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HonestNeglect SleepingWiththeEnemy,Volume3 LexyTimms PublishedbyDarkShadowPublishing,2024
Thisisaworkoffiction.Similaritiestorealpeople,places,oreventsareentirelycoincidental. HONESTNEGLECT
Firstedition.February29,2024.
Copyright©2024LexyTimms
WrittenbyLexyTimms
@Copyright2024ByLexyTimms
ALLRIGHTSRESERVED Nopartofthispublicationmay bereproduced,storedinorintroducedintoaretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inany form,orby any means(electronic,mechanical,photocopying, recording,orotherwise)withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofboththecopyrightownerandtheabovepublisherofthisbook Thisisaworkoffiction Names,characters,places,brands,media,andincidentsareeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously Any resemblancetoanactualperson,livingor dead,events,orlocalesisentirely coincidental Theauthoracknowledgesthetrademarkedstatusandtrademarkownersofvariousproductsreferencedinthisworkoffiction,whichhavebeenusedwithout permission Thepublication/useofthesetrademarksisnotauthorized,associatedwith,orsponsoredby thetrademarkowners
Allrightsreserved.
HonestNeglect
SleepingWiththeEnemySeriesBook#3
Copyright2024
ByLexyTimms
SleepingWiththeEnemy Book1–SharpLies
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HonestNeglectBlurb DOINGISNEVERENOUGHifyouneglectbeing... TheMcCarthyshavekidnappedLily butiftheythinkI’mjustgoingtoletthemstealherfromme,they’vegotanotherthink coming
AsmyloveforLilygrows,sodoesherexTony’sdeterminationtobringherdownandstopherexposinghiscrimes.Buthe andhisfatherdon’tknowwhatthey’reupagainst.Astormisgatheringaroundthem,morepeoplethanIcouldhaveever imaginedtakingoursidetohelpbringthemdownforgood
Butthey’renotgoingdownwithoutafight.They’retryingtotakeeverythingfromLily herdog,herhome,herlife andI won’tletthemruinherlifealloveragain Thistime,I’monherside,andI’mgoingtobringhelldownontheirheadslike they’veneverknownbefore...
SleepingWiththeEnemy
FindLexyTimms: HonestNeglectBlurb
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
ChapterTwenty-One
ChapterTwenty-Two
ChapterTwenty-Three
ChapterTwenty-Four
ChapterTwenty-Five
ChapterTwenty-Six
ChapterTwenty-Seven Epilogue
SleepingWiththeEnemy DeadAheadFREECOPY
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Contents ChapterOne Warren STARINGATTHEHOUSE,Ipulledmyphonefrommypocketandplanteditdownonmylap.DialingLilyonemoretime,I tookadeepbreath.ThiswasmylastchancetogetintouchwithherbeforeIwalkedintothatguy’shouseandshowedhimjust whatIthoughtofhim.
AndIdidn’tintendtowasteit.
IhadroaredallthewaydowntoTony’splacebeforeIcouldstopmyselfthemomentIrealizedLilywasn’twhereshesaid shewasgoingtobe.Iwasscared.Really,reallyscared.Icouldn’tletanythinghappentoher,notwhenitfeltlikewewerejust beginningtobuildsomethingreal Iwouldneverhavebeenabletoforgivemyself
Noanswer.Ilistenedtothecallringoutandgotoherinbox,andtriednottowinceatherchirpytones.Theysoundedso outofplacerightnowwhenIknewshecouldbeindanger.
Igotoutofthecarandslammedthedoorhardbehindme.ItmusthavealertedTonytomypresencebecause,amoment later,hesteppedoutside,leaninginthedoorwayandgrinningatme.
“AndtowhatdoIowethepleasureofyourcompany?”heasked
“Don’tbullshitme,Tony,”IsnarledathimasItookanothersteptowardhim.Ifhethoughthecouldscaremeawayfrom here,hehadawholehostofotherthingscoming
“Where’sLily?”Idemanded,shovinghimbacktowardthedoor.Heletoutagrunt,andIcouldtellIhadcaughthimoff guard.Good.Maybethatway,hewouldbemorewillingtospilltheinformationIneededwithoutputtinguptoomuchofa fight
Hesmirkedatme,gatheringhiscomposure.
“Oh,maybeshe’sjustfiguredoutwhat’sgoodforher,”heremarkedwithashrug Arushofrageranthroughme,andI grabbedhimbythecollar,pullinghimtowardme.IwantedhimtoseejusthowfuckingseriousIwasaboutthis,andjusthow littleIwantedtobemessedaroundbyhim I’dhadenough Hehadputmethroughenough
“Whereisshe?”Iaskedhimagain,givinghimthechancetoanswer.Ifhejusthandedherovertome,Iwouldleave.That wouldbefarfromtheendofit,ofcourse,butIwouldleaverightnowandgethertosafetybeforeIcamebackheretodowhat Ineededtodo
Heshookhishead.“Ihavenoidea.”
“Iknowyou’relying,”Isnapped Outofthecornerofmyeye,Isawsomethingmoveinthehouse Ashadowpassingby oneofthewindows. Lily!
“Hey!”Iyelled,temporarilylettinggoofTonywhileItriedtocatchtheattentionofthefigureIhadjustspotted Butitwas nogood.Theycouldn’thearmeandvanishedbackintothehouse.
“Leaveheralone,”Tonysnarledatme,andhelungedforme,shovingmetotheground.HecaughtmeunawareandIlanded onmyback,theairknockedoutofme Normally,Iwouldneverhaveletsomeonelikethisgetthejumponme,butIwasso distractedbywhathemighthavebeendoingtoLilythatIdidn’thavetimetoreact.
“Who’sinthere?”Iaskedhim,managingtopushhimoffmeandspringbacktomyfeet “Isither?IsitLily?”
