The Plan for Murder

ALICE STILLED IN her seat, not knowing what to say, or if she had even heard Rose properly. She stuck her pinkie into her ear, wiggling it a few times to catch the dirt from within. When she pulled it out, she blinked dumbly at Rose Whitaker.

"Come again?" she asked.

"You heard me," answered Rose.

"I don't think that's something wise to tell someone else," Alice pointed out. "Especially someone that isn't yet okay with being your accomplice."

Rose Whitaker raised an eyebrow, her expression neither a scowl nor a smile. "Why? Are you going to rat on me?"

"You're insane," Alice hissed. "If you're planning to get yourself killed, do not drag me down with you."

"I am," Rose agreed. "But I'm sure you're well aware, Miss Alice, that love makes people do crazy things."

"About that," Alice wrinkled her nose, "you said that it wasn't romantic love. So what's with your grand speeches about love and whatnot?"