Now that’s my OTP.
The Red and Blue Newspaper @TheRedandBlueAcedia • 3m
Active investigation under way regarding the reappearance of photographs of what have been dubbed “Frankengirls.” Reports
say images were taped to bleachers at Acedia’s football field. Follow for updates TK.
Grady: You forgot the hashtag.
Cat: I didn’t forget. It’s demeaning.
Grady: It’s how people find us.
Grady: The Shrieking Violet’s using it.
Cat: What? They printed another paper?
Grady: Gone digital. shriekingvioletacedia.com @shriekingvioletacedia, twitter and insta, no snap yet.
Grady: They just put out a breaking news alert that says the photos were planted by your sister.
Cat: What? By Angeline? She only discovered them.
Grady: Well, according to SV: “Sources say there’s a chance a popular YouTube micro influencer’s more involved than most think.”
Cat: How unequivocal.
Grady: You think?
Cat: Joke.
Grady: ha
Cat: This isn’t funny.
Grady:
Grady: Need help with the story, Chief?
Cat: Yes.
Grady:
Cat: Stand by to post.
Grady: Oh
Grady:
15
When Cat Goes Social
15 DAYS TO THE ELECTION
Notebook in hand, Cat pushed open the door to Frank’s Pizza. The smell of yeast and a wood fire filled the space, leaving barely enough room for the two plastic tables and three chairs. A cracked fourth rested in the corner, home to a potted basil plant.
She ordered a plain cheese slice, her mouth already salivating. The homemade tomato sauce and crispy crust that made one believe in magic would have kept this place in business even if it weren’t directly across from the high school. Which was why Cat was here.
She kept an eye on the likes on The Red and Blue tweet advertising her “to come” article as she waited. So far, those little hearts had barely ticked up. Unlike the ones on The Shrieking Violet’s absurd claim about Angeline.
How did anyone accomplish anything while logged in to social media?
Cat shoved her phone into the pocket of her skirt as the owner, who personally brought out every order, appeared.
Bald head, deep bronze tan, Frank carried her slice and three pizza boxes out of the kitchen. He set the pies on the counter and handed her a paper plate striped in the green, white, and red of the Italian flag.
“One plain,” he said.
Cat nodded her thanks. Steam escaped the bubbling mozzarella and parmesan, and she had to force herself to let it cool. She was here for something more important. “There was an incident at Acedia. I’m not sure if you’ve heard—”
“Part of me wishes I hadn’t.” Frank stacked napkins and hot pepper packets on top of the pizza boxes. “One of my kids did that, I’d lock ’em up myself. Find out who did it yet?”
“Not yet, which is why I’m here. I’m writing an article for the school paper, and I noticed that your security camera is aimed directly at the football field. I was hoping I could take a look at your footage, if you still have it?”
“Smart thinking, but you’re outta luck. Camera’s just for show. Though maybe with all this nasty business going on there, it shouldn’t be.”
Disappointment weighed down Cat’s limbs. Another dead end. If only Schwartz would have let her have just one of the Frankengirl pictures she could have at least dusted for prints.
She nodded politely and picked up her pizza just as a guy with fair skin and short brown hair opened the door.
“Just three deliveries?” he asked, reaching for the boxes.
“Devon!” Frank jutted his calloused finger at the kid’s red sweatshirt. “You know we switched uniforms last month.”
“New one washes out my complexion, Frank.”
“Oh, really?” Frank covered his heart with his hand. “I’m so sorry. There’s an easy fix for that.”
“Yeah, yeah, unemployment line,” the kid grumbled, which caused Frank to launch into what sounded like a not-uncommon lecture.
Outside, Cat sunk her teeth into her slice, willing some of its magic to rub off on her.
* * *
Cat arrived home just in time to see Angeline coming out of their bedroom with her long hair in tight curls, wearing dark jeans, a white silk tank, and gladiator sandals. She had a cashmere blanket draped over her arm.
“Let me guess,” Cat said, “big binge-watch planned?”
“Streaming’s all yours tonight. I’m off to light up Eggshell.”
“You really think there’ll be a bonfire? Wouldn’t call The Shrieking Violet the most reliable news source.”
“Haven’t you seen? Hashtag’s got more followers than your newspaper.” Angeline reached for the car keys in Cat’s hand. “Can I?”
Cat clenched her fist around them. “And you’re going? After everything it said about you?”
“Exactly why I have to go.” Angeline’s brow knitted. “And why you should too.”
“Yeah, no, haven’t quite perfected my keg stand. Maybe another time.” Cat gave her the keys and started for the kitchen.
Angeline blocked her. “You know what speaks louder than words? Hashtags. You need to be seen.” She grabbed her elbow, and Cat nearly tripped over her own feet as Angeline yanked her down the hall and into their room. “Just make an appearance.” Hangers screeched as Angeline shoved one after another in her closet. “Show this shrieking farce you’re not afraid of it. And anything with the election happens, you’ll be there to report on it, firsthand.”