Dead, Actually Part 6

Teahna caught my attention and I actually had to look twice to believe it was her. The blonde locks were gone and instead her hair was a gorgeous chestnut-coloured ma.s.s of waves that rolled down her bare back. What was this? Rebellion? Making her move to take over from JoJo? Didnt all leaders need to leave their mark? So, if Teahna got to be top Angel, would that mean wed see the year out with brunette Angels?

She was certainly made for the role. At that moment she was the perfect hostess, not putting a foot wrong. Polite. Gracious. Wound tight . . . I watched her make her rounds; saw the only time she faltered was when she came face to face with Demi. It was the pause; the stare. Just a tad too direct and frosty for best friends, and a second too long for comfort. When the tray of nibbles in Teahnas hand wobbled, I knew I hadnt misread the tension.

Darting a quick look around, I wondered who else had noticed, and was rewarded for the effort. Chloe had pushed away from the wall where she stood with two guys from Seths year. She said nothing, but her eyes searched and found Kristie, who stood alone near the slide-away gla.s.s wall. And as if by design, it seemed we all switched our focus onto Jade, who had emerged from the loo and whose eyes had quickly flicked over every Angel in turn.

The five remaining Angels; girls supposedly tighter than JoJos skinny-leg jeans. All islands. It was just . . . wrong . . .

Was the phone the reason? Or was there something else? Naturally theyd all be fighting for the role of Head Angel? Didnt these girl-gangs always have a pack leader? Did they all want it? Chloe had shown her hand at the funeral when shed skilfully dominated that photo op.

These questions threw up the most relevant one of all: just how much did I really know about these girls? Finding a quiet corner, I tried to take inconspicuous inventory. As though on cue, one by one they came into view. Teahna, Demi, Kristie, Chloe and Jade. Oh G.o.d . . . It was like taking a mental tour of the Bratz aisle in Toys R Us. All little adult replicas, labelled with their trendy names and designer clothes. All made of plastic and just as shallow. But, under all that, who were they really?

Teahna came first. Probably the most spoiled of them all. Her G.o.dmother was Reese Witherspoon, who was a great friend of her dads from his Hollywood days before he came back to Australia to produce movies out here. Seth had said it was a little snippet she liked to drop into the conversation. A lot. I figured from what hed said that she resented her fathers return to Australia; that she really felt she belonged to the mega glam of La La Land. She certainly worked at looking the part. My eyes found her still playing hostess. Shed had enough face and body work done to qualify as one of the Hollyweird glitterati. And she certainly had the self-obsession thing down pat. I figuratively zoomed in for a closer look. Yeah, she had the look but she was hard. Almost brittle. But I also had a feeling she was smart. It was a deadly combination and there was no question that shed manipulate any situation to get her way, but I had to wonder if she needed to.

Demi? It didnt take long to find her in a huddle with Chloe. She reminded me of a blonder, tanner, better-fed Olsen twin. There was that elfin look about her face, and her body was pet.i.te and kind of fairy-like. She was probably the only one who didnt have to watch her weight, because shed always be tiny. Her father and Pete Hamills father were business partners. Big-time barristers with a string of practices around the country. Demi had the smarts like her father, and she used her head. She could be one to watch more closely.

My eyes s.h.i.+fted minimally to latch onto Chloe. Most bulimic-looking of all the Angels. She was a waif. All I really knew about her was that she was obsessed with clothes and shoes. Like that made her different. Not. Dont ask me why, but I remembered her Year 10 yearbook slogan was something like, 'Never miss a shopportunity, which made my eyes cross every time I saw it. I mean, seriously, is that what you want to be remembered for? I gave myself a mental shake, making myself move on. Her dad was a politician but I didnt know a lot about his platform. I made a note to ask Macey. Looks? Okay, Id peg her as an AnnaSophia Robb. Soft, blonde, pretty, except that where ASR pulled off the 'I have more substance thing, Chloe was about as deep as a three-line joke. And not as sharp. Or maybe she was and I just wasnt seeing it.

