The front door opening makes the four of us leap to our feet, but we don’t get further than that before Perry barrels down the hall. He’s panting, sweaty hair plastered to his forehead, and for one wild moment, he comes to a stop and looks around at us all.

“Ah … hey?”

“Where have you been?” explodes from me and Margot at the same time.

He does that thing where he forces a laugh, trying to act like everything is fine. “Just, umm, out for a walk.”

“A walk?” Margot echoes. “The kind of walk that could have gotten you killed?”

Perry’s tan face pales, and he quickly looks around. “This isn’t where I’m supposed to be. Who are you people? I’ll just⁠—”

“He told me everything,” Margot cuts him off, pointing my way as she tattles on me. And I wish she didn’t because the expression Perry sends me can only be described as complete and utter betrayal.

“E-everything?”

“That you tried to kill him, made a middle school pact to disappear, and have found yourself on the chopping block instead? Oh yeah. Everything.”

Perry scowls at me. “You tattled to my sister?”

“What was I supposed to do?”

“Not tattle to my sister!”

“You’re the one who sent her a ridiculous message this morning that had her busting down the front door and suspecting us of killing you.”

“She what?”

“Yes. So thank you for once again putting me in a position I don’t want to be in.”

Perry at least looks sorry, but before he can say it, Elle cuts in.

“Sorry to break up this tense moment, but Perry plowed in here like the place was on fire, and I’d kind of like to know what that was about.”

Fuck. That’s a good point.

Perry straightens suddenly. “Nothing important. No fire. But I really think now would be a good time for you and Margy to leave. Thank you so much for visiting, and we’ll meet up later this week for dinner or … umm, a funeral?”

Elle and Margot are both wearing matching we’re not going anywhere expressions.

“You do know that while I’m not practicing law here yet, I do know what I’m talking about,” Elle says, shocking the hell out of me. My initial impression of her was fun-loving trust bunny, so that proves I’m a terrible judge of character.

“I know, I know,” Perry waves her off. “But I don’t think I can legally do anything about this, so I’d really like both of you to leave. Immediately.”

And Margot proves she knows her brother better than any of us because she plants her hands on her hips and glares at him. “Why?”