Page 53 of All Fall Down

“We thought we’d try something a little different.” I shrug my shoulders to show she hasn’t wrecked the evening by mentioning that the only other party she had been to here was on the night of the murder. I, on the other hand, had crashed another a few weeks later, but only by accident. Those parties had been the equivalent of a rich kid’s kegger not the dressed-up event we’d concocted this evening. Maybe the subterfuge aspect had appealed to Monroe on some personal wavelength. Either way she’d gone out of her way to make this a memorable evening, and if I had my way, it would be even more so. “Or Monroe did at least.”

At the mention of her name the blonde flies through the kitchen like a demonic fireball. “Have you seen the menu cards?”

Josie and I help her search until we’ve tracked them down. She hardly notices that Josie is here, even after my best friend discovers where the cards have been put.

“She’s crankier than usual.” Josie purses her lips thoughtfully, and I can’t help but realize that she has a point. Monroe is acting strangely.

“In all fairness, I used blackmail to get her to throw this party,” I admit.

Josie links her arm through mine. “Do tell.”

It isn’t my secret, but the gossip is too good not to share. I’ve kept Monroe’s hidden life quiet from her family and friends. But Josie isn’t her family or her friend. She’s mine, and I trust her.

“Promise not to tell,” I ask.

“Cross my heart and hope to die.” Josie slashes her fingers over her chest for emphasis.

I dish the dirt in whispers. Josie’s eyes widen until I think they’re going to bulge out. When I finish, she shakes her head. “You must have been pretty scary?”

“Why would you say that?” I’m a bit offended by the idea.

“Because she’s acting like her whole life is riding on this. She must be worried that you’re going to rat her out.”

There’s no reason Monroe should believe that. I’d used the information I’d had as leverage, but if I’d wanted to tattle, I would have done so. I make up my mind to keep a closer eye on my adoptive sister this evening. After all, she’s not the only one with a lot riding on tonight.