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I looked up, arching a brow.

“You’re coming with me,” Vincent said. “We need to question you about your possible connection to the recent murders.”

I almost laughed.

18

PLAYING WITH FIRE

DIYA

My ears rang.

“... connection to the recent murders.”

What did he just say?

Frowning, I shook my head, staring at Vincent with shock. He was glaring at Asher, his fists clenched, trying so hard not to give into his rage. There was no mistaking his intentions—he wouldn’t rest until Asher was in handcuffs, dragged through the streets, and hanged for his alleged crimes.

It made me remember the night Detective Knight had knocked on my door to take me in for questioning.

Even though I knew what he had on me would likely be circumstantial, I was scared. Helpless. I hadn’t been that powerless since Martha and Max.

That whole night and the next day was kind of a blur, until I walked out with Layne the next night, tired, sick to my stomach, worried. It was what made me run; it was what made me stop taking out the trash that still littered the streets of New York.

I hated it; I hated knowing the monsters still frolicked around while I was stuck in this prison I made for myself, but it was the price I had to pay for freedom.

“Wait, wha-what?” That wasn’t the intelligent response I wished I had. “That is…” I stammered, my eyes on Asher. He stood there, his shoulder relaxed, his expression a mix of delight and derision, his arms out, waiting for Vincent to handcuff him.

“Vincent, can we talk about this, please?” I asked, my voice desperate.

He didn’t look like the man I had gone on a date with. That man was full of charm and warmth. This one looked cold and unapproachable.

“You’re the one who said you won’t talk about your patients. You don’t have to, but I’ve got to do my job,” Vincent said, voice brusque.

“Why’s he a suspect? Breaking in is much easier than breaking out. Someone could have come in and killed Doctor T. That’s also possible, isn’t it?”

“We’ll find out soon enough. I’ve requested the CCTV footage from Nurse Becca.”

Oh, sweet Krishna!

The words hit me like a sledgehammer… My body tensed as I took an unsteady step back. Shit. I had massively fucked up this time.

If he saw the recording, he’d see me walking into Asher’s room at night. Of course, there was no camera inside the room, but there was one in the corridor.

If he found something, my entire career would come crashing down.

I couldn’t live without killing and a job. I’d go insane.

When I met Asher’s eyes, there was no fear in them.

“Will you give me a moment?” I asked, and Vincent shrugged, walking out of the room.

“Aren’t you… worried?” I asked.

“I’m not, but you look like someone just clocked you. What’s wrong?”

“The CCTV. I came to your room and…”