“It’snoneofyourdamnbusiness,”hespatback,andheswunghisfistatme.Insteadofconnectingwithmyjaw,ashe obviouslyintended,itcrashedintothesideofthehouse,andheletoutahowlofpain.
Allatonce,thedooropened,andsureenough,therewasawomanstandingthere.Shelookedtobeabouttenyearsyounger thanTony,andsheclearlydidn’treallyknowwhatwasgoingon.Herhairwasamess,andshewaswobblingonthespot, grippingontothedoorframeforsupport
“What’shappening?”shemumbled,rubbingherhandoverherfaceasshelookedatthesceneinfrontofher.Anotherflare ofragehitmysystem So,thiswaswhathewasdoing?Bringingwomenbackhere,doingwhoknewwhattothem Hewas alreadyliningupnewvictims,evenashisoldonesfinallycameafterhim.
“What’syourname?”Iaskedherurgently,ignoringTony.
“Don’tspeaktoher,”Tonyordered.“She’sgotnothingtodowiththis.”
“Arielle,”thewomanwhispered,hereyeswide.Shelookedaround.“Wherearewe?” Shedidn’tevenknowwhereshewas IhatedtothinkwhatTonymighthavedonetoher,whathemighthaveslippedherto getherintothatstate,butitdidn’tmatternow.Allthatmatteredwasgettingheroutofthereandmakingsuresheneverhadto dealwiththismonsteragain
Tonytriedtograbme,andIspunaroundandpinnedhimagainstthedoor.
“Run!”IyelledtoArielle.Shejuststoodthereforasecond,tooshockedtomove,butwhenIturnedtogiveherahard stare,itfinallyhitherjusthowseriousIwasbeing Shetookofftowardtheroad,herfeetbare,hereyesstillblearyfromthe unconsciousnessshehadjustbeenforcedinto.
“You’reasickbastard,”ItoldTony,narrowingmyeyesathim Hegrinned,flashingmethatshark-likesmile Helooked likeapredator,onthehuntforhisnextprey,evenifthisonehadjustmanagedtoescapehim.
“IthinkIcanlivewiththat,”hereplied,andsuddenly,Iheardthesoundofcarsbehindme Spinningaround,myheartsank whenIsawwhoitwas cops.
AndfromwhatIunderstood,mostofthecopsinthistownwerewellandtrulyintheMcCarthys’pocket.
Itriedtoputsomedistancebetweenussotheycouldn’ttrytodomeforassault,butIfiguredthatshiphadsailed Who knewwhatTonyhadspuntothepolicewhenhehadseenmehere.Hemusthavecalledwhilehewasstillinsidethehouse. Evenatthishour,thecopswerewillingtorunoutheretodealwithwhatevermesshehadgottenhimselfinto
AndIstillhadn’tgotteninsidehisplacetoseeifhehadtakenLily.Orworse.
IfeltroughhandspullingmeawayfromTony,andIgloweredathimasmyhandswerepulledbehindmybackandshoved intotightcuffs.
Tonytookasteptowardme,andthepoliceattendingthiscalldidn’teventrytostophim,asthoughtheyknewtheirjobs dependedonplayingbytherulesthispsychohadset
“Don’tmesswiththeMcCarthys,Warren,”hetoldme,hisvoicelacedwiththreat.“It’snotgoingtoendwellforyou.”
BeforeIcouldgetoutanythinginreturn,Iwasbeingdraggedtowardoneofthecopcarsandslammedinthebackseat My headwasreeling.Howhadthishappened?IshouldhaveputalittlemorethoughtintoitwhenIhadcomeracingouthereto findLily.IshouldhaveknownTonywouldtakeanychancehecouldtopullusapart,andlockingmeupinprisonwasadamn goodwaytomakeithappen.
SomewhereheknewIwouldn’tbeabletoprotecther.
IscannedtheroadsforArielle,andIcouldn’tseeher Good Thatprobablymeantshehadmanagedtoputenoughdistance betweenherselfandTonyastoneverseehimagain.Icouldn’tbelievehewassobrazenlymakingmovesonwomenwhowere innofitstatetoconsent Hehadprobablypickedherupatabarinfrontofeveryone,butthisentiretownwastoochickenshit todoanythingaboutit.
Ihadtohopethathewouldn’thavebeenstupidenoughtobringLilybacktothatplacewithanotherwomanthere.Hemight havebeenreckless,buthehadseenhowhisvictimshadstartedbandingtogether.Nowaywashegoingtoriskthemdoingit rightinsidehisownhome.
Itriedtoexplaintothearrestingofficerwhathadactuallyhappenedaswedrove,buttheyjustturnedofftheintercomand rolledupthedividesotheycouldn’thearwhatIhadtosay.MightmakeitharderforthemtobesofaruptheMcCarthysassif theyknewwhattheywereactuallydefending
Islumpedbackinmyseatandprayedthat,wherevershewas,Lilywassafe.IknewIhadtotrustinthat.Shewasastrong woman,andthatwaswhyTonywassoafraidofher.Thatwaswhyhestruggledsomuchtokeepherundercontrol,becauseshe wouldn’tgetputdownandmadetoshutup OneofthemanythingsIlovedabouther
Atthestation,theytookmyfingerprints,swipedmyphone,andmademechangeintotheseuglyprisonscrubs.Iwasonlyin jail,buttheyweretryingtopsychmeout,tryingtomakemefeelasthoughIwasalreadyhung,drawn,andquarteredintheir eyes.Iwasn’tgoingtoletitgettome.ThiswasjustanotherinalonglineofmindgamesTonyplayedwiththepeoplehe targeted,andnow,unfortunately,Ihadmanagedtobecomeone
Pacingbackandforthinthesmallcelltheyhadmelockedin,mymindwentamillionmilesanhour.Tryingtoworkout whereLilymighthavegoneto,whatthechanceswerethatshewassafe.HadIjustmanagedtomakethingsawholelotworse byalertingTonytothefactIwasworriedabouther?Ihadprettymuchjustgonetohisplaceandlaiditalloutontheline,told himthatshewasintrouble.Ifhetookadvantageofthatnowthathehadmelockedaway?Ididn’tevenwanttothinkaboutit. Afterafewhours,Ifinallysawafriendlyface Frank Ibreathedasighofreliefandgrippedthebarsofmycellashe approached.
