“I think it’s about time I introduced you to Frank...”
Chad looked to the doorway, and Keeley turned around, following his gaze.Her mouth dropped open, a gasp punched from her lungs.She caught herself on the edge of the armchair as she attempted to flee, flopping back onto the seat.In a mad scramble she flipped open her folder, dropping her pen and notebook and got her phone.
It was effortless for Romeo to surge forward and pluck it from her fingers.He held it hostage against his palm.
“Chad...”her voice cracked, “Listen to me—”
“No.You are going to listen to me.”
Keeley rushed in Chad’s direction.“Whatever lies he’s filled your head with, they’re—”
Romeo grabbed the back of her collar, stopping her from getting to Chad.She spun around, slapping his hand away.
“He hasn’t filled my head with lies, but you have.”Chad got to his feet.“Now sit the fuck down.”
Keeley glanced between them.Romeo reclaimed his spot in the doorway, keeping vigil.Chad sat back down on the sofa, and after her pleading looks at Chad were ignored, she inched closer to the armchair and sat down, shivering from head to toe.
“You can drop the act,” Chad told her.
“I’m not acting.I’m scared,” she snuck a look at Romeo behind her.“How is this even possible?”
“He moved to Bardhum with me.He’s been here the whole time.”
“He’s not...”Keeley shrunk in on herself.
“Not what?”Chad asked.
“He’s not your savior—”
“Yes, he is.”
“He doesn’t love you.”
Romeo cracked his knuckles behind Keeley’s head.
“Yes, he does.”Chad replied.
Keeley sniffed.“I’ve only ever tried to help you, Chad.”
“But that isn’t true, is it?”He blinked.“Then again, it could be.I’ve met a few serial killers like that, they think killing people is putting them out of their misery or preventing them from further sinning.”
Keeley wiped her face.“Serial ...killer?”
“Is this how you want to be remembered?A sniveling, pathetic, meek little woman and not the intelligent serial killer who doesn’t need brawn, or intimidation, she only needs her voice,” Chad’s brown furrowed.“And a few key ingredients.”
Keeley didn’t answer.
“I’ve met a lot of killers over the years, but I think I’m most impressed by you.”
Romeo bristled in the doorway.
Chad smiled.“Bar one.”
Romeo relaxed again.
“I haven’t killed anyone,” Keeley whispered.“I don’t know where this is coming from.”
“When Ally and Josh told me I’d tried to kill myself, it felt wrong.But there was a witness, and I had reasons.My health had been on the decline, and neither of them were surprised, they were sad, but the looks of their faces suggested it had been inevitable.I was always going to kill myself.”
