Dead, Actually Part 19

As another thought hit me, s.h.i.+vers feathered up my spine, pus.h.i.+ng up my breathing rate. Why hadnt I thought of this before? Her family would be in trouble. She was the only one whose life would be really affected if it came out that she was pregnant.

OMG. Had I really solved it? Had the answer been there all the time? Right in front of my face?

I knew that at times like this it was really easy to force all the pieces to fit like jamming shapes into a jigsaw puzzle even if they were the wrong size. But no, too much evidence was piling up. Too much to be a coincidence.

So much was swirling inside my head I feared it really might implode. As it was, it was doing multiple three-sixties. Needing to calm down, I took a deep breath, running all the psycho applicants through my head yet again.

No, she had to be the one.

If not, she knew who was.

My first instinct was to try to ring Macey I wanted her here with me. Yet, I still hadnt heard from her and call me needy, but that stung. If she was in the depths of her darkest hour and trust me thered been a few black moments in her life Id never have left her alone to face it by herself. Id always been there for her. And now when I needed her where was she? She couldnt even call?

As far as Seth was concerned we were over; even if technically wed never been on. I was still burning over the fact he hadnt believed me.

With our fragile new relations.h.i.+p at stake, I wasnt keen to involve my parents. The JoJo thing had blown up in my face once and I wasnt ready to risk it again.

So, I was on my own.

Except that this time I was ready for it; ready to kick b.u.t.t. One person I should have talked to was JoJo; of all people she was the one who deserved to know. Yet, I stalled. Maybe it would be better if I just worked it out and gave JoJo the details later. Would that be enough to set her free? But could I risk that yet; when I still had to prove it?

Above me, the fringe on the Bali-style umbrella rustled in the breeze from the ocean and I took a minute to let that soothing salt air settle over me; calm me clear my head. Spurred by my girl-detective high, I thought about my suspect. What to do . . . Call her? I could organise to meet her tell her I had some news. And then what? Try to scam the truth out of her?

Was I setting myself up for failure? It was a distinct possibility and I had to accept that before I went in. But really, what other choice did I have? Still, I was pretty churned up when I walked back inside and headed for my room. And that was when logic kicked in. Shouldnt someone know where I was? I could be walking myself into a trap. A dangerous one.

One message. Id leave one message for Macey.

Upstairs, JoJo was looking restless; the look she shot me was desperate.

'You look different, she blurted. 'Why? Do you know something?

I shook my head. 'JoJo, Im not sure. Ive got an idea, but- 'Whatever youre going to do, Im doing it too!

'Im not sure . . .

Her voice hardened, shades of the JoJo I knew only too well. 'Not your call.

So many arguments swirled but as I stared at her, they all sort of evaporated. I supposed in a way it was fitting. Wed begun this journey together, just the two of us we should finish it together.

As long as I was right.

I nodded, but a new wave of fear washed over me as I headed to the door. Now I just had to pull this off. And in a weird way it kind of felt comforting to have her at my shoulder as I charged downstairs.

It took a minute to find her number in the school directory, and a couple more to think about the words to use, which had to be intriguing enough to get her there. Dads phone was perfect, shed never recognise the number. It felt heavy in my hand and before I pressed send I reread the message: I have information. Meet me at JoJos accident site in 45 mins.

As my finger hovered, my heart picked up speed again. This had to work . . .

Driving out along the back roads in Mimis car would only take me twenty-five minutes at most, but I left immediately, making sure I got there first. However, it was only after I arrived and realised how isolated that particular spot was that I wondered if Id been a bit too hasty. And stupid.

I mean, I could hear traffic just a hundred metres away, but no one could see us here at this protected spot. So if she turned out to be really psycho . . .

JoJo had said nothing during the trip, and Id kept darting glances across at her. This couldnt be easy for her seeing the place shed actually died. I knew that, because I was having problems myself. Last time Id been here it was dark, and Id been pretty busy with Pete. Now in daylight, all the images that had plagued me till JoJos sudden reappearance crashed back, and I gripped the steering wheel harder to control the trembling.