“Frank,youhavetogetmeoutofhere,”Itoldhimurgently “Lily’sintrouble,andTony ” FrankwasalreadyshakinghisheadbeforeIcouldevenfinish.
“I’msorry,”hereplied,hisshoulderssaggingdownindefeat.“IwishtherewasmoreIcoulddoforyou.Ireallydo.But they’repullingyouuponchargesofassaultandstalking,andIdon’thaveenoughcloutheretogetthemdismissedwithouta damngoodreason.Youwereonhisproperty.Youwereconfrontinghimwhentheygottothescene.”
“Yeah,becausehehadanotherwomanlockedupinthathouse!”Iexclaimed “Frank,she’souttheretoo Arielle,that’sher name.Shewasinhisplaceanditlookedlikeshehadbeendrugged.”
“Lookedlike?That’sallyouhavetogoon,”Frankremindedme.“Rememberwhoyou’redealingwithhere.They’regoing todoeverythingtheycantodiscredityou.Tonycanjustclaimitwasaconsensualonenightstandandthey’llforgetyouever saidanythingaboutit.Andputherinhissightlineagain.”
Isqueezedmyeyesshut.Iknewhewasright,buttheragebubblingupinsideofmewasalmostimpossibletoignore.How couldhekeepgettingawaywiththis?Howdidthiskeephappening?Howcouldthisman,thisevilman,justbewalkingaround outtherewithnopunishmentforeverythinghehaddone?
“I’mgoingtokeepworkingonthingsforyou,”Frankpromisedme.“Andinthemeantime,I’llkeepyouascomfortableasI can IknowthatMcCarthy’smenwillwanttocauseyoutroubleaslongastheyhaveyouinhere,butI’mnotgoingtoletthat happen.Okay?”
“Okay,”Imuttered Ididn’tseewhatotherchoiceIhad Frankpausedforamoment,lookingatmeasthoughtherewas somethingelsehewantedtosay,butthenhesighed,shookhishead,andheadedbackdownthecorridor. LeavingmeinthequietofmycelloncemoreandwonderingwhatinthenameofholyhellIwasgoingtodotogetoutof here
ChapterTwo Lily ICAMETOSLOWLYANDpainfully,theagonycoursingfromthetopofmyheadallthewaydowntoconsumemyentire body.
WherethehellwasI?Itriedtoopenmyeyes,butitfeltliketheyhadbeengluedshut,soheavyIcouldhaveswornweights weredanglingoffofthem.Imanagedtopeelthemopenafterafewsecondsandtiltedmyheadback,pullinginalong,ragged breathoffreshair
No,notfreshair.Theairinheresmelleddampanddingy,theweightofitchokinginmylungs.Whatwasgoingon?I couldn’tremember Mybrainfeltfuzzyaroundtheedges,andIwasn’tsurewheretostartwithsortingthroughthesememories Isqueezedmyeyesshutagain.Okay,sowhatwasthelastthingthatIactuallyremembered?Ichewedonmylip.Icould rememberbeinginmycar.HeadingtotheanimalshelterandmakingmywayouttofindSilver.IknewIcouldn’tgetherback, butifIcouldatleastseeher,thatwouldbesomething.IfIcouldatleastlookatherandknowshewasgoingtobeokay.I wantedhertoknowIwasthereforherandthattherewasnowayIwasgoingtoletanythinghappentoher,nomatterwhat.She meanttheworldtome,andthethoughtofherbeingtakenfromme andthethoughtofTonybeingthereasonbehindit was almostmorethanIcouldwrapmyheadaround.
IwantedtocryasIthoughtbacktothatfeelingagain,climbingoutofthecarandrushingtowardtheanimalshelter Pleadingandbeggingoutloud,mutteringundermybreathamillionprayerstoanyonewhomighthavebeenlisteningoutthere. Thatwasvivid,paintedwithbrightcolorovertheinsideofmyhead,andIhatedhowclearitwasinmymind.
Butthen,Ihadfeltsomeonegrabbingme Thepressureofsomethingovermymouth Theshockofithadbeensointense, I’dhardlyhadtimetotakeanyofitinbeforeIhadjustpassedout,myvisionblackingasIslumpedintomyattacker’sarms, whetherIlikeditornot
Ihadadistantmemoryofthefeelofbeinginacaroravehicleofsomekind.Thewheelsrollingbeneathme,thefeelofit undermyback Ihadbeenlyingdown,andeventhen,Icouldfeelthepainstartingtogetthebetterofme Butthen,Ihad slippedintotheblacknessagain.
Andnow,Iwashere.Itriedtoliftmyhandstomyfacetobrushbackmyhair,onlytofindthemboundbehindmyback. Thatwaswhenthepanicreallystartedtosetin Iletoutawhimperandpulledattherestraints,doingeverythingIcouldto escape.
Iwasinsomekindofwarehouse Icouldseethatnow Thelightinherewasdim,filteringinthroughafewfilthywindows ontheothersideofthisenormousspace.Wasitmorningorevening?Icouldn’ttell,andthethoughtsuddenlymademefeel queasy HowlonghadIbeenhere?Acoupleofhours?Acoupleofdays?Therewasnowayformetoknowforsure,andthat scaredthehelloutofme.
IpulledatthetightbindingsaroundmywristsuntilIfeltthemdiggingintomyflesh.Lettingoutacry,thetearsbeganto leakdownmycheeks HowcouldIhavegottenmyselfintothismess?IknewIcouldn’tbesoreckless,notwhenIwasdealing withTonyandhisfather.Iknewthembothtoowelltounderestimatethem.
