Cupid's Guide to Murder

Chapter 39: Run

"You're under arrest."

A hand grabbed my wrist, and I looked up abruptly to be met with Luce's lopsided grin and hazel eyes.

"For killing that look. Have, I would die for your legs," she groaned, not noticing me relax. "I bet Griffin couldn't keep his hands off of you." She took a sip from her drink, scrunching her face up afterward.

"This tastes more like vodka than fruit punch, and it has Jeremy's doing written all over it."

I smiled, but it faltered when I saw a flash of green moving towards the auditorium doors.

Cari slipped through the mass of people, nearing the exit. Her sharp sea-green eyes flickered behind her, her dress billowing into a cloud around her body. In the blink of an eye, she was gone.

"Luce, I'm going to the bathroom. I'll be right back." My voice came out with a strange lilt, but Luce was too busy inspecting her cup to notice.

"Okay, hurry back. You don't want to miss prom court!" She crossed her fingers together.

That was the last thing on my mind, but I gave her a quick smile before hurrying out of the auditorium. As soon as the auditorium doors shut behind me, the glittering lights of the disco ball and the loud music seemed to fade away — the halls were eerily empty and quiet, except for a quickly disappearing Cari.

She moved swiftly — she turned the corner, and the edge of her gown disappeared from view.

I quickened my pace, attempting not to stumble on my heels. My heart hammered against my ribcage, echoing in the silence.

Don't lose her.

I finally reached a dead-end when I saw the large doors. Inside, there was a spiraling staircase that led to the roof. I tugged at the metal handle, relieved to see that it didn't auto lock. Using extra force, I pulled the doors open. I hurried up the stairs, the sound of my steps echoing in the silence.

At the top of the steps, I could make out the roof and the small veranda hanging off the platform. A wave of cool night air enveloped me when I saw her.

Dark, glittery gold eyeshadow coated her eyes. There was something about her cold, empty gaze that was jarring.

"Cari," I called. My voice came out in a jagged breath, and I had a weird sense of déjà vu from when I had cornered her at the charity formal.

She gave me a once-over, her red-coated lips pursing together. Curiosity and interest flashed through her shining eyes. "Haven. It's such a pretty night, isn't it?" The ghost of a smile lingered on her lips, but it wasn't real.

"It is." I swallowed, wondering if she could hear the way my heart was racing. "If only Natasha could be here. She would've liked it."

I was testing her. Cari turned to me and gave me a funny smile before nodding, crossing her arms across her chest. "What are you doing out here? You don't seem like the type of girl who would miss even a moment of the perfect night." Her voice was sarcastic, but I ignored it.

"I needed a breath of fresh air," I replied, taking a step closer to her. After a pause, I added, "I went to Mrs. Emerson's store earlier. I didn't know you worked there. She told me all about the Cupid sculpture. I thought it was the prettiest thing when I first saw it. Glittery gold — the perfect decoration. Until it turned into a murder weapon."

She turned to face me, and I could tell she was analyzing me from the way her eyes swept over my face. Unless I was imagining it, there was a twinge of discomfort in her eyes before it was gone completely.