“I wish I could’ve done more.”
There’s a moment of silence as she gathers her thoughts.
“It’s not like there’s a formula, Gen,” she starts, her voice steady. “For a long time, I felt like I couldn’t trust anyone, not even myself. But then I realized, staying stuck in that pain wasn’t what I wanted for my life.
“I started therapy,” she continues. “And I mean really committed to it, not just going through the motions. Which I’m sure you can appreciate, given your occupation.” She chuckles briefly, but then her voice turns serious. “It was difficult, probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But over time, it helped me understand that what happened wasn’t my fault, that I didn’t have to let it define my entire existence.”
I nod. Though Sarah can’t see it, her words resonate deeply within me, underscoring the profound difference in our paths to healing. While Sarah has bravely confronted her past, striving to liberate herself from its painful shackles, I’ve chained myself tightly to my trauma, driven by an unyielding obsession to unearth the “why” behind the murders of my parents.
This relentless pursuit has not just been a professional endeavor as a criminal psychologist; it has consumed every facet of my life. Each case I take on, every criminal mind I attempt to decipher, is a desperate search for clues that might illuminate my own dark past. My parents’ unsolved murders aren’t just a haunting memory—they’re the lens through which I view the world, the filter that colors every interaction and decision.
“Remember, Gen, it’s okay to take things one step at a time. You’re not alone. You’ve got me, and I’m not going anywhere.”
“Thanks. I’m here for you too. Well, I better go. Are we still good for a girls’ night when you get back from vacation?”
“Absolutely. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
“Sounds good. Bye.”
“Bye, honey.”
After ending the call, my thoughts quickly shift to my upcoming interview, igniting a mix of excitement and fear. Ghost is more than just another case. He’s a puzzle wrapped in an enigma. Abrilliant mind and a devastatingly beautiful face, drenched in insanity.
Understanding Ghost is the key to outmaneuvering him. So, how am I supposed to do that when there’s not much to go on?
The logical answer: Go straight to the source.
And pray that I return with my mind sane and my soul intact.
CHAPTER 6
GENEVA
Sleep didn’t come easily last night. It never has. And never will unless I leave my profession. Maybe not even then.
My mind replayed the scenes from the case files, interspersed with flashes of Ghost’s cold smile. When morning finally arrived, I felt as though I’d been in a waking nightmare.
Standing in front of the mirror, I arrange my brown hair into a tight bun at the base of my neck, every strand secured with military precision. It’s a routine I’ve mastered over the years, each movement deliberate, each pin and twist a small assertion of control in a life where so much is unpredictable.
My clothing is as severe as my mood—black slacks, pressed to sharp creases, and a matching blazer that fits me like armor. Everything is functional, designed to command respect without drawing undue attention.
Makeup is minimal—a touch of foundation and a sweep of mascara to frame brown eyes that have seen too much. It’s another mask, another layer between me and the world.
Jewelry is sparse—simple diamond stud earrings, a watch witha black leather strap. Practical, unassuming. Nothing to catch or snag, nothing that could be used against me.
As I gather my things, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, a moment of introspection before I banish it. The person staring back at me is the same disguise I always wear.
She is efficient, unyielding… and alone.
There’s no time for second-guessing, no space for fear or regret. Ghost is waiting.
An hour later, I’m in the parking lot where Blackwater looms ahead, a fortress of concrete and steel. I make my way to the entrance, my heart pounding in my chest. Inside, Detective Harris waits for me. His broad shoulders fill out his well-worn, charcoal gray suits—always slightly rumpled, as if he’s been up all night chasing leads.
“Ready?” he asks.
I’m not sure if anyone could truly be ready for this.“Yes.”
“You have to be prepared for anything. Ghost is unpredictable, but they’ll have guards monitoring everything. You won’t be alone in there.”
