She studied her hand and fingertips…it was everywhere.
Her chest started to heave as she looked back at the box, now noticing red liquid on the sides. It was paint, right? It had to be paint.
A voice in her head told her not to open the box. Hell, it screamed it.
But she had to. She had to know what was inside.
Slowly, she lifted the lid.
Nausea hit her so hard, she leaned over and was almost sick.
She stumbled back before looking at the box again. Still there. She hadn’t made it up.
There was a dead mouse on top of the pizza. Only it wasn’t the entire mouse…the creature was missing its head, and there was blood everywhere.
She couldn’t breathe. Out. She needed to get out!
Her knees shook as she stumbled toward the door and out into the hall, only stopping when she reached his door.
She needed Zane.
“He’s being transferred.”
Zane stopped in his kitchen, fingers tightening around his cell. “What do you mean, Monty’s being transferred. Why?”
“Overcrowding.” There was a pause from Ethan. “They’re sending him and a handful of other prisoners to Dawson County Corrections. The transfer’s happening in a month.”
He shouldn’t care. This should be a non-fucking issue. But that transfer would move him closer to Amber Ridge. And Zane didn’t want that scumbag anywhere near him or his town. “Can you get all the details? Time. Names of other prisoners. Even the guards.”
“I’ll see what I can find.”
He poured himself a shot of scotch, hoping like hell he was worrying about nothing.
“Abernathy Koch’s correction article is also supposed to come out in a few days,” Ethan added.
Zane tipped back the scotch, the liquid burning his throat. “The damage is already done.”
“The gym doing okay?”
“Business has been picking up these last few days. Being the only gym in Amber Ridge doesn’t leave locals a lot of options.”
“I’m glad not everyone’s bought into the bullshit.”
“How’s Deep River? Any new information on the missing person?”
Ethan sighed. “None. As far as Ward’s concerned, she’s a missing person who won’t be found.”
“Shit, he’s annoying.”
“That’s putting it lightly.”
“Anything I can do to help?”
“No. My trips to Amber Ridge are helping by giving me a much-needed break from the guy. He seems to be everywhere. I can’t walk down the street without seeing him.”
“I’m always happy to have you here.”
“Thanks. I, uh…also went on a date.”
