but said nothing.

A woman whispered:

“Rachel?”

She recognized the voice instantly.

Vanessa.

“Where are you?”

Vanessa sounded like she was crying.

“You need to listen very carefully.”

“Were you involved with Brandon?”

“No.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not.”

“I saw the photograph.”

Vanessa drew in an unsteady breath.

“That photograph is exactly why I called.”

“What does that mean?”

“Brandon wasn’t the person who brought me into this.”

Rachel tightened her fingers around the phone.

“Then who was?”

Vanessa’s next words made Rachel lower herself into the chair.

“You were.”

Rachel remained silent.

Vanessa continued before she had a chance to respond.

“At least… someone claiming to be you was.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“I know.”

“Then explain it.”

“I can’t do that over the phone.”

“Everyone keeps telling me that.”

“Because every phone connected to this situation may be compromised.”

A chill moved across Rachel’s skin.

“