Anoisecaughtmyattention,andmyheadsnappedup Mymouthwentdry HowlonghaditbeensinceI’dhadanythingto drink?Oreat,forthatmatter?Mybodyfeltcompletelyandutterlydepleted,rundryofanythingthatmighthavesustainedit.
Isquintedintothedarkness,tryingtogetabetterlookatwhowasapproachingme.Andashesteppedoutintoashaftof light,IsawhimandIfeltlikeIwasgoingtothrowup.
MarkMcCarthy.AsinTony’sfather.Theonepersonmoresadisticthanhissonbecausehewastheonewhosawithappen andallowedittocontinue Isquirmedinmyseat,tryingtogetawayfromhimashedrewcloser,buttherewasnopointtoit Hecroucheddowninfrontofme,lookingupatmewiththatcruelsmilethatalltheMcCarthymenseemedtohave.
“Well,whatdowehavehere?”hemurmured,hisvoicelow Iletoutanotherwhimper Thismanterrifiedme Iknewthe powerhehadinthisplace,andIknewitwouldhavebeenalltooeasyforhimtomakemedisappear.No,tomakeitlooklikeI hadneverexistedinthefirstplace.Iwouldhavebeenafooltounderestimatesomeonelikehim,andIknewhewascounting onthattoratchetupmyfearevenfurther.
“Please,Mark,justletmego,”Ibeggedhim.Maybehewouldlistentosomesense?Tonywasclearlytotallyandutterly pastthatpoint,butperhapshisfatherhadashredofhumanityleftinhim
“Why?Whenyou’resocomfortable,”hereplied,straighteningupandbeginningtopacearoundthechairIwasin.Icould hearhimmovingaroundbehindme,andIhatedthatIcouldn’tevenlookathimtoseewhathewasdoing
HeexudedexactlythesameenergyhehadwhenIhadknownhimbefore.Thatcompleteandutterconfidenceinhimself, thatsurenessthatcameoffhiminwaves.Hewantedeveryonetoknowjusthowself-possessedhewas.Hewantedeveryoneto knowthathehadwellandtrulyearnedthepowerhehadcomeinto Therewasnobodyhecouldn’twraparoundhislittle finger,andthatwasthescariestpartofallofthis.Nobodysaidnotohim.Evenwhenitcametohidingmybody.
“It’sgoodtoseeyouagainafterallthistime,Lily,”hecontinued “Tonytalksaboutyouallthetime,youknow”
ThethoughtofthosetwomendiscussingmewhenIwasn’taroundmademewanttothrowup.Ibitdownhardonmylip, doingeverythinginmypowernottogivehimareaction Iknewhegotoffonscaringtheshitoutofme,andIwouldbedamned ifIjustlethimrollovermeanddoit.
“ButI’msosorrytohearaboutyourdog,”hetoldme.Ilookedupathimasheroundedtomyrightoncemore.
“Mydog?”Idemanded Itriedtosteelmyvoice,butthetremblecameoutinitanyway Iknewhenoticedit Henodded,an expressionoffauxapologyonhisface.
“Youhadn’theard?”heaskedasthoughIwasstupid “Theanimalshelter”
“Whathappenedtotheanimalshelter?”Iwhispered.Ihadjustbeenthere.Ihadseenitstanding.Whathadtheydonetoit? Surely,theywouldn’thavekilledthoseinnocentanimals ButwhatcouldIputpastthematthispoint?
“Itburneddown,”hereplied,shakinghisheadsadly,thoughIcouldtelltherewasnoregretinwhathewastellingme. Iclosedmyeyes,feelingallmyhopedissipateinamoment.
“Nothingleftbutashes,”hecontinued,makingsuretofillmeinonthedetails Alumproseinmythroat,andIswalloweditbackdown.Hemightjusthavebeensayingthistometoscaremeintodoing whathewanted Icouldn’tlethimwin,notnow Ihadcomesofar,andIsureashellwasn’tgoingtolethimruinitforme
“Wasn’tthatbitchofyoursthere?”heaskedinnocently.Ihateditwhenhedidthis.ItwasatacticTonyhadplayedwhenwe weredating,too teasingmeaboutsomethingheknewhurtmetothecoreandpretendinglikehehadnoideawhywhathewas doingwassoharmful.Igrittedmyteethandshookmyhead.
“Nope,”Ireplied.Thevenominmyvoicecaughtevenmeoffguard,butthiswasSilverweweretalkingabout.Mydog. Mygirl Iwasn’tgoingtolethimtalkaboutherlikethat
“Beensuchahardfewdaysforthetown,”hecontinued.“Whatwith Well,I’msureyou’veheardbynow.” What?Whatelsecouldhepossiblyhave?Mymindflashedtomymom,andmystomachcurdledasIthoughtabout somethinghappeningtoher.Shewassoweak,whatwiththeoperationandall,andshewouldn’thavebeenabletofightoff anyonewhohadnefariousplansforher.
“Warren,”heremarked.“Youdidn’tknowaboutthat?Iheardthetwoofyouwereprettyclose.Guessitdoesn’tcountfor much,though.”
“WhathappenedtoWarren?”Iwhisperedtohim Icouldn’tbearthethoughtoflosinghim Iwassuretheywouldn’thave justkilledhim.No,theyknewtheycouldusehimasleverageoverme.Todowhat,Icouldonlyimagine,butIguessedIwas abouttofindout
“Hewasarrested,”hereplied.“Lookslikethechargesaregoingtostickagainsthim,too.”