Roving around the room I spied Kristie now there was a girl who was trying too hard. The question was, why? If I had to define her looks, maybe Id say she was a bit like Abigail Breslin. No work done but she tried to make up for it with all that makeup and bluff her way through it all with her wild antics. You know? There was a kind of desperation there that kept her up near the top of the list of suspects.

Now that I was getting into this game, it was almost fun and a great distraction from all the other c.r.a.p that had been determinedly trying to fill my head all day.

Jade was next in my sights. She was easy: blonde Megan Fox. Seriously, the gal was naturally gorgeous except for that permanent frown and vacant expression. She was the one Id almost eliminated from the list simply based on the fact that I really didnt think she had enough grey cells to pull this off. Im not saying it took a genius to keep the scam going, just that Jade wasnt even anywhere near a genius. Even calling her 'smart was a stretch. I doubted shed even be able to spell the word.

And just maybe that could also be the biggest mistake I could make . . .

Confusion was an understatement. The big question was, what did it all mean, and was I any wiser?

Shaking my head, I started checking out the rest of the guests. So far, despite my surveillance, no one had really noticed me, or if they had they werent falling over themselves to make me feel welcome. That wasnt such a bad thing, especially when the next person I made eye contact with was Pete. Great. Looked like my luck was still rolling downhill. Hed obviously been staring at me before I noticed him, and finally he wandered over, drink in hand and looking every inch the s.e.x G.o.d. And I wondered again why it didnt have any effect on me.

'Hey, Willow. Howre you doing? I hope youre not hiding in that corner deliberately? He c.o.c.ked an eyebrow and shot me a half smile. A nervous smile . . . 'You want a drink? I shook my head and he ducked his head low. 'You look great, he added after a minute, his voice quiet and unsure. Like the smile.

The compliment was as convincing as the smile, and I frowned as I flicked another look around, almost blinded by Teahnas diamond-encrusted bikini top alone. Really? A bikini top at a wake? But then again, I was getting the feeling this whole event was all about questions and statements. And that bikini top was certainly a statement. And not a subtle one. Even JoJo would have felt threatened. Personally, it didnt do anything for me: itd be a b.i.t.c.h to sunbathe in.

Not that Teahna didnt have compet.i.tion. You could drown in the amount of designer stuff in this room and everyone here knew how to wear it. Which meant, h.e.l.lo? I was hardly the stand-out here. So, was this just more of Hamill at work? I shrugged him off. 'Looks like you got over last night okay. You were pretty smashed when I dropped you home. Hows your phone, by the way?

He shook his head and offered a pretty poor laugh-imitation. 'Terminal.

'So, what was it? I asked as innocently as I could. 'Over-enthusiastic telemarketer who just wouldnt take no for an answer?

He lost the smile. 'You wouldnt believe it if I told you, he muttered.

'And I might just believe every word, I murmured back.

He didnt respond. Maybe he hadnt heard me? Whatever. He started to relax slightly, though; I could tell by the way he slumped against the wall and then we stood there for a minute, neither saying anything. Amazingly it wasnt as weird as Id have expected, but I was still deciding how to go about bringing up the JoJo phone call again.

'Willow? Pete kind of blurted it out and it startled me. Pure instinct had me stepping back, but he quickly darted out an arm to bring me in closer. 'Oh Christ! I cant do anything right. Look, Im sorry for that.

He looked so stricken that my heart kind of thawed to him, and I tried to shoot him a smile. 'Its okay, Im a bit jumpy lately.

He nodded like he understood, but really he couldnt. I mean, he couldnt know what it was like to be pulled in a million directions at once without even starting on the whole dead-person-in-my-room thing.

Like that alone wouldnt make me jumpy.

Mellowed a bit, I let him pull me in against him, figuring that with now about fifty people closing in around us, I was pretty safe from Mr P and his cronies. I was right, because all he wanted to do was whisper in my ear.

'Um, Willow . . . Um, well, like, I think I did and said some really dumb stuff last night and well, Id like to apologise.

Okay, an apology from Pete Hamill wasnt exactly what I expected, and I had to admit it was a nice surprise. Until I realised he had an ulterior motive. Id opened my mouth to tell him it was all okay when he cut me off.

