Zander

She was tired, we all were after that conversation. I could see that Allison was finding it difficult to keep up. Being given all that information in one must have been a bit confusing.

It had begun to get dark and I hated driving in the dark. Besides, I could barely keep my eyes open when Haley stopped speaking. Jolting up, I was met with glares and the smirk of Allison. I looked how she felt.

"Wow." Was all Allison said. It was my turn to laugh.

"I know...wow." My words were slurred and I was beginning to drop off again. I managed to stay conscious while Josh began speaking.

"Hey, Zan, when was the last time you slept?"

"Too long." I mouthed. Yawning for what felt like the hundredth time, I was forced to lie down.

"Night." My head hit the pillow and I was completely out of it.

Allison

"Do you want me to take you home?" Josh asked.

"Yeah, thanks Josh. I'll talk to you later Haley?" I was surprised yet again at how cool and collected this whole situation was. Before we left, Haley gave me her number and created a fake profile on my phone. As I started to get into Zander's truck, Haley tugged on my jacket.

"By the way Al, don't tell anyone about any of this. You can't trust them."

She was so serious all of a sudden. I nodded soberly and put my seat belt on. That was an eventful day.

********

Walking down the road, I peered through the large gates of the private estate where all the rich people lived. It was basically the poshest part of Newtown, one of the many things that had been renovated since Haley Bennet had moved in.

Haley had explained why she had to 'die'. There were people, powerful people, in Newtown that wanted her dead, she didn't tell me why. In order for the murder to be believable, there had to be some kind of proof. That was me.

I was planning to meet Josh at the coffee house to talk. That was where I was heading when I turned the corner and bumped into a tired looking Zander, clutching what looked like the strongest coffee I had ever seen. His cup flew in the air and landed all over his shirt and leather jacket.

"Oh crap." I blurted. He repeated what I said, before looking up from his ruined outfit to me.

"Oh hi, Al."

"I'm so sorry Zander. Here, let me," I started to get tissues out of my bag when he waved his hand in the air.

"Don't worry, it's fine, it was cold anyway and the caffeine wasn't helping."

"You still tired?"

"Yeah, a bit. I'll be fine though."

I found myself staring at him, wondering why I was ever remotely scared of him. Looking at him now, scruffy hair and soaked through white shirt, he didn't seem that bad. More like a big softy who was trying to look scary.

"Hey, Al. I was wondering, do you want to get a drink, I know you like hot chocolate and technically you do owe me one."

He began to smile and I couldn't help but join in.

"Oh, is that right?"

"Yep! Just let me get a fresh t-shirt from my truck and then we can go."

I didn't have the heart to tell him that I was going to meet Josh. His face lit up at the idea of having company, I didn't want to upset him. And if I'm being honest, I would rather spend time with Zander then having an awkward conversation with Josh.

The coffee shop Zander took me to was beautiful. I didn't even know there was any other coffee places in Newtown, which made me feel a little stupid since I've lived here my whole life.

"So, what do you think?"

"It's amazing."

Glittering fairy lights hung loosely from the ceiling, while small white tables were huddled in one corner. On the other side of the shop, there was a huge bookcase filled with miscellaneous copies of famous works and other bestsellers, some hanging haphazardly from the rest.

Zander was pleased with my reaction. I was pleased that he was pleased. We walked up to the wooden counter where an old, short woman with curly white hair greeted us.

"Hello lovelies! What can I do for you two love birds today." I blushed as Zander tried to politely correct her statement.

"Oh, no...we're not..."

"Save it honey, that's what they all say,"

She winks at me as I sheepishly request a luxury hot chocolate (the one with whipped cream and marshmallows) and found two seats around one round table. A few minutes later, Zander comes back with two drinks.

"Here's the money," I hand him a £10 note and he shakes his head, his scruffy hair bouncing around.

"I thought you said I owe you one?"

He laughs and hands me the note back and I slip it back into my purse quickly.

"So, tell me everything there is to know about Allison,"