“Before we call the cops, I’m backing up all of my files,” Kristi told him around a piece of pizza, her eyes inadvertently straying to the vial. She was having a certain amount of trouble swallowing. “Not only for my homework and personal stuff, but for everything about the case.”

Jay nodded, wondering if they were sitting in the middle of a crime scene. The box of pizza was placed between them on the daybed while Bruno watched their every bite, hoping for any spillage. He, at least, was unaffected by the discovery of the necklace and vial.

“So why was the vial hidden?” Kristi asked, dropping the remains of her slice back into the box. “Or, was it just forgotten?”

“Hidden. The necklace was pushed into a crack near the wall.”

“Why hide it? Some of the girls who have them—and as far as I know, it’s just girls—wear them openly.”

“You think Tara hid it herself?”

“Who else?” Kristi asked. She wiped her fingers on the paper napkins that came with the pizza, then pushed herself upright and walked to the desk. Once there, she began transferring information to a small pocket-sized jump drive. She chewed on her bottom lip as she worked. “If we’re going to the police and Detective Laurent, then I guess we’ll have to call Dad.” She made a face at the thought. “He’ll have a fit, of course, but at least he’ll make sure none of my stuff is ruined or lost.”

“You’re willing to suffer through his lectures?” Jay asked, closing the pizza box and disappointing Bruno.

“It’s not as if I’m not used to it.”

“In the meantime, as I said, I’ll camp out here.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I do.” He was positive.

“But—”

“Admit it, Kris, you want me to stay.”

“Oh, please.” His arrogance knew no bounds, even though he was partially right.

He wasn’t intimidated. “You still want me.”

She made a strangled sound. “Y’know, I’m fine. It’s better if you just go.” Snagging her jump drive from the computer, she capped it with more force than necessary and stuffed it in a small pocket in her purse.

He shrugged, making no move to leave.

“I can’t believe you said that,” she added.

“You’re still thinking about it.”

“Jay, so help me…” She cut herself off as she walked to a closet, where she found a sleeping bag that had seen better days and a tattered throw pillow with the stuffing exposed, compliments of Hairy S., Kristi’s stepmother’s scrappy little dog. Jay watched her with a knowing air that really chapped her hide. She should just toss him out. But he was right in one regard, damn him: she didn’t really want to be alone.

But she did not want him.