Call Me Rumpel

Chapter Thirteen

I can't believe what I'm about to do.

I'd known when I started Call Me Rumpelstiltskin that it was risky. I'd encrypted my IP address and emails, using a reputable VPN provider to hide my browsing history and connection data. My site is HTTPS run, meaning my internet provider can't see when I log on, and I'd even thought to change my Domain Name Systems so people can't identify me.

But if the police are looking into it for a murder investigation, I can't risk relying on these measures alone.

Sighing, I set up my final post to go out for later today, explaining that Rumpel needs a holiday, and close my laptop, reminding myself it's only temporary. I'll return to the site when the heat has died down and the police have caught Vincent's killer. Sure, it'll mean I'll have no money to spare for a while, especially now I have to buy material for my textiles costume, but if I end up behind bars, I'll have nowhere to spend the money anyway.

At least there's been no more messages from GuessMyName.

I push myself away from my desk and stand, stretching out the kinks in my arms, legs, and neck. I'd had another nightmare about Vincent last night. This time, he'd chased me around Aroha's shed wielding a fifty-dollar note in the shape of a knife.

I can still hear his manic laughter echoing through my head when my phone buzzes, sending my heart into my throat. My hand shakes as I pick it up. When I see it's a message from Ari, however, I breathe out a sigh.

hey girl

what u up 2?

I pad over to the bathroom, wincing as I take in my reflection. Whilst my hair has remained tangle-free despite the nightmare, the brown roots are more prominent today. My skin looks dull and I doubt the dark circles under my eyes will go away if I press a cold teaspoon against them. It would've been fine if I'd planned on staying home to study or look after Nanna, but I have a feeling Ari has other ideas.

Already, my phone is vibrating with another text from her.

nothing? great. i'll pick u up in 30!! x

I groan, already resigned to my fate. Throwing my hair into a messy bun, I set to work trying to make myself look presentable. If we're going shopping, at least I can get into the hairdresser and fix my roots, or at least pick up a bottle of dye from the chemist without Ari seeing.

***

I glance at Ari as Dae-Seong pulls into the Hira's front gates. "Did you forget something?"

Ari fluffs her hair. "Nope."

"I thought we were going shopping?"

"Um, sorry, but no one told me I was heading to the plaza." Dae-Seong puts the car into park and glares at his sister. "I've already done you enough favours to last a lifetime."

Ari rolls her eyes as she opens her door. "Don't remind me. And no, Mish, we're doing something so much better."

She climbs out of the car, humming as she holds up a pack of Cruisers. Dae-Seong and I share a groan. I don't know if they're responsible for the strange bitter, almost sour smell in his car, but the thought of alcohol at this hour makes my stomach churn.

"Thanks for the lift," I say, unbuckling my seatbelt.

He lets out a low whistle, his eyes on the bush beyond the Hira's property. "Isn't this the place where that kid died?"

"Um, yeah."

"If you ask me, he deserved what he got."

"What?"