“Oh, no,” I patronized. “See, you’re going to come clean to the council and tell them the truth.”
He blinked. “Um, why would I do that? No one even cares anymore.”
My expression turned to steel. “I care. You called Mads a liar in front of everyone when she was telling the truth.”
His false bravado crumbled, and it was like I’d landed a blow in his stomach. He looked stricken. “I know, but do you realize what would happen if I came forward? They could kick me out of Tau Kappa Epsilon for violating the code of ethics.” Seriousness grew in his expression until it turned to fear. “What do you think they’d do to Riley if they knew? And who do you think he’d blame for it?” He shook his head. “Look, I’m sorry for what I did, but there’s no upside to telling anyone what happened.” Once again, he made an attempt to look strong. “I’m not saying shit.”
Well, I’d been wrong. He did have a personality after all.
“You’re an asshole,” I snarled. He’d hurt Mads, forcing her to relive a painful situation where no one believed her, and it was so unfair, acid rose in my throat. Something inside me snapped. “I hope you fucking failed that final in there.”
He recoiled in shock before his eyes turned dark. “Yeah, whatever, man,” he said. “I’ll see you around.”
Anger kept me locked in place as he scrambled away. I didn’t have a way to force him to tell the truth, but . . . he wasn’t the only person I needed to confront. Much more of the blame lay with someone else.
Look out, Riley. I’m coming for you.
I packed my costume for the ABC party into my bag and carried it out into the garage, slapping a hand on the button to open the garage door. As it rolled up, I got my bike down from the hook and then paused. Should I text Preston to see if he was home? I hadn’t seen my friend since spring break. Vanderbilt finished school a few days earlier than Davidson did, and I’d be riding right by his dad’s place on my way to the Sig house.
I pulled out my phone.
Colin: Are you home at your dad’s?
Preston: No. Why?
Colin: My new place is close. Was going to stop by and say hi.
Preston: My mom’s in town. Next week?
I sent back the thumbs up emoji, put my phone in my backpack, and slung it over my shoulders. The pedals clicked quietly as I walked my bike out of the garage, and when I reached the keypad on the side of the door, I began to type in the code to close it. But movement caught my eye.
There was someone in the side yard.
“Can I help you?” I asked.
The woman yelped and straightened. I hadn’t meant to startle her, but at the same time, I didn’t feel bad about it either. Something about her was off, like she’d been sneaking around out here, not expecting anyone to notice her or the measuring tape she held.
She looked to be around my mom’s age, late forties, or early fifties. She was skinny, with short, blonde hair, and as she turned to look at me, I saw her full-on resting bitch face.
The tape measure and phone she’d been using to take pictures were quickly pocketed in her shorts.
“Hello,” she said. “Are Mr. or Mrs. Woodson home?”
They weren’t. Scott was out of town filming, and Nina was at a conference. I wasn’t about to tell that to a strange woman lurking on their property, though. Alarm bells rung in my head. Scott was a big star, and Abbie was coming up, too. What if this woman was a crazed fan or a stalker?
“You’re welcome to use the doorbell,” I said, “like a normal person, and find out.” The security system was sophisticated. The doorbell had a camera and microphone and was linked to Scott’s and Nina’s phones.
The woman made a face to tell me I was being rude. “I’m not trying to sell them something.” She put a hand on her hip and gazed at me like I was beneath her. “I’m Judy Malinger, the president of the homeowners’ association. I need to talk to them about the new unit they had installed.”
She wasn’t a stalker—she was something way worse.
Fuck, I should have recognized her. A while ago, this woman had a major hard-on for Preston’s dad. But he wasn’t interested, and she hadn’t handled the rejection well. She’d been extra pissed off when she’d found out he was dating a woman half his age. It wasn’t her fucking business, but she didn’t approve of their relationship, and so she’d used every opportunity since to make Dr. Lowe’s life difficult.
Scott and Nina were trying to stay off her radar. I had to tread lightly.