How They Got Away With Murder | Book Three

Chapter Nine-Part Two

      Cheering and drinking surrounded her. She embraced it with open arms, a beer gripped in her own hand. She laughed as she chatted with a law student that she somewhat knew.

      "My friend's calling for me. See you later!" Her peer chirped before rushing off. She waved her goodbye, chugging down her beverage. She was only two bottles in, and she really felt like she needed more. With that in mind, she weaved through the crowd and towards the alcohol. Once she made it there, her phone buzzed. She pulled it out, reading the text that flashed on her screen. She sighed at the words. Maybe she wouldn't get plastered that night.

      "Karmen?"

      At hearing her name, Karmen spun on her heel.

      The person in front of her made her lips curl into an ever-lasting frown. 

      "You got the text too?"

      Laurel's brows drew together in confusion. "Text?"

      "Yeah, from Annalise. She wants us at the house."

      "She called me, told me to gather everyone up. I wonder why she texted you." Laurel muttered and she shrugged.

      "Whatever. Where's Asher?"

      Laurel sighed. "Way too drunk to come. Guess it's just us."

      "Okay. I'll call a cab."

      In ten minutes the girls were situated in a car on the way to Annalise's home. She had no clue why the woman wanted them there, and the only reason she was going was the off-chance it had to do with Frank. Maybe Bonnie killed him. Who knew.

      They arrived at the house shortly, Laurel texting Wes for his location as they walked up to the door. Karmen noticed how empty it looked but simply shrugged it off as she opened the door.

      "Annalise?" Laurel called out as the two entered. Karmen stepped into the living room, confusion bubbling in her stomach as she swept her eyes over the bare room. 

      She yelled out, "Annalise?" She then turned to Laurel. "Is she playing a game with us? Because I am not in the mood."

      "Just keep looking." Laurel ordered before retreating towards the stairs. She rolled her eyes and moved into the kitchen.

      "Annalise? Where the hell are you?" She shouted. She glanced at the basement door, reaching her hand out. Just as she cracked open the door a hot gust of air struck her and her eyes widened as she saw bright light hurtling towards her—

~~~~~

      She saw the flames first.

      Alyssa bolted towards the scene, her heart hammering loudly in her chest. When she got the message, she couldn't believe it. But being there with the fire, and the police and the firefighters, she knew it was really happening.

      "Annalise?!" She called out frantically, shoving past the group of people just standing in the street watching the nightmare play out. She finally spotted her professor, sitting on the back of an ambulance. Just as she was about to run towards the woman, a police officer held out her hand.

      "Let her through." Annalise said, and the officer let her pass. Alyssa jogged towards her.

      "I heard someone say there's a body. Is that true?"

      "No one knows anything yet."

      Alyssa thought about how she couldn't reach a few of her friends that night. "But what if it is true?"