“Arrested?”Irepeated,stunned.NowaywouldWarrenhavedoneanythingthatactuallywarrantedhisarrest.No,thisstank ofsometwistedMcCarthygame,wheretheywereusingthemanIlovedasapieceontheboard
ButthewholepolicedepartmentpracticallyworkedfortheMcCarthys.Theycouldpointatanyoneinthistowntheydidn’t likeandgetthemlockedupforlife,ifthefancytookthem,anditwouldn’thavesurprisedmeifitdid Warrenwouldbeableto handlehimselfinjail,butwhatiftheygothimlockedawayforgood?Hewasmybiggestallyinallofthis,mybiggestsource ofstrength,andIdidn’tknowwhatIwoulddowithouthim Ididn’tknowifIwouldbeabletokeepgoing
WhichwasexactlywhatTonyandhisfatherwerecountingon.IknewWarrenwouldn’thavewantedmetogiveup.He wouldn’thavewantedmetostop,nomatterwhatIwasfacedwith.Evenifhedidendupoutofcommissionforawhile,Istill hadthewomenonmyside,andtherewasstrengthinnumbers Iwassureitwouldn’ttakelongformoreofthemtostartcoming out,showingtheirsupport,andmaybeevenafewofthemwouldbewillingtotestifyagainstTonyincourt.
Thatwas,ifIwasaroundtoseeit Which,atthisrate,Iwasn’tsureifIwouldbe Itriedtogathermyselfandlookedupat Markagain.
“Whathashebeenarrestedfor?”
Mark,clearlysavoringthechancetogivemethenews,grinnedwidely.“Murder.”
ChapterThree Lily “MURDER?”
Thewordrangoutaroundus,fillingthewarehouse,fillingmyhead.
“Yes,itlookslikeyourboyfriendhasbeengettinguptosomeveryshadystuffbehindyourback,”Marktoldme,delivering thenewswithanunearnedglee.Iwantedtoshaketheverythoughtofthisoutofmyhead,butIcouldn’t.Ithadalreadystuck there,mymindrollingitaroundandaroundasItriedtoworkoutjustwhatthehellthiscouldmeanforme orforhim
“YourememberMarcy?”heaskedme.
“Marcy?”Ireplied,furrowingmybrow
“ThegirlwhotooktherestrainingorderoutagainstTony,”heexplained.Myeyeswidened.Thatwashername.Marcy.We hadsomethingtoworkwith.
“Turnsoutshehadahabitofgettinginvolvedwithmenshecouldn’thandle,”hecontinued.“Sheturnedupdeadafew weeksago,andWarren’sfingerprintswerealloverher.”
No,thiscouldn’tbereal Therewasjustnoway IknewWarren Iknewwhatkindofpersonhewas Iknewhewould neverhavedoneanythinglikethis.Iknewhewouldneverhavehurtsomeone,letaloneaninnocentwoman,likethat.And Marcy?WasMarcyreallydead?Ifshewas,itwasanightmareforallofusremaining Howwerewemeanttopushforward withourcasenow,ifoneofourrankshadendedupdead?Everyonewouldbetooterrifiedtocarryon.
ButWarrencouldn’thavedoneit.Iwassurehewouldhavebeenwithme.Icouldgivehimanalibi.
“Andit’snotjusther,”Markwenton,shakinghisheadasthoughhecouldhardlybelievehehadtosaythis “Therespected ex-militaryguy?Well,Iguesshe’snottheonlyonetogoalittlecrazywhentheycomebackfromcombat,right?”
“Whatdoyoumean,notjusther?”Idemanded
“Therearedozensofgirlsalloverthecountry,”heexplained.“Seemslikehe’sbeenprettybusy.Youwereprobablynext onhislist Well,oncehe’dfinishedwithyourmom,ofcourse”
Ifeltthetearswellinmyeyes.Notsadness,notfear,butrage.RagethathewouldevensaythataboutWarren,andragethat hewouldpullmymomintoit.Theworstpartaboutthismanwasthatheknewexactlyhowtopushmybuttons,andIhadno choicebuttojustletithappen Itmademefeelsostupid,souseless,tiedtothischairandunabletodoanythingtohelpthe peopleIcaredabout.
But whatifhewastellingthetruth?Myheadwasstillblearyfromwhatevertheyhadgivenme,butIcouldn’thelpbut wonderifthiswasanotherpartofTony’ssickplan.SendsomeonelikeWarrentolivenexttomymom,knowingIwouldn’tbe abletoresist,andknowingthekindofpersonhereallywas
No,Icouldn’tletthisgettome.TheyweretryingtosowtheseedsofparanoiainmyheadsoIwouldcutmyselfofffrom him.UntilIwaspresentedwithsomeveryconvincingevidence,Iwasn’tgoingtobelieveanythingtheytoldmeaboutWarren. Theydidn’tknowhimlikeIdid Andtheycouldneverhopetobehalfthemanthathewas
“Idon’tbelieveyou,”Itoldhim,managingtokeepmyvoicesteadyasIspoke,thoughIdidn’tknowhow.Ifeltlikethe worldwastumblingapartaroundme,butitcouldalljusthavebeenthemindgamesMarkwasspinninginmymindrightnow Markfrowned,thegleedroppingfromhisface,andthengrabbedmychin.
“Openup,”heorderedme,andheliftedawaterbottletomymouthandpouredinacoupleofgulps.EventhoughIwasso parched,IknewIcouldn’trisklettinghimgivemeanything.Itmighthavebeenspiked,andbeforeIknewit,Iwouldhavebeen outforthecount.Andwhoknewforhowlong.
Ispatoutthewater,anditlandedonhisshoes,thefirstlittlebitofrevengeIhadmanagedtotake Hesteppedbackwitha disgustedgruntandtossedthewaterbottletothefloor.Iwatcheditleakoutonthestonebelowme,wishingIcouldtasteit, wishingIcoulddrinkalittlewithoutfearingformylife
“Don’tworry,”heassuredme,hiseyeslightingupagainashewatchedmestruggleagainstthebindings.“Someonewillbe hereforyousoon.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”Icalledafterhim orItriedtocall,butthewaterhadcaughtinmythroatandIcouldn’tgeta wordout.Idescendedintoacoughingfit,tryingtocontrolmyself,butitwastoolate.Hewalkedoutofthere,leavingmewith amillionmorequestionsthanwhenIhadarrived,andIwasstillstuckinthisdamnchairwithnoideawhereIwasinthe world.
