Queen of Snakes

Chapter Six: Just Keep Holding On

I awoke the next day to several phone calls. Most of which were from Jughead. I listened to the only voicemail he left.
"Hey, Kathleen, I'm sure you are probably asleep right now. You seemed very drained at Pop's but I need your help." He paused "I did something stupid and my dad found out about it. He called me in a panic, please Kat...I don't know what do to." I climb out of bed pulling a random flannel from one of my bags. I quickly smell something other than my usual perfume. Hidden in the breast pocket was a folded piece of paper.

Des told me where you're going and why. I hate it but I agree with them. Thought you could use the southside comfort. -Sweet Pea

I have a small smile remembering what Sweet Pea said to me at Pop's last night. I slip on my jeans and converse before heading out the back door. Before going anywhere I text Alice letting her know I have left the house for the day. 
"Jughead Jones pick up the phone!" I growl walking towards campus.
"Hello?" His sleepy voice comes over the phone.
"Jughead.What did you do?"
"Kat? I...I went to Penny, for help with my dad."
"Jughead are you fucking insane? I told you to stay away from any snake charmer Tall Boy gave you! Is that why Betty did what she did to Cheryl? Because Peabody told you so?"
"She said if we got the victim's family to forgive him in front of the court than he might get time served. Kat, I was scared. He's still facing a long damn time... I just got him back, I couldn't lose him" Jughead was awake now, all sleep had left his voice
"Dammit Forsythe, you are lucky I'm not there right now. What did your dad say when he found out?"
"Not to contact her again...Kat, I'm sorry. I'm just lost."
"No, Jughead. You ignored my warning and now you got yourself in the shit hole." I roll my eyes still fuming. "I'll meet you in the lounge." With that I hang up. By the time I got to campus something had already gone down. There were police everywhere, I saw Kevin walking inside.
"Kev!" I call running over. "What happened? Are you okay?"
"No...Moose and Midge were at lovers lane last night, Moose was shot."
"Oh fuck, who found them?" Kevin looked at me horrified.
"I did..."
"Oh shit, Kev." I hug him tight holding the back of his head. "I didn't know."
"Come on. I'll tell you more with the others." Kevin takes my hand and we head into the lounge. People quickly poured into the room. First Jughead, followed closely with Betty and Veronica.
"It was full-on Carrie. Midge covered in Moose's blood, screaming like a banshee. It was insane." I rub Kevin's back.
"Kev, what were you even doing out there? You could've been shot, too." Archie spoke up, saying what we were all thinking.
"I was just night-jogging, you know, as one does and suddenly I hear gunshots."
"Can we at least agree now that there's a killer on the loose?" Archie sits down and I'm sure my face pales over.My phone beeps in my pocket. Its a unknown number.
UN-Sure is a shame everyone seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. They weren't your friends were they? Cause if they were, I apologize...

"With a terrible aim." Jughead speaks up looking at the ground.
"Jughead, he murdered Ms. Grundy."
"Arch, we don't know that all three crimes are related." Betty softly leans forward trying to be a calming voice.
"Guys, can we focus on what matters here. Midge and Moose are alive. Archie's dad survived. The new season of The Matchlerette starts tonight. And you're all coming over to watch." Veronica tries to be funny
"There's a shooter terrorizing our town, and you really want us to watch a gross reality dating show?" Jughead looks confused.
"What I really want is for you guys to meet my dad, officially." Again I'm sure I look sick. I slightly stumble into Kevin who catches me looking concerned. "Back in New York, my dad was always in his study. Doing very bad things as it turns out. I'm tired of closed doors. I need to know my dad's life and he needs to know mine." Kevin nods looking down at me still slightly concerned.
"Well, we'll be there, V. Can't wait." Betty speaks up slightly. She also looks slightly worried, but not about me. Her gaze is heavy on Kevin.
"Hey, Andrews, we're going to the hospital to see Moose. You coming?" Reggie and some of the other football guys pass through the lounge.
"Yeah, For sure. I'll see you tonight, Ronnie." Archie gets up leaving.
"Oh, I better go, too. I was supposed to meet my 'peer mentor' at Southside High. Like, half an hour ago." Jughead tries to run from the room.
"Later, Jones." He looks back at me sadly knowing exactly what I mean.
"Wait! Are...Are you sure you can't just keeping going here?"
"I'll be fine." Jughead looks at her. They get slightly closer until I react.
"Get a room, you two!" I growl pushing passed Kevin to flop on the couch. Veronica glares at me. Betty leaves the room after Kevin, probably to chase him down.