Cops circle around the school courtyard and more cop cars come streaming through the busted open Carter Hollow gates. I was sitting on the back of an ambulance, holding a pack of ice to my pounding forehead. A small tremor still traveled slowly down my spine and the Painters words reverberated over and over again throughout my skull.

"Think of me each time you see a painting."

I cringe, clenching my jaw and ducking my head. Sighing heavily, I close my eyes and try to dispel the memory from my mind. But it refuses to move, simply replaying over and over again behind my eyelids.

"Ari?" Adam questions, suddenly appearing at my side. I jump, lurching backward before catching my breath and meeting his eyes.

"I would advise against sneaking up on me Adam." I snap, setting the ice pack down and standing unsteadily to my feet.

"Sorry, don't stand." He says, attempting to grab my arm.

"I'm fine." I retort, removing my arm from his reach and maneuvering around him.

"Okay, wait, Detective Hail wants to talk with us." He calls after me, I pause and turn to face him, only now noticing the man staying off to the side dressed in a cheap work suit. He acknowledges me with a slightly nod of his head and comes forward.

"About what?" I ask Adam while maintaining eye contact with the detective.

"A school dance." The detective interjects and my eyebrows rise upward in shock. Adam rolls his eyes and gives me a look that clearly expresses his sour feelings toward the man.

"I told him it was a bad idea." Adam defends.

"Yes, it is. A terrible one. Have we learned nothing from this situation? The worst thing we could do is gather everyone together in one building. Again." I say in a rather unnerved tone, remembering Marilyn's brutal murder. And Edan's. And all the ones before them. Adam nods, giving the officer a look of triumph.

"I completely agree, but this time. We will catch them." He assures me.

"It doesn't matter. Carter Hollow is being shutdown." Adam snarks, still against the idea.

"No one is leaving this campus Bennett." The detective growls, finally showing a tinge of anger. "There is still one more murderer and I intend to find them, and until we do no one is leaving this school. I don't care what anyone else has to say about it." He snaps, glaring defiantly at Adam and I. Abruptly, a disgusting face fills my mind's eye and I'm temporarily frozen in place.

"Don't forget there is one last player on the board." The Painter mutters, a gleeful look on his old face. I breathe in sharply and cover the bandage on my neck with my palm.

"Okay fine, a school dance it is. Tomorrow night in the courtyard, no more buildings. Everyone stays outside." I say, giving in. Turning away, I leave Adam and the detective to themselves as they bicker back and forth. As I walk toward the dorm building, a sickening feeling settles in my gut. We wouldn't catch them. At least, not soon. Maybe never.

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SOOOOOOO sorry this took so long! It's busy this summer! Lots to do and having a ton of fun! But, here you all go! Write about the dance, who was your date? What happened? What did you wear? What were you thinking? Are you afraid of what might happen? Will the last murderer be exposed?

"Trace" will kill two.

You have four days! Due the 18th!