Page 158 of Revenge Reads Better

“Okay. And?”

“And your name is on it.”

I stare at her. Then laugh. I actually fucking laugh because there is no way I heard her correctly.

“You have got to be kidding me right now.”

My voice carries farther than intended as a couple at the next table glance over, while someone near the buffet turns in my direction.

I sink lower in my chair and grumble at my best friend. “Sienna, why the fuck does Chief Neptune think I’m a serial killer?”

“He doesn’t. Not necessarily. You’re not even a person of interest. Yet. Just a name on a piece of paper. Forget I said anything.”

“Oh, well, that makes me feel so much better.”

“Would you relax? I already told him he’s barking up the wrong tree. And today, I’m going to prove it.”

So much information is coming at me at once that my brain takes a second to catch up on that last part.

“How?”

“Today is Sydney’s funeral.”

I blink. “Her funeral is today already? She died, what, four days ago?”

“Her parents apparently didn’t want to prolong it.” Sienna reaches for her coffee. “Something tells me Peyton had a hand in making sure Sydney was safely underground before her precious reunion party Saturday night, but whatever the reason for the rush, we’re going.”

I shake my head before she even finishes.

“Nope.”

“Max—”

“Absolutely not. I’m not going to Sydney’s funeral.”

“We have to.”

“No, you apparently have to. I plan on being literally anywhere else.”

“If we’re going to clear your name, then we have to go.”

“What does one thing have to do with the other?”

Sienna leans forward again, instantly commanding my undivided attention.

“Here’s the thing about killers like this. Sometimes they can’t resist watching the aftermath. They insert themselves into vigils, funerals, and even investigations. Anywhere they can get a front-row seat to the suffering they caused.”

My appetite officially disappears.

“And you think the Reunion Killer is going to show up at Sydney’s funeral?”

“I think there’s a very good chance.”

I study her face. Something about the certainty there bothers me.

“You keep saying he.”

She nods.