Everyone turned and looked at Emma, waiting for her response. Her heart was still thrumming fast. Her blood coursed with adrenaline. Just moments ago, she’d believed this was the end. She could have sworn Gabby and Lili were Sutton’s killers and the case was solved. But now, everything felt turned upside down. This was all just a prank? There was no malice, no murderous revenge? Her relief mingled with the sinking realization that once again, she had no idea who had killed Sutton.

But for the first time in weeks, I relaxed. Emma was safe—for now. Gabby and Lili just wanted to be in our clique. My killer was still out there, but the five girls who stood staring at Emma—thinking she was me—weren’t killers. They were my friends.

Finally, Emma straightened up and took a deep breath. “You definitely got me,” she admitted. “It was a good prank.”

“It was an awesome prank,” Charlotte agreed. “How did you think of it? Did you guys have help?”

“Believe it or not, the idea came out of our tiny brains,” Lili pointed just above her ear. “We’ve told you a million times, we have tons of ideas for pranks. But you snobs didn’t listen, so we decided to take matters into our own hands.”

Charlotte crossed her arms over her chest. She glanced at Emma. “I think this might’ve been the best prank ever.”

“Much better than the train tracks,” Madeline piped up.

“Better than the snuff film, too,” Laurel added. “And even better than what Sutton did to . . .” She peeked at Madeline and shut her mouth.

Gabby and Lili turned to Emma. They looked so hopeful and eager, two puppies desperate to impress the alpha dog. All at once, Emma felt for Gabby, for all she’d been through.

I felt badly for Gabby, too. But more than that, I felt embarrassed. I’d callously brushed off her seizure. I’d insisted, over and over, that no one dare tell what I’d done, like I was the most important person in the room. Was it possible I’d treated my murderer cruelly like this, too? Had I crossed the wrong person, someone who’d sought revenge with more than just a prank? Someone who’d paid me back by taking my life?

Finally, Emma cleared her throat. “I know I said there was only room in the Lying Game for four people, but I think we can make an exception.”

“Maybe even two exceptions,” Charlotte added.

Laurel nodded.

The Twitter Twins clasped hands and jumped up and down as if they’d just won American Idol. “We knew it! We knew you’d let us in!”

“I suppose we have an induction ceremony to perform,” Charlotte announced. “Your official entrée into the Lying Game.”

“You’ll get to pick executive titles,” Madeline said. “I’m Empress of Style. Sutton’s Executive President and Diva.”