The pain across his body turns into cold numbness. “You told him that?”
“I didn’t think he’d kill himself! I just wanted him togive you up. He was such a shitty friend toward the end; I was fine with him not talking to me anymore.”
Even though he’s sitting on the hard ground, he’s falling into an endless pit. The years of guilt he’s been carrying were based on the certainty thathewas the reason for Joel’s suicide. He can’t help but sob.
Nate strokes his head. “See? I told you you’d feel better about your sins. Let it out, baby. Let it all out. Now, time for you to sing for—”
A loud explosion cuts through the night. The boombox shatters, pieces flying around. Will sharply turns to look, not understanding what the hell is happening. He sees two figures approaching through the dark trees until their faces become visible in the pale light of the lamp.
Nate jumps to his feet. “Sheriff, listen—”
“Shut up, Nate. I’ve heard enough.”
The gun in the sheriff’s hand is not aimed at Will, but the rage in his eyes still terrifies him. Sheryl stands behind him. She’s not holding a gun, but she looks just as terrifying.
“I was lying!” Nate shouts. “I’m just messing with his head!”
“You weren’t.” The sheriff glances at Will, and for the first time in years, the hatred in his eyes is replaced by remorse. “Untie him. We’re going to go get Owen, then you and I will have a long talk.”
“But—”
“Now!”Sheryl shouts. “Before I fucking break your neck!”
As his hands are being untied, Will should feel relief, but he can’t stop the tears from falling.
Chapter 22
Owen
They keep him gagged while Joe is driving and Carlos is hissing the most chilling threats in Owen’s ears.
He shuts his eyes and tries not to listen, but he can’t. His body rocks on the floor of the smelly van, his heart beating so fast it’s making him dizzy. This feels like a nightmare, but his nightmares never felt as real as this.
They park at Joe and Carlos’s house and pull Owen out, dragging him toward the entrance. He tries to struggle and shove the cloth from his mouth, but Carlos hits his ribs. Inside, they turn on the lights and throw him on the couch. Joe avoids Owen’s eyes and zip-ties his hands behind his back.
“You fucking trust too easily,” Carlos says to his brother.
“You trusted him too!”
“Because you told me he was cool!”
They continue to argue in Spanish, acting as though Owen isn’t shaking on the couch, terrified and in pain.His mouth is dry as every drop of spit is soaking into the dirty cloth. Less than an hour ago, he was walking toward his aunt’s house, eagerly waiting for dinner with her and Will.
He wonders if anyone is looking for him, and if they are, would they even know where to look?
“We need to be quick,” Carlos says. Both brothers watch Owen, looking very tall since he’s the only one sitting.
“How are we… shit.” Joe rubs his face. “I hate this. I didn’t sign up for killing people.”
Owen’s heart freezes. He expected a beating as punishment, not to die in this house.
“You know that the order came from up high. Overdose.”
Joe grunts. “That can’t take hours!”
“Nah, I have something that will save us time.” Carlos meets Owen’s eyes. “Got a new supply of smack.”
Heroin.Owen tries to speak through his gag, but Carlos raises his fist, making him shut up.
