Alex left the house just after nine.
He told Bridget he needed to return a library book and study with a group. The lie came out smoother than it should have. Troy had gone out with Paxton an hour earlier. The window was open, and Alex took it.
Kevin’s building was a walk-up with a broken intercom. Alex pressed 3B and waited.
A crackle, then Kevin’s voice. “Yeah?”
“It’s me. Alex.”
A short pause. “Alex? Hold on.”
The door buzzed. Alex climbed the stairs. Kevin opened the apartment door in a worn T-shirt and sweatpants, hair sticking up on one side.
“What are you doing here?” Kevin asked, stepping aside. “It’s almost ten.”
Alex walked in and set his bag down. “I needed to not be at the house tonight.”
Kevin closed the door and studied him. “Did something happen?”
“No. Yes. I don’t
