Troublemaker

The girl onscreen wore a white tank top that showed plenty of skin, pink cheek-flashing shorts, bold red shoes with toothpick heels. Her facial features were hidden behind a thick layer of whorish makeup, but I could tell she was young. Young enough to be carded at clubs, and just the sort of company Erin liked to mingle with before I kicked her out. She was alone. ‘Open the door,’ I said to Valerie. ‘Are you sure?’ She looked mildly concerned. ‘It’s almost midnight. Do you know the girl?’ ‘No, but I don’t think she’s dangerous.’ ‘Okay.’ Valerie complied, but blocked the doorway with her hefty bulk. The girl had to hop on her heels to speak to me over Valerie’s shoulder. ‘Hi, I’m Amber, Erin’s friend? She’s got herself into trouble. They won’t let her leave. She asked me to come find you.’ She ended every sentence on a high pitch like she was posing a question. She waved her glitter-covered phone. ‘I need to show you this.’ Valerie held a corner of the phone with two fingers like it wa