'The thing is Im being straight with you here and I need you to be straight with me. Youve got her phone, right? JoJos phone? You gotta tell me, Willow. I cant do this anymore. Ill give you whatever you want; do whatever you want you just gotta give it to me.

Frustration soared yet again. 'I dont have the freaking phone, Pete!

His hands circled my arms, his voice was thick, pleading, his breath wisped my hair. 'Willow, Im begging you. I said Id do anything . . .

I shook my head at him. Hed never know how much I wished I had that stupid phone because, if I did, Id be minus one very cold, very unwelcome roomie. And have my life back. I wanted to tell him that, but the look on his face stopped me. Call me a sucker, and yes, I knew full well that Pete was bad news, but I suddenly felt really sorry for the guy. He looked tired, totally worn out desperate even. Like there was this huge weight hanging over him.

'I really dont have it, I answered softly. 'Why is it so important to everyone? And what cant you do anymore?

He froze. 'Other people are looking for the phone? Who?

I wasnt sure whether I was going to answer or not for two reasons really. One was that Petes hands had tightened and he was starting to hurt me. And the other was Seth.

'Let her go, Hamill. Ive already told you once.

Seth! At the first sound of his voice, heat flooded my entire body. Id been dreading this moment, but within microseconds it was evident I had other things to worry about right then. Seth had grabbed Petes s.h.i.+rt and was hauling him away from me. But I had to hand it to Pete he was only surprised for a second. He flicked Seths hands off him and pushed up against him, chest to chest, nose to nose. Two big guys; both tall. Both built. It had the potential to be a bloodbath and it was going to happen right here at my feet. My very non-violent, totally pacifist, bloodbath-hating feet.

Feet that were frozen to the imported-marble-tiled floor. My hands flew to cover my mouth, and stayed there. Only my eyes seemed to have the power of movement. And they were frantically searching for someone to stop this craziness. Pete was yelling into Seths face about not being man enough, and Seth was yelling back about respect.

Blinking, I realised the crowd was pus.h.i.+ng in closer and there in the middle, raising her gla.s.s to me, was Macey. Raising her gla.s.s? I couldnt believe her! How about raising an alarm? Theres a thought! But when it became evident that no one was going to stop them, I knew it was up to me.

Just as I took a step closer, Macey slipped in by my side and pulled me back. I spun to her. 'What are you doing? We have to stop them fighting!

'Theyre not fighting, she said with a shrug. 'Its just that guy thing. That age-old ritual: jousting, arm wrestling, pistols at dawn smack-downs at wakes.

Petes hands landed on Seths chest, shoving him backwards.

'What are you talking about? Thats a fight right there. Cant you see that?

She smiled slyly. 'All I can see is two guys trying to impress someone.

'Yeah well, whoever she is must have low standards if this is what it takes to impress her. How could guys do this to each other? This was ridiculous! Breaking free of Macey I stepped in and shoved them apart, which wasnt as heroic as it sounds because they were still just pumping their chests. 'Will you two meatheads grow up? Only morons use their fists to settle their arguments.

Straightening his s.h.i.+rt, Seth smirked. 'Geez, Hamill, that should make you a contender for the champions.h.i.+p t.i.tle.

'You think hes the only brainless one here? I asked incredulously.

The arrow hit home and Seth shot me a guilty look. He turned his back on Pete, whod started to wander away along with everyone else, leaving just the two of us. Twisting his head, he looked at me hard. 'I told you hed bring you grief. His voice was just as soft as always, yet it had a sharp edge and I didnt think Id ever seen Seth so p.i.s.sed off. And I hated the fact that he looked just as gorgeous mad as he did when he was happy.

I was totally a lost cause. I needed to rethink the therapy thing.

'I dont get it, I said softly, 'whats with all the aggro?

Seths reply began with a bitter laugh. 'Oh man . . . Then he shook his head. 'Look, just forget it, okay? Forget what? 'And just stay away from Hamill, he continued. 'I wont always be around to bail you out, right?

