“It was him. The BCA Stalker, aka Jude Beckett. He did this.”
* * *
Neo’s dadpicked him up three hours after the call. Sebastian argued that Neo needed to stay put, but he wasn’t having it. He told his dad either he came to get him, or he was calling someone else for a ride. So, he came.
My thoughts have been running rampant since we learned of Maddie’s disappearance.
She needs medical equipment and a trained professional to care for her. There’s no way Jude Beckett, a seventeen-year-old boy, has the means to give her the proper attention she needs.
At this point, we just need to find her alive before something terrible happens.
Crew and Jagger are sleeping in my bed with me, one on each side. I shouldn’t say sleeping because none of us have been able to close our eyes. It’s a strange sentiment, feeling so loved, yet so lost.
Nothing will be the same until Maddie is found. And once she is, nothing will be the same again.
Epilogue
SCAR
Jagger zips upthe back of my Sally costume dress while I hold my hair to one side. “It just doesn’t feel right. Going to a Halloween dance while Maddie is still missing.”
“Neo and Sebastian will find her. I’ve got no doubt in my mind.”
It’s been over a week since Neo left, and there is still no update. Each day that passes has me feeling less and less hopeful for Maddie’s safe return, but no one is giving up yet. It’s almost been that same time frame since we’ve heard or seen anything from the BCA Stalker.
I turn around, letting my hair fall down my back. “You really think she’s okay?”
His arms snake around my neck and his forehead presses to mine. “I know she is.”
“I can’t take you seriously with that mask on,” I chuckle, when in reality, it’s creeping me out.
“Says the girl with black eyes and lips.”
My shoulders bob up and down. “Touché. I suppose I probably look like a fool, too.”
“Fuck no. You look hot as hell. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to fuck—”
“Don’t.” I shake my head. “Don't say it.” I’m not sure if he was going to say Sally, or a dead girl, but either way, it’s creepy.
Everyone ordered costumes that were delivered a few days ago. After begging and pleading with both Crew and Jagger for one of them to dress as my Jack, I lost. Crew is going as the guy from theScreammovies, and Jagger is going as Michael Myers. Seeing people dressed up as crazed characters is ironic, given our situation.
Skirting his fingers up my dress, he caresses my inner thigh. “Don’t act like it doesn’t turn you on.”
“Sex with Michael Myers? Hard pass.” Though, my wheels are turning now. A little roleplay could be fun.No. At least, not right now. “We need to get going. I told Ry we’d meet her and Elias outside the athletic center.
The dance is being held inside the gym, and with Riley being on the decorating committee, I have no doubt it’s going to look amazing. Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays, although I haven’t dressed up since I was a kid. It feels nice to put a mask on—figuratively, not literally, considering my face is full of makeup.
“Let’s go,” Crew says from the doorway.
Jagger sighs, dropping his hands from around me. “Cock blocker.” His words come out a mumble, but I hear him.
Crew steps in the room, his mask in hand. “We’ve got the bus out picking people up. Figured it was best to keep everyone off the trails tonight, even with security in place.”
I round Jagger and walk to Crew. “I agree. So, are we catching the bus?”
“Hell no. We got snow. We’re sledding it tonight.” Crew flips the bottom of my dress that sits just below my ass. “You riding with me?”
“Yeah.” I look back at Jagger, who’s adjusting his mask in my mirror. “Is that okay with you?”