CHAPTER 41: STAKES ARE RISING

Cecilia paced about in her room, glancing anxiously at the clock on the wall. Sarah was late, and with everything happening, there was a growing unease in the pit of her stomach. She had learned to trust her instincts, and they screamed at her that something wasn't right. Finally, Sarah walked in, her hair pulled back in a loose bun, and she wore a jacket that looked far too cheerful for the tension that had settled over them both. "Sorry, I'm late. Traffic was murder," Sarah said, striding into the room. In her worry, she hadn't noticed when Veronica made it home. "I am just so anxious these days, Sarah, with everything going on with Harry and then Veronica—are you okay?" Cecilia looked closely at her friend. "Of course I am. You don't need to worry about me, you know; I was out for two hours, Cecilia. Harry would not do anything to me as long as he thinks I'm still in with him." "But I still worry," Cecilia said. This wouldn't have happened if her friend had listened to her and