And then he walked away. And left me standing there. Great. I was supposed to be a mind-reader now? Forget what? Were we talking in code and someone forgot to give me my copy of the text? Still confused, I watched him move towards the pool area. Broad shoulders in a white tapered s.h.i.+rt that hung down over dark jeans that covered the cutest b.u.t.t G.o.d ever made. Okay, so the guy was talking in tongues he was still the swoon-worthiest thing in this room. My eyes stayed on him till he finally blended into a dark corner of the courtyard and I lost clear sight of him.

The one thing I knew was that I was not going to go out after him.

Id barely turned away when Macey sidled up, a Diet c.o.ke can in one hand. 'So whats happening?

'Whats happening? Whats happening is that your brother needs a translator and I want to split this place now. Go home. Vamoose. Im already over this party or wake or whatever it is. It feels too weird.

Her eyes narrowed. 'Have you discovered anything useful?

'Not a thing . . . Except that for people who are supposed to be so close, they dont really seem to like each other.

'Im figuring you mean the Angels? At my nod she continued. 'Yeah, the guys are skittish too. Davo just put me through the third degree about you. And Mitch asked me for your number.

I closed my eyes and squeezed. 'Please tell me its the dress . . .

She shrugged. 'It doesnt hurt; you do look hot. But I was pretty sure it was more than your looks and charm. And by the time Id finished chatting to them about the Facebook messages, I was convinced. Whatevers going on must be pretty big; Mitch was nearly peeing himself.

'Oooh just the character trait I look for in a hot guy; one who can pee on cue at a party . . .

Suddenly tired, I moved towards the wall and flopped into a hot-pink designer chair shaped like a hand its fingers cupped ready to accept me and blew out a huge sigh. Macey was right; I did have to find out about JoJo but where was I supposed to start? I wasnt some freaking detective!

Macey followed and dropped elegantly into the pink chairs orange cousin and crossed her bare legs. 'And by the way what went down between you and Seth over there?

That caused me to blow out another gigantic sigh. 'Nothing. Something. Who knows? Actually, I havent got a clue. Hes gone all cryptic.

I sensed the questions itching to be asked, but Macey didnt get a chance to voice them because Teahna chose that moment to come over and talk. And in a way that was a good thing, because it got my mind off Seth, which was quite a feat considering thats where my mind totally wanted to be.

I noticed Teahna was drinking mineral water, which surprised me. Her eyes were bright and watchful as they slid first over Macey and then me.

'Are you having a nice time? she asked in her best hostess voice.

Nice? Did you have a 'nice time at a wake? Was that what you aimed for?

'Peachy. Love the dead theme, Macey answered dryly. 'You should start a business.

Teahna didnt flinch and Macey rolled her eyes at me. I fought back a grin which was doubly tough when Teahna continued to ignore her and focussed on me. 'I just noticed you dont have a drink let me fix that. What would you like? We have everything. Hard or soft. Your call.

I stood up to meet her face to face, and shook my head. 'But thanks anyway. Still she stared. 'By the way, great house. Oh and great hair, I muttered, wondering what to say next. 'Um this is really cool of you to do this for everyone. I guess you must still be really cut up over JoJo.

Teahna lowered her eyes. 'She was my best friend. We had no secrets we shared everything. Its really hard to lose someone that close. Im not sure Ill ever get over it.

Okay, so again I felt really bad. But, like, I could relate to this. What if it had been Macey? Then again, it was still hard to imagine anyone being really close to someone as cold as JoJo. And I didnt mean in her present state which was ultra, ultra chilled. That thought brought on a sudden shudder andfrankly I would have been happy to leave right then, but this was my chance to dig a bit deeper.

Before I could act on that thought, Teahna sniffed and caught my attention again. 'I . . . I just wish I had something special of hers, but I suppose Ill have to make do with memories, she whispered. Well, whispered loud enough to be heard over the rock band that was still belting out music loud enough to reach Saturn.

So it wasnt just a random comment. Deliberate? Why? To get me to hand over the phone? Two could play at this game. I put my hand on Teahnas arm. 'You poor thing. What was she really like? I mean, I didnt know her very well.

