Page 65 of Forever Dead

Her attention went to the cigarette in Diane's fingers, then to Selena.

"Diane Raven."

"Yes, Miss Marsh?"

"Would you like to explain?"

"It was me."

Selena turned toward her. "No, it wasn't."

Diane gave her a hard glare. "Selena, shut up."

"I gave you the cigarette."

"Will both of you stop?" Miss Marsh said.

They did.

Miss Marsh held out her hand.

Diane surrendered the cigarette first, then the packet.

Miss Marsh crushed the cigarette beneath her shoe.

"For two sisters who apparently want to protect each other, you're doing a remarkable job of making this worse."

Selena felt heat rise into her cheeks.

Diane said, "I'm sorry."

Miss Marsh studied them for a moment.

"Given what your parents are going through, I'm going to confiscate these and give you both a warning."

Selena stared at her. "That's it?"

"Would you prefer detention and a call home?"

"No."

"Good."

Diane exhaled.

Miss Marsh put the cigarettes into her cardigan pocket. "Go to class."

Diane gave Selena another irritated glance.

"Come on."

"I'm coming."

"Now."

Selena muttered something under her breath and followed her sister around the shed.

"Not you, Selena," Miss Marsh said.