“That, I can definitely help with.” He leans forward.
“How do guys like this plan? Like, how do they figure out their next move because, right now, his shit feels too random, so it’s probably not believable.”
“They usually have a pattern, and a lot of the time it stems from something that they interpreted as wronging them. Like childhood trauma, women turning them down. Obviously, that’s very cliché, but it’s the principle of it. Very few prolific killers do things randomly.”
“Makes sense. What is Tennison’s pattern?” I ask naturally, not even thinking about the impact.
Oakley’s entire body freezes.
“I’m sorry, it was just curiosity. Let’s try and think of something unique for Charlie,” I quickly change the subject. He meets my eyes with relief in them, and I know this is a big part of why Tennison has eluded him and his entire Task Force for so long. Because everything he does feels random. But it’s not random, not to Tennison.
“What about him being more of a vigilante?” he asks.
“Eh, he doesn’t feel like a good guy, though. What if he goes after people for things he perceives as wrong, like being rude or shit-talking? Simple things that shouldn’t bother a person?”
“That could work. I think you need to refine it a little, but I like it being pettier. Makes it feel more extreme.”
“Me too. I’ll think more on it, though.”
The bell above the door dings, pulling Oakley away from me, and I instantly feel lonely.Bad, bad Willow. You aren’t supposed to be doing anything other than sleeping with him.
I snort to myself, barely believing my own lies.
“Well, hey there, stranger.” Rina comes bounding in and sitting at the seat Oakley just vacated.
“I’ve been here every day. I don’t know where you’ve been.” I give her a knowing look. Most likely building furniture and yelling at Arlo, if she’s keeping to pattern.
“Every day?” Her eyebrows shoot up. Damn my big ass mouth around my sister. Now, she’ll be pestering me about Oakley until I die.
“So, how’s Arlo?” I deflect, knowing it’ll piss her off.
“Why are you asking about Arlo?” Lennox asks as he sits down with us.
“No, please, come sit. Let me just move all my shit,” I say sarcastically.
“We aren’t talking about Arlo,” Rina grits out.
“Touchy.” Lennox leans back and takes a huge bite of the sandwich Oakley just dropped off.
James’s gaze catches mine, and I fight like hell to not blush. My eyes shoot down to my plate to break eye contact, realizing I hadn’t eaten the sandwich he made me.
Picking up the half Lennox didn’t steal, I shove a huge bite into my mouth, but it does nothing to dissuade Rina’s all-knowing stare.
“How’s work, Lenny?” Rina decides to ask Lennox instead, and thank God, because I don’t even know what to say about Oakley and me. It’s not like we’ve discussed things in between fucking each other’s brains out.
“Pretty quiet, actually. No animals giving birth, no trouble out on the trails. All has been good, for once.”
“So, no new names to report?” Rina asks, disappointment clear in her tone, and I laugh. Lennox has a history of naming every single animal he comes across, and they are usually ridiculous and immature.
“Nope, it’s your lucky day. You’re saved from making fun of me for one day.” He rolls his eyes.
“It’s still early,” Rina retorts.
“How’s the book coming, Will?” Lennox ignores her.
“It’s going. I’m attempting to work on it, but two of my annoying-as-hell siblings decided to interrupt my flow.” I act like I’m writing, but It’s been a while since I’ve seen them, so secretly, I missed the banter.
“Are you going to finish it on time?” Rina asks with concern.
