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Estrella tosses one of her books in her bag before turning to grab a sweater. She looks up at a knock on her door.
"Yeah, Mom?" She says looking back down at her bag again
"Where were you last night?"
"Here?" Estrella frowns
"I meant before. You came in late."
"I didn't come in that late." Estrella says swinging her bag over her shoulder
"Who were you with?"
Estrella sighs, "Pope, JJ, and Kie, Mom. Is that what you wanted to hear?"
"What have I told you about hanging out with them? They're not good for you, Estrella."
"I was hanging out with them before and it didn't seem to be a problem." She says walking past her mom
"Yeah and then your friend killed someone."
"He didn't kill anybody. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
"As many times as you want because it's all right there." Her mom says as they enter the living room
"I don't have time for this." Estrella says opening the door, "I'm already late."
"Estrella!" Her mom yells. Estrella huffs as she turns back to her mom, "You're not taking me seriously, but I mean it when I say you're not going down the same path as them."
Estrella chuckles humorlessly as she shuts the door leaving her mom standing in the living room.
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"What's happening?" Estrella whispers as she enters the library. She got a text from Pope saying that it was urgent that she meets them there. She sets her bag by Kie as she stands beside JJ.
"Okay, so that guy was from the scholarship committee." Pope says, "Take a look at this."
"What guy?" Estrella says as JJ snatches the paper from Pope
"Read it."
"Out loud." Kie whispers
JJ hesitates before turning to them, "I can't read cursive."
Kie narrows her eyes as Estrella takes the paper from him. She leans on the table as Kie and JJ hover over her, "Dear Mr. Heyward, I am reaching out because I have material evidence that can exonerate John B. Routledge. It is of vital importance that you come and meet with me in person at my offices at King Street, Charleston at 8:00 p.m. sharp tonight. Please come alone. Regards, C. Limbrey."
"What the--"
"Charleston?" JJ says
"It's like an eight-hour drive plus the ferry. How will we get there tonight?" Pope says
