Chapter 19

Carmela has told Max that she saw Nichole at the school. 

Max was quiet for a moment, then he said, "You're sure it was her?" Carmela nodded. "I'd know her anywhere," she said, her voice determined. "And I know she had something to do with the fire."

Max shook his head. "You can't accuse her of something like that without proof," he said. "It's just an assumption. You don't have any evidence." 

Carmela's eyes flashed. "I know it was her," she said, her voice rising. "I just know it." She could feel herself getting worked up, but she couldn't stop the words from spilling out. 

"She's been out to get me ever since she got here," she said. "I know she did this."

Max's expression turned cold. "You're just jealous because Nichole and I are together now," he said, his voice sharp. "You're grasping at straws, Carmela. It's not healthy. You need to let it go."

 Carmela felt a stab of pain at his words. "You don't understand," she said, her vo