OnceIhadmanagedtocatchmybreath,Ileanedbackslightly,tryingtopullmyselftogether.Itwasgoingtobeokay.Iwas goingtogetoutofhere.Ididn’tknowwhoexactlyMarkhadintendedtocomeseemesoonenough,butIwasn’tgoingtowait aroundtofindout Idoubtedhewouldsendinanyonewhowouldhelpme IcouldalreadyimaginehimpullinginthepeopleI caredabouttotormentmewith,makingmewatchashemadetheirliveshellrightbeforemyeyes.Ididn’tknowwherethese menwouldstopatthispoint
Ididn’tknowiftheywouldstopatall.
Iquelledtherushofpanicinmysystemandtestedthelimitsofmybindingsagain Theydugpainfullyintomyskin,thebite ofplastichotagainstmyflesh.Okay,sotheywereprobablyzip-ties.Thatwasgoodtoknow.Icouldbreakthem,right?Ihad to.Icouldn’tsitaroundhere,waitingtoseewhatMarkandhiscronieshadinstoreforme.
Myhandswerestartingtosweatfromtheexertion Thatwouldgivemealittlelubrication Istartedtoworkmywristsup anddowninsidetheties,tryingtogetusedtothefeelingofthemtuggingatmyskin.Ijustneededtoloosenthemupalittle,and thenIwouldbeabletogetoutofhere
Itriedtopullmyselfoutbutfelttheskinaroundmyrightwristtearpainfully.Iletoutacrybutpressedmylipstogetherto trytostifleit
ThelastthingIwantedwasforthemtoknowtheyhadmestrugglingandsuffering Hell,itwouldn’thave surprisedmetofindoutthatTonyhadsetupacamerainheretowatchmypain.Itwasthesortoftwistedthinghegotoffon.
AsIgatheredmyselfforanotherattempt,Itriednottothinkaboutthedeadgirl.Marcy.Wehadnevergottenhername,but hearingitnowmadeherallthemorehumantome Knowingthatthetwoofushadgonethroughthesamething,hadsufferedat thehandsofthesameman,andthatherfatehadbeenasbrutalasMarkseemedtoclaimitwas?Itmademesick.Shedidn’t deservethat
NoneofushaddeservedanythingthatTonyhaddonetous.
Withthatthoughtinmymind,Iusedmyrenewedstrengthtogobackandstarttryingtoloosenthetiesoncemore.Myhand wasslipperywithbloodnow,andIbitdownhardtoholdinthepainasIyankedmyrightwristoutofthebinding.
IfeltasurgeoftriumphasIheldmybloodyrighthandinfrontofme.Ithurtlikehell,butIcoulddealwiththatlater.Itried togettomyfeet,onlytofindthatthechairwassecuredtothefloor Ilookeddowntoseewhatwaspinningitandsawthat someonehaddoneahaphazardjobofcementingthechairtotheground.
SoIneededtogetbothhandsfreebeforeIcouldrun IcouldseethelightcomingaroundtheframeofthedoorMarkhad justclosedbehindhim,andIstaredatitforamoment.See?Itwasrightthereinfrontofme.Allitwouldtakewasalittlemore hardwork,andIwouldbeoutandintothesunlightbeyond.Theycouldn’thavetakenmethatfar,couldthey?Howfarexactly didtheirinfluencespan?
Myphone!Wait,hadtheytakenthat,too?IprayedtheyhadsomehowmadeamistakeandleftitbehindasIreacheddown tocheckifitwasthere,butmypocketswereempty Theymusthavetakenit AndIdidn’thavealockonitrightnow They couldhavebeenusingittofireofftextstoanyonetheywanted.
Notthatitwasmymainfocusrightnow No,mymainfocuswasgettingoutofhere
Ileaneddowntomyotherwristandbroughtmyteethtotheziptie,chewingonithard.Ittoreatmygumsandnippedatmy skin,butIpushedthroughit.IcouldfeelitstartingtoweakenasIbegantoapplyalittlepressuretoitwiththeoutsideofmy wrist,andthen,allatonce,Ibrokefree
Iflexedmyfingers,quicklypullingofftheshirtIwaswearingtowrapitaroundmybloodiedrighthand.Ihadatanktopon underneathit,andthecoldprickledatmyskinamomentlater IknewIcouldn’triskstayingheremuchlonger Markhadn’t givenmeanyindicationhowlongitwouldbebeforemyvisitorwasduetoarrive,andIdidn’twanttofindoutjusthowfarhe wasgoingtotakeitwhentheydid
Iwasabouttodiveforthedoorwhenasoundfrozemetothespot.Footsteps.IstrainedtoseeifIcouldhearvoices,but no,itwasjustoneperson.WasitMarkcomingbackalready?Maybetheyhadseenmemakingabreakforitontheircameras orsomething,andnowtheyweregoingtolockmeupandthrowawaythekey
Ijumpedbackintomyseat,slippingmyhandsbehindmeandprayingthatnobodynoticedwhathadchangedsinceMark hadbeenhere Thedooropened,andsureenough,itwasMark Andwhenheraisedhiseyestomeetmine,Iknewthat whatevertorturehehadinstoreformewasonlyjustbeginning.
ChapterFour Warren TWODAYS.
Twodamndayslockedupinthisplace.Icouldn’tbelieveit.IthoughtFrankwouldhavegottenmeoutofhereinaday, maybeadayandahalftops,butrightnow,itwasdrawinginonforty-eighthourssinceIhadarrived,andtheystillhadn’t shownanysignsofwantingtoletmeout.