I flicked a glance at JoJo. Silently her gaze rolled over the scene; her mouth was set in a firm line. The only sound she made was when the other car came into view; it was a scary sucking noise like a dead persons equivalent of a gasp.

'Oh my G.o.d. I remember! It was her!

Chapter Seventeen.

JoJos declaration both worried me and comforted me. My a.s.sumptions had been right, which meant maybe it could all end here. Once and for all, it could be over. But this was also my only chance. If I blew this, Id never have another opportunity.

Heart thumping, I waited. I knew she wouldnt recognise Mimis car. Shed bolt if she realised it was me and I couldnt risk that before I got her talking.

For long minutes it was like a Mexican standoff. From opposite sides of the road we each sat in our cars, watching the other. Mine had tinted windows so she couldnt see in, but I still couldnt risk her seeing me first so I waited.

Finally her door opened and out she stepped. My impression yet again was of this fragile, underfed, birdlike person. Huge sungla.s.ses hid most of her face as she slowly tottered over on really high, woven, straw-coloured platform stilettos that matched her designer outfit. Mentally I shrugged. I supposed that was what you wore to a life-and-death showdown. I didnt know it was my first. But I did suddenly feel completely underdressed.

One thing in my favour was that she couldnt run in those suckers and I let her get almost to my car before I showed myself. That way, if she tried to get away I could mow her down.

As I stepped out her mouth fell open and she quickly shot a look over her shoulder as if a.s.sessing how far it was to her car.

'Sprained ankles are the pits, Chloe; I wouldnt try it, I said smoothly. Not one outward hint of the erupting volcano inside my chest.

Her eyes s.h.i.+fted in a million directions. 'You sent that message? Im surprised you had the guts to show your face after what youve done.

I shook my head. 'Youre good. Amazing, really.

'I have no idea what youre talking about.

I leaned back against the sun-warmed car. 'Youve got the phone, Chloe. Its been you all along and I can prove it. I couldnt; but I could bluff.

Her mouth flapped a bit before any sound came out. 'This is outrageous. Youre a freak. Im leaving.

'You slipped up, Chloe. She hesitated, and half turned. 'You got a bit carried away and spilled some stuff that only you knew. Was that me being so calm and controlled? And forceful?

Maybe not, because she started moving again. Away from me. No! My mind reeled for the next move. Did I crash-tackle her? I had to keep her talking, wasnt that the plan?

Heart still thundering, I started to follow. I had to keep her here! Make her talk! 'I wouldnt do that, Chloe. Or what?

Panic grabbed hold of me, paralysing all thought. Oh G.o.d, what was I supposed to do? It had been a prayer, a plea, but the answer I got wasnt quite what I expected. It came in the form of a blur that flashed by me and came to a halt right in front of Chloe.

JoJo.

And she had this look on her face Id never seen before. Intense concentration. Chloe faltered and I darted around to get a full look at her expression. And wished I hadnt. First there was confusion and then OMG her scream would have woken the dead.

JoJo was right there and Chloe could see her.

If I didnt already know how she was feeling, the pure terror on Chloes face would have done it.

The terror of seeing your first ghost.

I knew the feeling well.

Chloe backed up, trying to get away from the apparition, but JoJo wasnt giving her any s.p.a.ce. In fact, she did the ultimate invasion-of-personal-s.p.a.ce and stepped inside Chloe.

My gut twisted; even though Id already seen it, this was one weird party trick. And if I thought that was freaky, I couldnt imagine how Chloe felt. Or then again, it was possible I could make a pretty good guess. Because, trust me, nothing was left to the imagination. The clawing started first Chloe clawing at herself, tearing at her flesh. Saliva spewed from her mouth; her sunnies went flying and all the while she was screaming and writhing like she was possessed.

