me. She has no idea what I’ve been through tonight, nor what I fear is to come.

“There’s nothing to find out.”

“Right. Our lips are sealed, aren’t they, Pipes?” Vanessa’s feral grin tells me the whole school will know by morning. “Oh, how did you find out about it? Camille’s abortion, I mean.”

“I didn’t. The cops asked. They knew, but I don’t know how. Probably her journal. I knew you were up to something that night, but I’m not a busybody.”

“Point taken.” Vanessa plops onto the sofa next to me, Piper sits on the floor. They’re settling in. What the hell is this?

“So, who was the father?” I ask.

“If we tell you, you can’t tell. I mean it, Ash. It has to stay between us.”

I sigh. “Then don’t tell me. I can’t say the police won’t talk to me again, and I won’t lie to them. But if you know anything, you should go to Dean Westhaven and tell her. Give her some peace. She’s having a terrible night.”

Another worried glance bounces between them. What do they know?

“We can’t. No way.”

“Then I can’t help you, and I don’t want to know.”

The silence bleeds around us. In the distance, I can hear people outside attending to the remnants of Camille’s nosedive. A hose, spraying water full force.

“Is it true you found your parents dead? Was it awful?” Piper finally asks.

“Yes, I did. And yes, it was awful. If you’re here to be ghoulish, I have nothing more for you. Please, go to bed. Leave me alone.”

They look stricken but stand. “I really am sorry, Ash,” Vanessa says. “We promise to make it up to you.” Vanessa looks like she’s going to reach in for a hug but I am done with these girls and their constant mood swings.