In approximately forty-eight hours, I’ll come face-to-face with the person I’m supposed to kill.

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Two nights later, on the evening of the awards banquet, I’m no closer to figuring out who the Maker is. I’m supposed to get clarity tonight, and at this point, I need it. No one from school has shown up at my door looking suspicious. No students were skulking through the store when I ran out to pick up dinner for Archie and me. There have been zero flashing neon signs in my soul, blaring, This person is a future mass murderer!

I watch as my father pulls the wide end of a tie under and over the narrow end, up into the loop, and down through the front hole. I have no idea how to knot a tie, and neither does Archie. He’d just as soon wear a clip-on, but that is not happening tonight. Not at the ceremony hosted by Newhouse Information Systems, honoring him as one of the brightest young scientists in the country.

So asking Dad for help it is. Even if he can barely tolerate my company.

As I wait, I glance at my cell phone and reread Bandit’s latest texts. It’s like the black letters encased in gray bubbles have cast a spell over me.

Most Confusing Boy Alive: Swishy blue dress. Bubblegum pink lip gloss. Hair curling @ shoulders

Me: Interesting. Did your hair grow twelve inches since I last saw you?

Most Confusing Boy Alive: Not me. Just guessing what ur wearing

Me: Oh, really? Someone once told me that’s what lovesick people do. Are you lovesick, Bandit?

Most Confusing Boy Alive: Nah. Ur vomit missed me by a few ft so I didn’t catch ur virus. Thx for asking tho

Me: I’m not lovesick!!!

Most Confusing Boy Alive: 3x in 2 texts? I’m flattered, honey oats. but u’ve got to stop using luv in connection w me. People r already talking bout us

I’ve only read these words nine, maybe ten times. And I still don’t know whether to laugh or scream.

“Here,” my dad says, pulling me back to the present. He takes the loop off and hands it to me.

“Thanks, Dad.” I accept the tie and tuck the phone in my pocket, where I’m resolved it will stay.

I survey my father. He’s clean-shaven, and his newly cropped silver hair contrasts nicely with his navy suit, giving him an air of elegance. Dad’s a handsome man, no doubt. I just wish we had more to say to each other.