Still, Ori’s cooking and a glass of wine temper the rough edges a bit.
At eight o’clock, we gather in the living room and flip on the television.
Time to hear what the monster has to say now that he’s been let out of his cage.
The screen flickers to life, the Channel 4 logo fading into a sleek studio set, focusing on a perfectly coiffed redhead in a designer suit. Danielle Mercer.
I usually enjoy her investigative reports. She’s dogged and unafraid to ask the difficult questions, but tonight I’m terrified what more will be exposed about my former life and lover.
Danielle folds her hands in front of her, aiming her gaze at the camera. “Good evening. Tonight, we bring you a special report. For months, the case of an alleged sex trafficking ring has shaken a small town in upstate New York, sending shockwaves through the community and beyond. Access to key figures in the investigation has been tightly controlled—until now. Earlier today, I sat down with Drake Carver, the formerpolice chief at the center of it all, and learned the truth about his supposed involvement.”
Ori squeezes my hand, offering a reassuring smile. “We’re right here.”
Don’t get me wrong. I’m forever grateful for their support. This small band of friends has been by my side since my world fell apart, but at the end of the day, they return to their happy lives.
I return to loneliness and fear.
The camera cuts to Drake, looking every bit like he did before his arrest in a dark button down shirt and fresh haircut. Looking like the man I once loved.
I shake off a chill rippling through my body.
No, there’s nothing left of that man, Kiki. Hell, I don’t know if that man ever existed.
Danielle shoots Drake a practiced smile. If she’s nervous, she never shows it.
Wish I had an ounce of her moxie.
“Mr. Carver, you’ve declined every interview request since your arrest, including mine. What changed?”
Drake takes a sip of water from his glass, studying the liquid as though the correct answer might be floating on top. “I suppose I did.”
“Hmm. So, you were the police chief of Sparkwood. Decorated and well-respected by the townspeople. How did you go from that to this?” Right out of the gate, she’s pulling no punches.
Drake looks down at his hands as a humorless laugh slips out. “I used to sit on the other side of this table in my uniform, asking people the same thing. Wondering how someone who seemed like they had it all figured out, could end up so far off track. For me? It’s an easy answer. I believed in the wrong people. Let my ego get too big. Thought I was untouchable. Bythe time I realized how bad it was, it was too late to stop the madness.”
Danielle quirks a brow at Drake’s reply. “Are you claiming you’re a victim, Mr. Carver?”
He snorts. “Hell no. I’m no damn victim. I’ve done a lot of things wrong and I’ve got a ton of regrets. Working to atone for those acts now.”
“Is that code for working with investigators on this case?”
“I’m cooperating with authorities. Proven myself a useful asset.”
“Holy shit,” Braden murmurs, breaking the silence in the living room. “He’s turned state’s evidence?”
I shrug, as in the dark as everyone else. “Looks that way.”
“Does that mean he’s getting out?” Ori asks, her expression unreadable.
“No idea,” I whisper. “But dear God, I hope not. I’ll never be safe then.”
Ash wraps his arm around me, doing his damndest to soothe the pain. “We’ve got you, Kiki.”
On the screen, Danielle clears her throat, referring to her notes. “There have been reports of a larger financial backer behind this operation. One Kevin Duncan, a financier who’s currently abroad in the UAE. Care to comment on that?”
A cold smile slithers across my ex-husband’s face. “Some men never get their hands dirty. They think distance and money keep them safe.”
“And does it?”