Ihadbeenstuckinatinycellwithnobodyforcompany,whichwassomethingofarelief
Ididn’twanttohavetodealwith whateverothercriminalswerelockedupinhere,thoughitwouldn’thavesurprisedmetofindoutthatafairfewofthemwere justinonthewhimofwhateverMcCarthytheyhadpissedoffrecently Thecopshadmostlysteeredclearfromme,andFrank hadcomedownacoupleoftimestofillmeinonwhatwashappeningwiththecase.
“It’sgoingtobeokay,”hehadpromisedmethedaybefore,buttherewasalackofsinceritytohisvoicethatworriedme. “Youreallybelievethat,Frank?”Iaskedhim.
“No,butI’mworkingonit,”Frankreplied.“Imanagedtoconvincethemtogiveyouavisitor.Diane’scomingtoseeyou tomorrow”
Ibreathedasighofrelief.Thatwassomething.IreallywantedtomakesureDianewasokayandgetanupdateonwhat washappeningintheoutsideworld
WithLily,specifically.ShewastheoneIhadbeenthinkingaboutthewholetimeI’dbeeninhere.HowcouldInot?I missedhersomuch,andIwassoworriedaboutwhatmighthavebeenhappeningtoher.Ihadtriedtolisteninonany conversationsthecopshadbeenhavinginmypresence,butIhadn’theardathingaboutamissingwoman Whichwaseithera goodsignornot.
OrIcouldn’tevenconsiderthealternative
Rightnow,IwaswaitingforDianetoarrive.IneverthoughtIwouldbesohappytoseemynext-doorneighbor,butright now,IneededallthealliesIcouldget Theyhadcomeintoreadmemychargesthedaybefore,andIwasstillreelingfromwhattheyweretryingtopinonme. Serialkiller?Thatwaswhatthey’dsaidtome.ThatIhadbeenpickingoffwomenalloverthecountryforyearsnow,andthis placewasjustmylatesthuntingground Icouldn’tbelieveforamomentthatanyonewouldactuallybuyintothat,buthow couldIknowforsure?Inasmalltownlikethis,rumorsspreadfast,andIhadprettymuchkeptmyselftomyselfovertheyears. Ihadneverexpectedanythinglikethistobethrownatme HowcouldI?Itwasjusttoocrazytomakesenseof
WhenIsawDianecomingthroughthesmalldoorattheendofthecorridor,Iwantedtogiveherahug.Shelooked exhausted,asthoughshehadn’tsleptindays,andIwassureshewasstillinalotofpainfromheroperation
“Oh,Warren,”shemumbledasshedrewinclosertothebars,andthenherfacecreasedupassheburstintotears. “It’sokay,”Itoldher,eventhoughIknewitwasn’t.
Sheshookherhead,catchingherbreath “No,it’snotokay,”shereplied “Ihaven’tseenLilyforacoupleofdays Ihaven’t heardanythingfromher.Itriedcallingherphoneanditjustwentstraighttovoicemail.”
“Didyoutrytalkingtothepoliceaboutit?”Iasked,butIfigureditwouldhavebeenafutilegestureanyway Theywould havecoveredforanythingtheMcCarthysaskedthemto,andthatincludedignoringitwhenthepeoplewhoweren’tonhisside wentmissing.
“Theyjusttoldmethatshe’sanadultandIcan’treporthermissingyet,”shereplied.“ButIknowLilywouldneverdo anythinglikethis,Warren.She’snotthatkindofperson.Sheneverhasbeen.”
“Iknow,Iknow,”Isoothedher Ihatedseeingherlikethis,andIknewLilywouldhave,too Butwherewasshe?Whathad theydonewithher?Ididn’tevenwanttothinkofallthepossibilities.Ithadcrossedmymindlatelastnightthatshemighthave beenoneofthevictimstheyweretryingtochargemefor Thethoughtofherdeadwastoohorribletoconsider,andIbrushedit offassoonasIgotthechance.
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”Dianeasked.“Silver’sgone,too.Ihaven’tseenhersince...”
Shetrailedoffagainandbrokedownintofurthertears.Thatnightwhereeverythinghadjustfallenapart.Nothingwouldbe thesameagainafterthat.Iwasn’tstupidenoughnottobeabletoseeitclearly.
“Idon’tknowwhatwe’regoingtodo,”Iadmitted “Butyouhavetotrustme I’mdoingeverythingIcantomakesureIget outofhere.”
Herfacepaledasshelookedupatmeagain,sniffing
“Iheardwhattheyhadyouinherefor,”shemurmured.“Everyoneintownistalkingaboutit.” “Pleasetellmeyoudon’tbelievethem.”
Herfacehardened,andsheshookherhead “No,”sherepliedatonce.“No,ofcourseIdon’t.Iknowbetterthantotrustanythingthatcomesoutofthisplace.” “Keepyourvoicedown,”Iwarnedher “Youdon’twanttobecomeatargettoo” “IthinkIalreadyamone,”shereplied.“Howlongbeforetheycomeafterme?”
“Justkeepyourselfsafe,okay?”Iaskedher “Iknowit’swhatLilywouldwant Don’tgodoinganythingdangerousthat couldlandyouintrouble.”
“Trustme,Ihavenointentionofthat,”shereplied.“It’sjustmeupinthathousenow,youknow.Feelssoemptywithoutthe restofyouthere”
Thethoughtofhersittinginthathouseallalone?Itjustwasn’tright.ButitwasexactlywhattheMcCarthyswantedfromus. Theywantedusseparatesotheycouldfindaneasierwaytotakeusdown “I’mgoingtobeoutsoon,”Ipromisedher.
“Howaretheytreatingyouinhere?”sheaskedme,frowning,asthoughthethoughthadjustcrossedhermind “Ihope you’redoingalright.”
“It’sfine,honestly,”Ireplied.“Anditwon’tbelongtillI’mbackwithyou.IwanttohelpoutinanywayIcan.” “You’vealreadydonesomuch,Warren”
“AndI’mnotgoingtobedoneuntiltheMcCarthysarefinished,”Ireplied.Imeantit.UntilIsawthatevilfamilytaken apartattheseams,Iwasn’tgoingtobeabletorest Ihadseenwhattheycoulddo,howdeeptheirrottenrootsinthisplacelay, andIknewIcouldn’tmakethelifehereIwantedwithLilyunlessIgotridofthem.