Well, as a matter of fact . . .

And I was helpless to a.s.sist.

She was maniacal! Heart racing, I watched, not knowing who to support, or how. Then as fast as it began, it was over. It had seemed like hours, but within seconds JoJo was back. 'Wheres my shoe, b.i.t.c.h? You stole my shoe! You murdering wh.o.r.e.

By this stage I figured we had minutes before we carried Chloe off in a straitjacket. 'Is she right, Chloe? Did you kill her?

Chloes eyes were like plates. 'K-kill her? No! N-nnno, I swear . . . I didnt hurt her. S-s-she h-hhit the tree. She was shaking really badly, but I had to keep hammering at her.

'So? I continued.

Suddenly she was looking at me, eyes pleading like I was her escape route. 'Please, Willow. She moistened her lips, as though it would help the words slide out. 'S-she was like, driving up this road. I knew shed be coming this way, because she told me. I swear I just wanted to talk to her privately. I just wanted to ask her to please stop blackmailing me. I couldnt take it anymore. I-I thought I was the only one. I didnt know she was doing it to everyone . . .

JoJo sn.i.g.g.e.red. 'Loser. Rock-a-bye Baby . . .

Chloes frightened eyes spun quickly to JoJo and then back to me. When she started speaking again, the words were faster and I struggled to keep up. 'I didnt kill her! Oh my G.o.d! I swear! I was waiting here and when she came around the bend I stepped out to wave her down. Thats all!

'So how did she end up dead?

She shuddered. 'I realised too late . . . She wasnt watching the road. She was driving too fast and texting someone at the same time, so she was looking at her phone. When she glanced up, there I was in front of her and she pulled hard on the steering wheel. Too hard . . . And and . . .

'Hit the tree, I finished.

I looked across at JoJo, who was suddenly looking thoughtful. Maybe she was remembering. I had to admit, the story made sense to me. Much more sense than the whole murder theory.

Sadness rolled over me in a tidal wave. Sadness and frustration. So much pain; so much destruction . . . It could have all stopped with JoJos death. 'So? I dont get it. It was over, Chloe. Why carry on the whole blackmail thing? Surely youre not just as twisted as JoJo? I mean, what are the odds?

JoJo directed an indignant snort in my direction before answering for Chloe. 'Revenge. You wanted revenge, didnt you? Poor little Chloe. He got you pregnant and then you lost the baby and he didnt even care, did he? Dropped you like a hag with herpes.

Chloe backed away, clamping her hands over her ears. 'Stop!

I spun to JoJo. 'Whos "he"?

'Pete. The word was spat out with a smirk. 'The jerk. So scared of his father.

I turned to ask Chloe if it was true, but I didnt need to. Tears streamed down her face. 'I hate him! He didnt even care! You dont understand! My dad could have lost his parliamentary seat! His whole platform is based on family values no s.e.x before marriage! Anti-abortion! Everything could have been destroyed! I couldnt go to my parents! They would have killed me! Her face twisted in regret. 'But Pete I thought hed help; I thought hed care. But he let me go through all that by myself . . . I had no one . . .

So much was finally making sense. And yet for all the questions theyd answered, just as many remained hanging. Like how the h.e.l.l I got the blame and, more importantly, why?

'But, like, what did you do after the accident? I dont get it. You see a dead person and you steal their phone and shoe and decide, "Oooh, I think Ill become a blackmailer too"? Like it was, what? A freaking job opening?

'It wasnt like that, Chloe said. She was squatting now, her head resting on her arms like she couldnt hold herself up. 'I went to see if she was okay, I promise. But, like, I could see she was dead. I didnt know what to do! You have to believe me! My phone was in my car and I could reach hers faster. I grabbed it to call triple zero, but I saw the message she was sending it was still up on the screen. It was to someone else. She was sending a freaking threatening message to someone else! I remember going cold all over as I went through her sent messages. I saw how many people she had under her control. All of us! That b.i.t.c.h!

