As Paul slipped toward the ground, Madison struggled to hold him until Larsen took over.
“Don’t die!” she cried, cradling Paul’s head as Larsen pressed his hands against the wound in an attempt to stop the bleeding. “Don’t you dare leave me!” she sobbed, hardly able to speak through her tears.
Next thing she knew, a pair of hands grasped her by the shoulders and pulled her to her feet, allowing the necessary space for the emergency response team to take over.
Ira held her tightly as Madison watched Paul being pulled onto a stretcher and wheeled out of the room. “It’s going to be okay.” Ira spoke softly into her ear. “It’s all over now.”
Six Months Later
FORTY-SIXKIDS IN AMERICA
Spotlight magazine exclusive!
We here at Spotlight were thrilled when Tommy Phillips agreed to take time out from his busy schedule to catch us up on his latest news! Read on to see what Tommy’s been up to since that tragic night at RED.
Spotlight: Tommy, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. We know you’ve been lying low for the last several months, spending time in the studio, and recovering from what we can only imagine was a harrowing experience. How are you holding up?
Tommy: I’m doing okay. Not sure I’ll ever be over it entirely; it’s the sort of thing that’s not easy to forget.
Spotlight: Understandable. Have you been in touch with the others—Aster, Layla, Ryan, and Madison?
Tommy: Sure. We’ve all remained friends.
Spotlight: Anything more you can tell us?
Tommy: I don’t feel comfortable speaking for them. All I can say is that there was a lot of loss and everyone’s doing their best to cope and move forward in the best way possible.
Spotlight: And what about your relationship with Ira Redman?
Tommy: What about it?
Spotlight: We were all shocked to learn he is your dad.
Tommy: There were a lot of shocking reveals that night. That was merely one of them.
Spotlight: What’s it like being Ira Redman’s son?
Tommy: No different from being anyone’s son, I imagine. It’s another relationship to navigate. What I’d really like to talk about is my music. I think my record label would prefer that as well.
Spotlight: Of course! Catch us up—tell us what to expect.
Tommy: Well, as you know, “Violet Eyes” hit number one on iTunes.
Spotlight: And stayed there for multiple weeks. If we’re not mistaken, it’s since maintained a solid position in the top ten. You must be so proud. When does the next single drop?
Tommy: Five more days until “Thoroughbred Girls” will be released, and of course there will be plenty more to follow. A world tour is also in the works, so keep an eye open for that.
Spotlight: We wouldn’t miss it! And we can’t wait for “Thoroughbred Girls”—any hint on what might’ve inspired it?
Tommy: It’s a ballad about a sad, tragic girl who died too young.
Spotlight: Hmmm . . . sounds familiar. Guess we’ll have to wait to decipher the lyrics and see if our hunch is right. Any truth to the dating rumors? We’ve been hearing whispers!
Tommy: I never discuss my love life.
Spotlight: We seem to remember a time when you were much more candid. Speaking of, Madison Brooks is up for an Academy Award. What do you think her chances are of winning?
Tommy: I have no doubt she’ll get it.
Spotlight: Well, the competition is always tough, but we agree that she’s got really good odds. Either way, your loyalty is admirable, to say the least. We know you have to run, but thanks so much for dropping by! And readers, make sure to download “Thoroughbred Girls,” then check back here and we’ll decode the lyrics together!
FORTY-SEVENCITY OF STARS
Trena Moretti stood before the mirror as a swarm of assistants fussed at her makeup, gown, and hair.
The Oscars.
She was actually attending Hollywood’s biggest, most glamorous event. As she took in the sight of her shimmering gown, she wondered if she’d ever get used to the constant stream of exclusive invitations flooding her mailbox.
Weeks after the tragedy at RED, she’d been awarded an Emmy for her reporting on In-Depth. Funny to think how not that long ago, she actually worried what might become of her career once the Madison case was solved. As it turned out, she’d be riding that wave well into the foreseeable future. Her nonfiction book proposal had gone to auction, with the highest bidder offering a healthy seven figures. And if there was one thing she knew, she could always count on Hollywood to offer up a new tragedy. It was just a matter of picking the right one on which to focus.
And, of course, maintaining a good relationship with Detective Larsen and Paul Banks was key. If Larsen hadn’t been following her, and if Paul hadn’t been tracking Madison from the moment she escaped, Trena might never have gotten out of RED alive.
It was Larsen’s distrust that had placed him at the scene. But it was Mateo who’d alerted him that something weird was going on after receiving a disturbing text from Heather—a sort of rhyming good-bye that had left him alarmed.
“You look stunning.”
Trena glanced into the mirror to see James standing behind her. He wore a custom tux, and she had to admit, despite her initial doubts about him, he cleaned up really well.
“Limo’s waiting.” He offered his arm.
Trena’s makeup artist took one last pass at her lipstick, then stood back and watched in admiration as Trena headed for the door with James. “Any predictions?” the makeup artist called.
Trena paused and looked over her shoulder. “Madison. Always bet on Madison,” she said. “That girl was born to win.”
FORTY-EIGHTLOVE’S PURE LIGHT
“Are you sure you have everything?”
Aster’s mother stood in the doorway, wearing a worried expression.
“Pretty sure.” Aster took one last look around her childhood room and realized she was ready. In fact, she felt really good about it.
“Then allow me to give you this.” Her mother handed her a small black velvet box containing a beautiful gold-and-diamond hamsa pendant, much like the one
