ornery

After Thing was stitched up and safe, Wednesday and Reena made their way to Principal Weems's office to report the crime. 

After they told Principal Weems about the incident, she began pacing. "I'm guessing it's not some kind of random prank."

"Whoever ransacked our room also stole Nathaniel Faulkner's diary," Wednesday informed her and Ms. Thornhill, who was also there.

Principal Weems paused. "That's supposed to be safely locked in the Nightshades Library."

"So you do know about that diary, which means you also know the monster we're after is called a Hyde."

"You've known all along, you just didn't say anything," Reena pointed out.

"Thank you, Ms. Thornhill. I'll take it from here," Principal Weems dismissed her.

"Of course. If you need anything, I'll be right down the hall." Ms. Thornhill left.

Principal Weems leaned on the fireplace. "Faulkner spent years studying Hydes. He wanted to determine if they were just mindless killers or conscious of their actions."

"What was his conclusion?" Wednesday asked.

"He was killed by a Hyde before he could reach one. Others tried to carry on his research, but the Hydes were too unpredictable and violent. They were officially banned from Nevermore thirty years ago."

"Why didn't you tell the sheriff you knew the monster was a Hyde?"

"Because then Nevermore is done. Over. Shut for good. And that's not happening on my watch. But I'm not the only one withholding. If you suspect someone, you need to tell me."

"Why? All you've ever done is gaslight and obstruct us," Wednesday shot back. "You don't care how many people die, as long as your reputation is safe."

"If you'd said something earlier, we would've saved a lot of time," Reena mentioned. "But no. You need to make Nevermore, a school of 'freaks', have a perfect reputation."

Principal Weems gave them a sharp look. "I am protecting our Nevermore family, which also includes you, Ms. Addams, Ms. Mohan."

The two didn't respond, instead leaving in silence.

* * *

As the two were walking around campus the next day, Bianca stopped them. "Come with me. I have information about Mayor Walker's murder." She led them to the Nightshades library where Lucas, the mayor's son, was waiting.

Lucas handed them a folder. "Printed these off my dad's computer. Seems he was trying to track down someone. Laurel Gates? Looks like he started right after Outreach Day."

"Must have recognized her there," Wednesday realized.

"When he got too close, she killed him," Reena added.

"According to British police, Laurel was presumed drowned, but no body was ever recovered," Lucas continued.

"She faked her death," Reena summarized.

Wednesday read through the papers. "The Gates mansion was purchased a year ago by a 90-year-old candy heiress. She then mysteriously died and gave all of her belongings to her caregiver, Teresa L. Glau. It's an anagram for Laurel Gates."

"Laurel secretly buys her old house and then comes back to Jericho as someone else. Why?" Bianca questioned.

"Revenge on all the people she blames for her family's misfortunes," Wednesday answered. "Your father. The coroner. My parents. Most of all, Nevermore."

"How does the monster fit into all of this?"

"The monster is a Hyde. It's doing Laurel's bidding. She controls it."

"You know who Laurel is, don't you?" Lucas guessed.

Before Wednesday could say anything, Reena beat her to it. "Not yet. We're narrowing it down."

"Right," Wednesday lied.

* * *

Behind Reena's back, Wednesday had gone and accused Dr. Kinbott of being Laurel Gates. Unfortunately for her, she was wrong. Instead of finding their killer, Wednesday had gotten Dr. Kinbott killed. Now, she had no idea that Xavier and Reena had been hanging out since she left for Dr. Kinbott's office, so she was shocked when Xavier and Reena walked into his art studio together, but she tried not to show it.

Reena was beyond confused to see Wednesday sitting there. "Wednesday? What the hell are you doing here?"

Xavier scoffed. "You know what? You need to stay out of my space."

"You need to take your own advice." Wednesday stabbed the knife that was in Thing into a piece of wood. "You left that in my room. Actually, you left it in Thing. How long have you been seeing Kinbott?"

"Wednesday, I've already told you, Xavier isn't the fucking monster!" Reena reiterated. "And how do you know Xavier's been seeing Kinbott?"

"Have you...? What am I saying? Of course, you have. You've been spying on me, right?" Xavier figured it out, yanking the knife out of the wood. "'Cause I'm the villain in your fantasy. My father thinks that my mental health is a PR problem that he needs to manage. He wanted to keep his troubled son out of the tabloids. I wasn't in your room. Believe me or don't believe me, I don't care."

Reena nodded. "You're going too far with this. There's no way Xavier's a part of this."

Wednesday ignored them, walking around and observing the paintings. "Your painting's been improving. I enjoy this one in particular." She pulled a sheet off of one of the paintings, revealing Dr. Kinbott's face all slashed up. "Feels like you really lived it."

Xavier was tired. "What do you want?"

"I'm asking the questions." Wednesday went over and picked up Rowan's inhaler. "What is Rowan's inhaler doing in your shed? Or Eugene's glasses?"

"Whoa, whoa," Xavier tried to stop her.

"Wednesday, stop," Reena tried as well.

"Or these stalker images you took of me?" Wednesday kept going.

"No. I..." Xavier didn't know what was going on.

"Don't forget your latest addition. Kinbott's necklace."

"Somebody planted that stuff!" Xavier denied.

"That's never been here before!" Reena agreed.

"Freeze!" Sheriff Galpin came bursting in, gun raised. "Drop the knife. Down on your knees. Cuff him. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed. Appreciate the help, Addams."

"You! You framed me!" Xavier screamed at Wednesday as he was dragged away. "I'm being set up. We shoulda let Rowan kill you."

"I promise I'll get you out of this!" Reena yelled after him, and then she turned to Wednesday. "What the actual fuck is wrong with you?! You know, I think we're finally in a good place, and then you go and do something like this. I've told you over and over again that it wasn't Xavier, but you ignore me every time. When are you gonna learn, Wednesday, that you're not always right?"

"Reena--" Wednesday went to explain herself.

"No," Reena cut her off. "I'm tired of not being listened to. You just got one of my closest friends arrested. Now, I have to figure out not only who the hell the Hyde and Laurel Gates are, but how to get him out of jail. Thanks a lot, Wednesday! And guess what, you and Enid can have our room. I'm officially moving out!"

Reena stormed out and slammed the door behind her. It was only a few moments later that Wednesday realized she had truly fucked up. If she was wrong and Xavier wasn't the Hyde, then she had just ruined any form of relationship she had with Reena. Not only that, but the Hyde and Laurel Gates would still be out there.