'She was a b.i.t.c.h and she liked to manipulate people.

'Jade! Teahna warned and amazingly all signs of her grief seemed to have disappeared.

But the girl whod just pushed herself into our conversation, a blonde JoJo look-alike, wasnt going to be warned off. With black mascara running down her face in muddy rivers, she put up one wavering hand to silence Teahna. 'She was a mega- meg . . .

'Megalomaniac? offered Macey. 'As in someone who craves power?

'Craves? Like shes still doing it, you mean? A loud sniff followed as Jade stumbled closer. 'Cos the thing is we dont know, do we? Maybe it really is "craves". Do we really know shes dead? Its not like we looked in the freakin coffin! And if it wasnt her then that answers a lot of questions, doesnt it!

'Shes definitely dead, I answered without thinking. In fact Id been so absorbed in Jades outburst that Id kind of lost my way there for a moment. But it only took the suddenly still expressions on the growing sea of faces around me to find it again. 'I mean . . .

'How do you know shes really dead? Teahna asked carefully. 'I thought you only saw the car and you called triple zero because you found the car.

It seemed for a minute like everyone in the room was waiting for my answer. Well, everyone in earshot anyway. Theyd stopped talking and were hanging on every word. Thank G.o.d the music prevented my words carrying, because the tension radiating from the small group around me was enough to spark memories of old westerns Id watched with my grandfather. Specifically lynching parties . . . 'I, um well, I saw a body. I mean the body. I mean, I wasnt right up close but I saw enough . . .

That tension was curling through me and I straightened my back. It was the truth, but even to my ears it sounded like a weak attempt to convince them.

'Then why are you so sure shes dead?

The answer rolled silently around in my head. 'Because her ghost is living in my bedroom! Yeah, thatd go down well. Not.

I caught a tiny head-shake from Macey. Admitting anything like that to these people was sure to get a one-way ride to the nearest loony farm.

I licked my suddenly dry lips. 'Um because . . .

'Because shed be here if she was alive. Right? Macey stood also. 'Do you think shed miss an opportunity to party with you guys? Do you think shed chance missing the latest goss? I mean, come on! What? Shes gonna give up this to be where? Hiding out somewhere? Tucked away in South America or somewhere? Why?

One by one heads started nodding, but if I expected to see relief, it didnt happen. Just the opposite. And as glances were exchanged, I couldnt remember seeing so much fear in so many eyes at one time.

I darted a look at Macey but the look she shot back told me she was just as confused as I felt. There was only one thing left and that was to find Seth and get him to tell me what was going on. Easy. Yeah right. He hadnt bothered coming back inside, so I figured he still wasnt happy.

Maybe Pete was a better bet? He was the one whod seemed most willing to talk earlier. But then, Pete had also got a bit weirded-out, too.

Before I made up my mind, Teahna, now the perfect hostess again, stopped the music and called for everyone to come inside. 'Its time for the official part of the evening and I have Daddy to thank for organising this.

Waving for us to follow, she led the way into the private theatre. The red velvet seats looked comfy and I wriggled into the back row and snagged one, sat down and crossed my legs. I looked for Macey but somehow wed become separated. The seats either side of me were empty and stayed that way till the lights dimmed and it was only then I felt someone slide in beside me.

Seth.

Id know if that guy was within a twenty-mile radius of me let alone almost on my lap. Because thats how close he was. Hed pulled on a leather jacket and it creaked as he moved. And he moved. His thigh was pressed in against mine, and even though he looked straight ahead at the screen, I knew he couldnt have missed that fact.

I didnt dare move or breathe. His scent surrounded me. His aftershave. The rich scent of real leather. The sultry scent that was pure Seth. Citrus and the fresh tang of the ocean blended into an exotic mix that rolled over me and trickled down my spine.

Music started pouring from speakers behind us but my hormone-fuzzed brain couldnt work out what it was, or who was singing. I barely computed that the smiling blonde on the screen was JoJo and she was the whole reason we were here.