12. Code of Silence

Chapter One

“I’m worried,” said Alexis MacGregor. “It’s creepy.”

“Halloween’s not for months.”

“Christopher —”

Chris MacKensey looked over at his brother. “Well?”

“Why are you asking me? She’s your girlfriend.”

Chris grinned. “Lucky me.”

“Focus,” said Alexis. His grin just widened as he looked over. “Chris, I’m going to slap you.”

“Whoa, no need for violence.”

“You do remember India Peterson?”

Chris grunted. “Of course, I remember her, cute little thing, black hair, blue —”

Alexis did slap him then. Chris frowned at her. “Now, wait just a minute, I notice things. I’m half-psychic after all.”

Jason was anticipating her looking at him and was already shaking his head and twirling a finger at his temple. Alexis gave him a narrow-eyed look and turned back to Chris. “He says no.”

“Of course, he would, technically it’s a secret, for your eyes only and all that.”

She slapped him again. “Focus.” She looked at Jason. “Is he always like this?”

“You have absolutely no idea.”

Chris looked at his brother. “That’s low, bro.” He sighed. “Okay, India Peterson, about five-two, black hair, blue eyes, likes to wear her hair in high ponytails that swing when she walks. Moved here from Amherst. Happy?”

A part of her wondered if he’d talked to India to get the information. She seriously doubted he was psychic but thought about that TV show she liked and suspected he was just as annoying. “Yes.”

“What?”

“You think you’re Shawn Spencer, don’t you?” She looked at Jason. “He’s a bit fairer than Shawn’s partner.”

Chris stared at her. “Wait, you watch Psych?” Chris suddenly squeezed her in a hug. “You’re my Juliet!”

“Considering how it went with Romeo and Juliet, that’s probably not a good reference.”

“No, Juliet O’Hara.”

Alexis sighed and looked at Jason. “Why didn’t you warn me about what I was getting into?”

“I tried. Emma told you —”

Chris let go of her so fast she nearly fell. “Now wait just a minute.”

“Does he consult with the police too?”

Jason started laughing and earned a few looks from passing students. “No. Chief Gardner wouldn’t do that.”

Chris grunted. “Okay, fine, I’ll leave you to enjoy the crude humor.”

Alexis grabbed his arm before he could walk away. “I’m worried about her.”

“Lex, you can do remote learning but Mom won’t let us, no matter how many times I beg her.”

“India hasn’t been here in two weeks.”

“Maybe she has the newsies.”

“Newsies?” asked Alexis, watching him, wondering how he bounced from subject to subject like a busy bee. “You’re ADHD, aren’t you?”

“New school, new teachers, new class schedule and don’t be ridiculous, Mom cured me. I mean she transferred from somewhere.”

Alexis opened her mouth but no words came. She swallowed. “New school? Seriously?”