THE SOUTHSIDE TAPES (RIVERDALE 2)

the locked room

"Mija, how are you feeling?"
"Better." I said, "I'm feeling so much better that I can go back to school today..."
"Really..?"
As usual, my oldest sister couldn't keep herself from intruding, "Are you sure you're ready to face everyone, hermanita? I mean, you did try to bash your head in with a rock."
"I am sure. Betty and I are going together. She should be here..."
Knock-knock.
"Now." I got up and walked to the door. When I opened it she said, "Walk me to school?"
"Depends, are we actually walking or taking the jalopy?"
"I may or may not have gotten us a ride from Arch."
"God, Elizabeth! Barchie really is happening. I owe Kevin two hundred bucks plus tax which doesn't even add up properly but..."
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FLASHBACK
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He had a funeral. We watched it together in the bunker. 
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I was always careful to cover my tracks until one night...
"Where were you, hermanita?"
"None of your concern, Hermosa."
"Sneaking out when you're ill, mija?"
"I went to see him. I went to see Jughead."
"He's dead."
"He's not de 
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"Is Nicolette still alive?"
"What the hell, Jellybean?"
"I heard you talking to Charles about Greendale but you also mentioned Jughead and Nicolette. Just, are they safe, Betty?"
"Are the
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"Betty, hey."
"Mr. Jones. I'm sorry you had to worry but Jughead is fine. So is the Starlet."
"They're not fine but..."
"You know where Jughead and Nicolette are?"
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I walked away and she followed as the three of us ended up in my room.
I sat down, "You want the truth, Hermosa? I'm going to warn you in advance that we're on a covert mission in a game of psychological warfare. But here's the thing, hermana. You won't say a word to Hiram about this, Hermosa."
"Why not?" Hermosa sat down on my bed, "Because I know you helped Betty cover up the murder of her boyfriend and her attempt to murder your sister?"
"What?!" Veronica exclaimed, "I didn't-"
"She didn't-" I interjected.
"Are you sure?" Hermosa said, "That's what secret girlfriends do and say..."
I couldn't stop myself from laughing, "Oh. my. God. You think Beronica is actually happening? I never..."
"Betty and I are just friends!" Veronica snapped, "And she would never even attempt to harm either of those two. Ever."
"Then tell me what the hell really happened and give me one good reason why I shouldn't tell Papi to get the truth out of your sister. We all know his methods work well on her, especially when her boyfriend isn't there to protect her."
I jumped out of my chair, "Jughead Jones isn't dead you sick twisted stepbitch! Listen to me very carefully because if you fuck this up for us, Hermosa, I will make sure I get away with your fucking murder. I don't fuck around when it comes to my friends. Stay in your goddamn lane or I swear to god-"
"Hold on a minute." Veronica pulled me back, "Perhaps there is something you can do for Betty, Archie, Nicolette, and me. How much do you charge..?"
"And is there a discount for family members because I sure as hell won't pay full price."
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