We reach the cafeteria doors, and Nate pulls one open in a dramatic succession. “Well, first things first—smoothies. Then we can try and figure out what’s up with Ariah and why a ghost wants you dead.”
I laugh, stepping inside. “Right. Smoothies first. Conspiracies later.”
Nate and I grab our smoothies from the counter as the hum of conversation fills the cafeteria. I take a long sip, the cool sweetness calming my nerves, but it’s short-lived.
“Uh-oh,” Nate mutters under his breath.
I follow his gaze to see Valerie zeroing in on us like a buzzard onto a pile of guts. She rises from her table, leaving behind her ever-present entourage, and stalks toward us with that too-perfect stride. Her icy eyes are sharp, glinting with that familiar look of superiority. I brace myself as she approac