'So you ran?

She shook her head. 'I guess for a minute I was kind of stunned. I couldnt move. Then I heard a car coming and I panicked. I dont know why, because I truly hadnt done anything! But I just did I jumped into my car and took off! It was only after I started that I realised Id also picked up her other shoe, which had been lying on the road. Id always loved those shoes I must have taken it without realising what Id done. Ive still got it. I didnt know what to do with it. Every time I look at it I want to throw up!

A memory filtered through. That was what had been nagging at me. It was what JoJo 'read in Chloes mind at the cemetery. It wasnt Chloe thinking about just any shoes when everyone else was going crazy, it was her stressing over the striped shoe.

Forcing my mind back, I mentally tried to recreate the scene. 'That other car must have been me . . .

'Oh yes, Chloe answered, suddenly sarcastic. 'The sainted Willow Cartwright coming home from doing her charity volunteer stint.

'So, I became your fall person?

She shrugged. 'Your bad luck; my good luck. You got all that publicity for being the first on the scene and the last one to speak to her the last anyone would admit to, anyway. That piece of good fortune only became clear to me after I went through JoJos phone and discovered why she was blackmailing Pete. And I saw my way to bring him down. Once and for all.

'You did what? Hang on are you saying this was all about payback for Pete? All this c.r.a.p! All this destruction? Then another thought struck me. 'Oh my G.o.d! You planned that whole Pete and the police thing! That was the whole target, wasnt it?

JoJo shook her head in obvious admiration. 'I understand it perfectly. You know, Chloe, youre way more devious than Id ever imagined. We could have been much closer if Id known about this earlier.

'Could we continue? I suggested shortly, watching in amazement as Chloe duck-waddled nearer to me putting more and more distance between her and JoJo.

JoJo shrugged. 'Im game. Let me guess: you had to pretend to be me calling from the grave, didnt you, Chloe? Or at least make it look like Willow was pretending to be me, so Pete wouldnt guess. You also had to freak out everyone else for the same reason. If youd just targetted Pete, then he might have figured it out, right? After all, you were the one who hated him most. Especially when you tried to have it out with him on Demis boat and he blew you off, right? JoJo clapped her hands. 'Ohh, and thats why you went after Simon! You were trying to make Pete jealous but it didnt work! Oh G.o.d, you must have been so p.i.s.sed off! Brilliant, really.

'I dont believe you people. I was muttering, really; talking aimlessly. 'These are peoples lives youre talking about! What Id heard today was so far out of my realm that I was having trouble processing it all. The answers were finally there, yet they hung over us like a heavy blanket, suffocating, weighing us down. I shook my head. It was over. And yet . . .

Chloes eyes narrowed. 'What are you going to do?

I shrugged. 'Clear it all up, I guess. Let everyone know who had the phone . . .

Beside me I saw JoJo freeze. 'The phone. You need to get the phone! Please!

'Oh my G.o.d, I almost forgot your father! I dived for Chloes bag, snagging it before she could.

'Her father! Chloe was suddenly on her feet, grabbing for the bag I held out of her reach. 'Her father is a dirty cheat! Youre going to spill about me and protect him? And you said you couldnt believe what Id done? Are you insane?

Confusion sent me spinning towards JoJo, whose eyes were wide. 'Whats she talking about? I thought you said he was in danger?

'Oh yeah! Chloe scoffed. 'Hes in danger, alright! In danger of being revealed as a cheat! She wheeled to JoJo. 'You must be so proud to know you helped your daddy get rich through blackmail! Is that where you learned to manipulate people? All that dirt he had on everyone! Some of those people were the families of our friends! I saw all those messages you sent him! All that stuff you sniffed out that your father used to get what he wanted. Investors, approvals, papers through council . . .

My turn to look shocked. 'JoJo?