The Inmate

by Freida McFadden

I rub my runny nose. “Who… who do you think it is?” She pauses. “I don’t know.” “Yes, you do. You just don’t want to say.” Chelsea lets out a long sigh. “Fine. It was Tim.” I lift my eyes in surprise. That wasn’t what I thought she was going to say. “Tim? But…” “It makes the most sense, Brooke.” She tucks a strand of wet hair behind her ear. “Shane’s right—Tim’s the only one who had the opportunity to go up there and do it. And he was the one who was cuddling up with Kayla all night. Shane barely knew her.” “But…” But it can’t be Tim. Not my first best friend. My first kiss. The guy I’ve known all my life, who would do anything for me. I touch the snowflake necklace, remembering how pleased he looked when I opened the box. “And he dated Tracy Gifford,” she reminds me. “What’s up with that? He had a bunch of dates with a girl who turned up murdered, and he figures he doesn’t need to mention that to anyone? That is hella suspicious, Brooke.” “I know, but…” “Plus, he’s frustrated,” Chelsea adds. “Because you’re dating Shane, and of course, he wants you for himself.” I swivel my head to stare at her. “What are you talking about?” She lets out a dramatic sigh that lasts several seconds. “Come on, Brooke. You must realize that Tim is madly in love with you.” I snort. “No, he’s not. We’re friends.” “Right. You think of him as a friend, and he’s in love with you.” She cocks her head to the side. “I thought for sure you knew. You really don’t see it?”