“You don’t,” I reply.
He walks off without responding.
And just like that, it’s done. The line’s been crossed.
My father is in his office when I get back to the manor. Liv’s still on her shift and won’t be back for a few more hours, andI already touched bases with Mason, so I decide to take a while by getting some time with Dad. I need a solid head to work with right now.
He looks up as I step inside. “You look troubled,” he perceives.
I close the door behind me. “Occupational hazard.” I’m getting tired of that line.
He studies me for a moment, then gestures to the chair across from him. “Sit.”
I do, because when he uses that tone, it’s not a suggestion.
“What’s going on?” he asks.
I hesitate before letting it spew. “They’re targeting her.”
His expression doesn’t change; he knew that part already. But I see it, the calculation behind his eyes.
“Olivia,” he says.
“Liv,” I correct.
“And you believe this is connected to your case.”
“I know it is.”
He stays silent for a moment too long. “Why?”
That’s the question right now, the one I don’t have an answer to yet. But I’m close. “I think there’s a connection,” I say slowly. “Something we’re not seeing yet.”
His eyes narrowed. “Explain.”
I shake my head slightly. “I can’t. Not yet.” Because I don’t have proof. Not until-
My phone rings, too loud in the quiet room. I pull it out. Derek’s name lights up the screen. My pulse spikes, I didn’t expect him to have the results already.
I glance up to see Dad give me a nod, encouraging me to take the call. I answer immediately. “Yeah.”
“You need to come down here,” Derek snips. Something in his voice is wrong, very wrong.
“What did you find?” I ask.
He pauses. “Just get here.” The line goes dead.
I’m already standing.
“What is it?” my father asks.
“I gotta find out,” I say, barely comprehending the words as they leave my mouth. Derek’s tone has my mind racing with worry. Was I right? Is Liv related to one of the victims? Am I about to find a missing relative that she never knew about?
Chapter 33
Alex
Derek’s sitting down in the back of the lab when I practically run through the door. And he looks…pissed.
