Chapter 50
"Idon't think I want to talk to you at all," Lauren said.
"Well, I've got something you should see," I replied.
She lifted a curious brow.
"I'm beginning to wonder if Rachel is the friend that you think she is."
Her brow knitted. "How do you know Rachel? Why do you know so much about me? What happened last night?”
I showed her the picture on my phone of Lance with Rachel making out by the pool. Then another picture of the two of them hand-in-hand walking upstairs.
Lauren looked possessed by the devil.
Her jaw clenched tight, and her cheeks reddened. She shouted, "That fucking bitch!”
Every head in the class turned, and the professor glared at us. "Maybe you should take this outside. Though I am intrigued now.”
I whispered to Lauren, "Let's talk outside."
Now she was eager to have a discussion.
We excused ourselves and stepped into the hallway.
JD and Daphne followed.
Lauren’s face scrunched with disdain. “Who are they?”
“My associates,” I said.
"When was that picture taken?"
"Last night at the Kappa party, while you were passed out on the sofa."
Rage boiled, and her jaw clenched. "Why are you showing me this?”
"Because I want your help.”
"Help with what?”
"Do you remember Cheyenne Tisdale?”
Lauren’s face stiffened, and the color drained from her skin. She nodded. "Terrible what happened to her.”
"It really was. Terrible what happened to Gabby, too.”
Lauren swallowed hard.
“Here's what I know,” I said with confidence. I didn't know anything. It was all speculation. "You, Kendall, and Rachel took Cheyenne out on a boat. It was a standard initiation. You blindfolded her, pushed her in the water, and made her swim to shore. But Cheyenne couldn't swim."
Panic filled Lauren's eyes.
I was right over the target.
"I don't think I want to talk to you guys anymore."
She turned to the door.
"You might want to think twice about that,” I said.
“Right now, you have an opportunity. An opportunity to tell the truth.
Come clean, clear your conscience, and stay out of jail.
When it comes down to it, your friends will turn on you.
As you can see, Rachel is already stabbing you in the back.
She's gonna throw you under the bus when it comes to Cheyenne and Gabby. After we talk to you, we’re going to talk to Kendall.
" I paused. "Now is your chance. Tell us everything, and I'll make sure you get the best deal possible. If you play hardball, you’re going to be charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Two counts.”
After a long pause, Lauren said, "I want a lawyer."
"You're not under arrest.” I handed her a card.
She didn't take it. She didn't want anything from me.
Lauren backed away and slipped into class. She promptly hurled on the steps, grossing the whole class out. Nerves and the hangover had gotten to her.
We left and started back across campus. I called Isabella and asked her to locate Kendall’s phone.
She tapped the keys. A few moments later, she said, “Her phone is at Pembroke Hall. But you might want to hear this before you talk to her.”