Part 19 (1/2)

As another thought hit me, s.h.i.+vers feathered up my spine, pus.h.i.+ng up my breathing rate. Why hadnt I thought of this before? Her family would be in trouble. She was the only one whose life would be really affected if it came out that she was pregnant.

OMG. Had I really solved it? Had the answer been there all the time? Right in front of my face?

I knew that at times like this it was really easy to force all the pieces to fit like jamming shapes into a jigsaw puzzle even if they were the wrong size. But no, too much evidence was piling up. Too much to be a coincidence.

So much was swirling inside my head I feared it really might implode. As it was, it was doing multiple three-sixties. Needing to calm down, I took a deep breath, running all the psycho applicants through my head yet again.

No, she had to be the one.

If not, she knew who was.

My first instinct was to try to ring Macey I wanted her here with me. Yet, I still hadnt heard from her and call me needy, but that stung. If she was in the depths of her darkest hour and trust me thered been a few black moments in her life Id never have left her alone to face it by herself. Id always been there for her. And now when I needed her where was she? She couldnt even call?

As far as Seth was concerned we were over; even if technically wed never been on. I was still burning over the fact he hadnt believed me.

With our fragile new relations.h.i.+p at stake, I wasnt keen to involve my parents. The JoJo thing had blown up in my face once and I wasnt ready to risk it again.

So, I was on my own.

Except that this time I was ready for it; ready to kick b.u.t.t. One person I should have talked to was JoJo; of all people she was the one who deserved to know. Yet, I stalled. Maybe it would be better if I just worked it out and gave JoJo the details later. Would that be enough to set her free? But could I risk that yet; when I still had to prove it?

Above me, the fringe on the Bali-style umbrella rustled in the breeze from the ocean and I took a minute to let that soothing salt air settle over me; calm me clear my head. Spurred by my girl-detective high, I thought about my suspect. What to do . . . Call her? I could organise to meet her tell her I had some news. And then what? Try to scam the truth out of her?

Was I setting myself up for failure? It was a distinct possibility and I had to accept that before I went in. But really, what other choice did I have? Still, I was pretty churned up when I walked back inside and headed for my room. And that was when logic kicked in. Shouldnt someone know where I was? I could be walking myself into a trap. A dangerous one.

One message. Id leave one message for Macey.

Upstairs, JoJo was looking restless; the look she shot me was desperate.

'You look different, she blurted. 'Why? Do you know something?

I shook my head. 'JoJo, Im not sure. Ive got an idea, but- 'Whatever youre going to do, Im doing it too!

'Im not sure . . .

Her voice hardened, shades of the JoJo I knew only too well. 'Not your call.

So many arguments swirled but as I stared at her, they all sort of evaporated. I supposed in a way it was fitting. Wed begun this journey together, just the two of us we should finish it together.

As long as I was right.

I nodded, but a new wave of fear washed over me as I headed to the door. Now I just had to pull this off. And in a weird way it kind of felt comforting to have her at my shoulder as I charged downstairs.

It took a minute to find her number in the school directory, and a couple more to think about the words to use, which had to be intriguing enough to get her there. Dads phone was perfect, shed never recognise the number. It felt heavy in my hand and before I pressed send I reread the message: I have information. Meet me at JoJos accident site in 45 mins.

As my finger hovered, my heart picked up speed again. This had to work . . .

Driving out along the back roads in Mimis car would only take me twenty-five minutes at most, but I left immediately, making sure I got there first. However, it was only after I arrived and realised how isolated that particular spot was that I wondered if Id been a bit too hasty. And stupid.

I mean, I could hear traffic just a hundred metres away, but no one could see us here at this protected spot. So if she turned out to be really psycho . . .

JoJo had said nothing during the trip, and Id kept darting glances across at her. This couldnt be easy for her seeing the place shed actually died. I knew that, because I was having problems myself. Last time Id been here it was dark, and Id been pretty busy with Pete. Now in daylight, all the images that had plagued me till JoJos sudden reappearance crashed back, and I gripped the steering wheel harder to control the trembling.

I flicked a glance at JoJo. Silently her gaze rolled over the scene; her mouth was set in a firm line. The only sound she made was when the other car came into view; it was a scary sucking noise like a dead persons equivalent of a gasp.

'Oh my G.o.d. I remember! It was her!

Chapter Seventeen.

JoJos declaration both worried me and comforted me. My a.s.sumptions had been right, which meant maybe it could all end here. Once and for all, it could be over. But this was also my only chance. If I blew this, Id never have another opportunity.

Heart thumping, I waited. I knew she wouldnt recognise Mimis car. Shed bolt if she realised it was me and I couldnt risk that before I got her talking.

For long minutes it was like a Mexican standoff. From opposite sides of the road we each sat in our cars, watching the other. Mine had tinted windows so she couldnt see in, but I still couldnt risk her seeing me first so I waited.

Finally her door opened and out she stepped. My impression yet again was of this fragile, underfed, birdlike person. Huge sungla.s.ses hid most of her face as she slowly tottered over on really high, woven, straw-coloured platform stilettos that matched her designer outfit. Mentally I shrugged. I supposed that was what you wore to a life-and-death showdown. I didnt know it was my first. But I did suddenly feel completely underdressed.

One thing in my favour was that she couldnt run in those suckers and I let her get almost to my car before I showed myself. That way, if she tried to get away I could mow her down.

As I stepped out her mouth fell open and she quickly shot a look over her shoulder as if a.s.sessing how far it was to her car.

'Sprained ankles are the pits, Chloe; I wouldnt try it, I said smoothly. Not one outward hint of the erupting volcano inside my chest.

Her eyes s.h.i.+fted in a million directions. 'You sent that message? Im surprised you had the guts to show your face after what youve done.

I shook my head. 'Youre good. Amazing, really.

'I have no idea what youre talking about.

I leaned back against the sun-warmed car. 'Youve got the phone, Chloe. Its been you all along and I can prove it. I couldnt; but I could bluff.

Her mouth flapped a bit before any sound came out. 'This is outrageous. Youre a freak. Im leaving.

'You slipped up, Chloe. She hesitated, and half turned. 'You got a bit carried away and spilled some stuff that only you knew. Was that me being so calm and controlled? And forceful?

Maybe not, because she started moving again. Away from me. No! My mind reeled for the next move. Did I crash-tackle her? I had to keep her talking, wasnt that the plan?

Heart still thundering, I started to follow. I had to keep her here! Make her talk! 'I wouldnt do that, Chloe. Or what?

Panic grabbed hold of me, paralysing all thought. Oh G.o.d, what was I supposed to do? It had been a prayer, a plea, but the answer I got wasnt quite what I expected. It came in the form of a blur that flashed by me and came to a halt right in front of Chloe.

JoJo.

And she had this look on her face Id never seen before. Intense concentration. Chloe faltered and I darted around to get a full look at her expression. And wished I hadnt. First there was confusion and then OMG her scream would have woken the dead.

JoJo was right there and Chloe could see her.