What Happens After Midnight

by K.L. Walther

“When’s the murder happening?” everyone always asked. “No body, no crime,” we always answered.

Nothing about being the Jester seemed worth it if you couldn’t be my partner in crime.”

The golf cart served as our getaway car, but it turned out a getaway car wasn’t truly a getaway car if you were taking what you wanted to get away from with you.

“God, I hate you,” I said, laughing. Alex shook his head. “I don’t believe you.” “Why not?” I asked. “Because,” he said, “you’ve got Tag’s favorite smile on your face.”

Everything in me melted. Taggart Swell, Taggart Swell, Taggart Swell! I wanted to shout his name from the center of the Circle. Because I loved him. I loved him from my head to my toes, fully and faithfully—and dare I say it, forever.

“I’m in love with you, Tag. Truly and totally and still falling in love with you.”

“I’m in love with you too. I love you and only you, Hopscotch. You’re it. No matter what’s happened…” His voice caught. “You’ve always been the one.”

“This is happiness,” Tag said reverently. “Happiness, all because of you.”