Stores I recognize and some I don’t flash past as we head deeper into town. I’m surprised by how many people are milling about along the sidewalks. If we turned left just ahead, then right at the end of the road, we would end up at my parent’s house. But the van keeps going, turning down the dirt road that leads to Kingston.
“I thought maybe you’d like to join your friend, back in the place where it all started.” Kyle says, breaking the silence, bringing me closer to my inevitable fate.
CHAPTER 39
ACE
27 YEARS OLD
“I’m telling you.He’s out there right now and every moment you keep us here is one we could be using to save her.”
“Right. Cuz your brother’s a cold-blooded killer.”
I could shoot this man right now and feel no remorse for his not so dearly departed soul. Universe, save me from the world view of small-minded men. This whole line of questioning is just a farce. A way to make what they’ve done to me look legal. Bringing me here of all places, Fucking Kingston.
“Just because someone looks like they have a pristine reputation, doesn’t mean that’s the case. People like Kyle are experts at only showing you the parts they want you to see. You don’t see what he’s capable of underneath that mask of his, and I’ll be fucking damned if you let him take another life.” I don’t give a shit that I’m yelling, handcuffed to this fucking table. Being interrogated like I’m the one that killed Sarah.
“See, your brother said the same about you. And let’s face it. Your reputation isn’t the best.”
The deputy in charge of my questioning slams down a file and picks out a few papers, flipping them over so I can see. Apparently the sheriff was forced to seek medical attention afterCroissant bit his leg. If I ever get out of here, I’m buying that furry little shit a whole basket of croissants to chomp down on.
“Breaking and entering. Assault. Assault. Theft. Another assault.” He spreads my past before me like a tarot reading. Each a nail in my coffin. And in Hazel’s.
“I know what I’ve done. You’re not telling me anything new. But if you don’t fucking listen to me, I swear to god if I ever get out of these cuffs, I will hunt you down and feed you your own dick.”
He clicks a pen lazily. Unfazed by my outburst. I’m just a job to him. Just another fuck up to be processed before he can go home and drink a mediocre beer. Maybe fuck his wife. Missionary style. He seems the type. And then rinse and repeat all over again tomorrow.
“Now, your brother is a well-respected member of this community. He even had that lake of ours put in, bringing tourists and income to a dying town. And I’m supposed to just believe -”.
“Carter. There’s a call for you.” A high-pitched woman’s voice echoes through the room. He meets my eyes, and he winces at having to get up. His knees crack loudly as he does.
“Better get those knees of yours checked out. Would hate for them to just give out on you one day.” I spit out as he closes the door. I know it won’t do anything but fuck I’m desperate.
I feel like clawing my own skin off to get to her. Pulling at the restraints, I squeeze the metal until an angry red indent forms along my skin. It doesn’t budge. Even with my foot used to push against the table’s metal leg.
The door opens suddenly, and a young blonde woman rushes in, keys in hand. She looks vaguely familiar. I drop my hands, sitting up too late. Caught in the act of trying to escape.
“Don’t say anything.” She says, her voice matching the one that spoke over the speaker. She kneels next to me and insertsthe key into my handcuffs. I’m confused as fuck as to why she’s helping me, but I don’t care what her reasons are. As long as I’m getting out of here.
“Do I know you?” I ask, unable to shake the familiar feeling.
“We went to Kingston Prep together, but you were a year ahead of me. What you said about Kyle being dangerous is a truth I know all too well.” Her confession hits me, and I realize why she’s helping me. Her small hands nimbly work around the cuffs until they release with a loud metallic clamor. I just hope no one outside heard.
“You’ll need to take this.” She shoves car keys into my hands. “Now go, before my partner gets back. They took her to Kingston Prep, but you don’t have much time.”
I don’t hesitate. She peeks out the door first, giving me the all clear signal and I make a mad dash for the exit. Nothing but the thought of getting to Hazel in time spurs my body forward. The bright sun burns my retinas, making it difficult to make out where the cars are parked.
Thankfully, my vision adjusts quickly, and I click the button on the keys, finding the right vehicle. It’s a police cruiser. Standard issue.
Moving as fast as I can, I yank the door open hurtling my body into the driver’s seat. I beg the universe that I make it to her in time. She’s been through too much to have it all end now. And I’ve only just found her again. We haven’t had enough time. She hasn’t had enough time.
Keys in the ignition and pedal pressed down to the ground, I peel out of the parking lot, tearing down the road to Kingston Prep. Terror grips around my heart like a vice hoping that Hazel is still alive.
All I know for sure is that when I face my brother this time, one of us won’t be coming out alive.
CHAPTER 40
HAZEL
