A GHOST'S SECOND CLUE: CLOSE FRIENDS

"What about Rita?" asked Amelia, raising a brow as she opened the door.

"Oh, I'm so sorry—come on in," she added quickly, stepping aside.

"Thank you," said Chloé, her heels clicking softly against the hardwood as she entered.

At the top of the stairs, Ryner stood half-hidden, his hand resting on the railing. He peered down to get a better look at the woman who had just walked in.

Who is that? She's… stunning, Ryner thought, blinking. But what does she want with my sister? And why is she talking about Rita?

He leaned forward slightly, keeping his steps silent.

Back in the living room, Amelia guided Chloé to the couch.

"So… what were you saying earlier? About Rita?" she asked, trying to steer the conversation back.

Chloé nodded, folding her hands neatly in her lap. "Before I explain, I need to say something first. I've been a news reporter for three years now. In that time, I've worked hard—really hard—to build relationships with the right people. Cops, detectives, legal professionals, even people who work in forensics. Connections matter in my line of work."

Amelia tilted her head. "Okay… But what does that have to do with Rita?"

Chloé's eyes sharpened. "I don't think Rita's death was an accident. Or suicide."

A silence settled in the room like a weight.

"I think someone killed her," Chloé continued, voice low. "And not just anyone. Someone close to her. Someone she trusted."

Amelia's lips parted in shock. "Wait—what? Are you saying—are you saying she was murdered?"

"Yes," Chloé replied simply.

"And you think one of her friends did it?" Amelia's voice trembled slightly.

"I don't have the evidence yet. But I have suspicions. Strong ones. And with the help of a few people I trust, I've gotten the police to re-open the case. Quietly."

Amelia's face darkened. "So what—you came here to accuse me?"

Chloé shook her head quickly. "No. Not at all. I came here because you're the only one I trust. Of all the people who were close to Rita, you were always the most genuine. I don't believe for a second that you'd hurt her."

Amelia exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

"I need your help," Chloé said. "You knew almost everyone Rita was connected to. I want you to help me reach out to them, piece by piece. We're putting together a list—anyone who had contact with her during those final weeks. And I want you to be honest if you remember anything. Even the smallest detail."

Amelia looked down at her hands, then up again. "Alright. I'll help. For Rita."

Upstairs, Ryner's mind raced. Rita… she needs to hear this. He turned and quietly hurried toward her room.

"Rita," he said as he stepped in. She sat in the corner of the room, her face buried in her hands. "There's something you need to see. Someone's here. Someone you knew."

Rita looked up, her expression weary. "Who?"

"Her name's Chloé. Does that ring a bell?"

Rita's eyes widened. "Chloé? From high school? Of course I remember her…"

"Come with me," Ryner said. "She's talking to Amelia about you. I want you to try that thing you do—when you touch someone and their memories surface."

Rita hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. I'll try."

Downstairs, Chloé handed Amelia a slim folder.

"This is the preliminary list. Names, timelines, last known contacts. Take a look. Let me know if we're missing anyone."

Amelia took the folder, flipping through it slowly. "I'll go over it tonight. I want to make sure we don't overlook anyone."

"Thank you," Chloé said. "Whoever did this doesn't deserve to get away with it. I couldn't do anything back then. But now…" Her expression hardened. "Now I will make sure justice is served."

Unseen, Rita floated silently into the room. Her gaze lingered on Chloé's face, a mix of sadness and longing in her eyes.

"I missed you…" she whispered to herself.

She moved closer and gently placed her hand on Chloé's shoulder. A pulse of invisible energy spread from her fingers, triggering a flood of emotion and memory in Chloé's mind.

"See you later, Chloé," said a younger, smiling Rita in the memory. "I'll catch up with you after class!"

"Yeah, see you later," Chloé replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

The vision faded. Rita pulled her hand back and drifted toward the door.

"I'll be back," she murmured, then left quietly.

As the door shut behind her, Chloé's smile vanished.

She sat motionless for a second… then sighed heavily.

Her tone changed—sharp and bitter. "She's so annoying. It's unbearable."

Amelia blinked. "What?"

Chloé didn't hear her. She was lost in her thoughts.

"She acts so sweet. So innocent. Like some perfect little angel. But it's all fake. Everything about her. Every single guy we met—wrapped around her finger like she was some kind of goddess. She led them on and they loved it. It made me sick."

Amelia's eyes widened, shocked by the sudden venom in Chloé's voice.

"I hated that about her," Chloé whispered. "Every time she walked into a room, people smiled. People listened. Even teachers. And I… I was just the girl beside her. Always second place. Always ignored."

A tear slid down her cheek, but her face twisted with rage.

"I hope she drops dead one day."

Outside the door, Rita froze.

"No way…" she whispered. "She said… that?"

Ryner stood beside her, stunned.

"She hated me?" Rita's voice cracked. "That much?"

Her hands trembled as she clutched her chest.

"We were friends… we did everything together. We studied, laughed, cried... I was always there for her."

She looked up, eyes glossy with tears.

"Why? Why would she hate me so much? I never hurt her… I never even knew she felt that way…"

Ryner reached out to her. "Rita…"

Rita didn't move.

"I thought I mattered to her…"