DianeandItalkedforalittlelonger.ShetoldmethattheanimalshelterSilverhadbeenheldatwasburneddown,andI prayeditwasjustgossipandnotactuallythetruth.Iwasn’tsureLilywouldeverrecoverfromlosingherdoglikethat,let aloneDiane.
Itdidn’ttakelong,though,forDianetostartgettingtired,andIinsistedshegetaridehome Ididn’twantherwearing herselfoutoverme,notifwecouldavoidit.Shesqueezedmyhandthroughthebarsandleft,andIsatbackonthesmallstone benchoncemore,backinthesilenceofmyheadagain
Idozedoffforawhile,butIwokealittlelaterwhenFrankapproachedthebarsofmycell.Isprangtomyfeetatonce, hopingtohearthejingleofkeysinhishand,butheshookhishead.
“I’mnotheretoletyouout,I’mafraid.Ijustwantedtoupdateyouoneverythingthat’sbeengoingon.”
“Like?”Ipromptedhim,sittingbackdownagain.mWhattimewasit?Withoutmyphone,Iwashavingahardtimefiguring outwhenitwasdayornightinthewindowlessboxIwastrappedin
“Well,firstoff,Silverwasspottedonthehighway,”hereplied,andIleanedmyheadbackandletoutasighofrelief.That wassomething
“Wasanyoneabletotakeherin?”
“Sheranawayfromthecouplewhoapproachedherbuttheyphoneditin,andthedescriptionmatchedperfectly,”he replied “Hopefully,she’sjusttryingtofindherwayhomenow,anditwon’tbelongtillshedoes” “Yeah,hopeso,”Iagreed.Howfarawayhadshegotten?Wouldsheevenbeabletofindherwaybackfromthere? “AndwhataboutLily?”Ipressed Thatwasthemostimportantmatterathandhere,andIneededtogetcaughtuponany scrapofinformationtheymighthavehadonhercase.
“Theotherofficersrejectedhermother’smissingpersonreport,”hereplied “AsI’msuresheprobablytoldyou ButI hungontoyourphone,andIhadalookatsomeofthemessagesthathavebeencomingin.Afewarefromher.Here,readfor yourself.”
Heheldoutthephonetome,andIgrabbedit,scrollingthroughthestringofmessagesfromLilythatwerewaitingforme MystomachdroppedwhenIsawwhattheysaid.Shewascallingmeamonster,apsycho,acrazyserialkiller.
“Doesthissoundlikeher?”
Ishookmyheadatonce,handingthephonebacktohim.Ididn’twanttoreadanymoreofthat.
“No,itdoesn’t,”Ireplied “Notinwhatshe’ssayingorhertypingstyle” “Soyouthinksomeoneelsesentthemessages?”
“Thatmakesthemostsensetome,”Ireplied.“Haveyouhadanyonetakealookatthetextsyet?Getaforensictechonthem tofigureoutwherethey’refrom?”
“Alreadydone,”Frankrepliedashetuckedthephoneawayagain,glancingaroundtomakesurenobodyhadspottedhim sneakingevidenceoutofthelocker “And?”Iasked.
“ItlookslikewhoeversentthosemessageswentoutofOakvillelimitstwodaysago,”hereplied.“Andtheyeitherhadher orherphone orboth withthemwhentheydidit.”
Iclosedmyeyesforamoment.
“Doyouthinkshecouldhaveleftofherownaccord?”heasked.
“No,noway,”Ireplied.“Shewouldneverhavelefthermothersosoonaftertheaccident.That’snotwhosheis.That’snot whoshe’severbeen”
“I’monit,”hetoldme,noddingseriously.“Inthemeantime,I’vespokentoacountyjudge.They’resayingwecankeepyou hereuntilthecasegoestotrial,whichI’mhopingwon’tevenhappen Hardtoimaginethatanyjudgeintheirrightmindwould lookattheevidencethey’vepresentedagainstyouasanythingclosetosane.ButaslongasIcankeepyouclose,they’renot goingtogetawaywithdoinganythingtoyou”
“Thanks,Frank,”Ireplied.“Ioweyouadrinkwhenallofthisisover.”
Hedidn’treply.Iwonderedifhewashavinghisdoubtsaboutwhetheranyofthiswouldeverbeover.Orif,likeme,he wasstartingtoseeitstretchoninfinitelyinfrontofhim
ButhewasonLily’strail,andthatwaswhatIhadtofocusonrightnow.Nomatterwhatkindofnightmareshewasin, therewassomeoneoutthere,readytofightinhercorner,readytohelpher Ijusthadtohopeshewouldholdonlongenoughtoseeit.
ChapterFive Lily ICLAMPEDMYHANDStogetherbehindtheseat,myheartracing.Markpulledhisphonefromhispocketandspatagreeting downit.Inonehand,hewascarryingatrayoffood.He’dcomebacktofeedme.Probablyjusttokeepmealivesotheycould torturemealittlelonger,butitmighthavegivenmemyout.
Icouldn’ttakeinawordhewassayingonthephoneasIfeltmybloodrushingthroughmyveins.Ashedrewcloser,hegot angrieratwhoeverwasontheotherendoftheline,spittingoutcommands
“No,listentome,”heinsistedasheleanedovertodropthefoodonmylap and,allatonce,Ifeltasurgeofadrenaline throughmysystem Now,thiswasthemomentIhadtomakeamoveifIwantedtogetout
Itossedthetrayupandintohisface,andhestumbledbackinsurpriseforamoment.Ionlyhadasplitsecondtogettomy feetandgetoutofthere,andIsprintedforthedoorasfastasIcould,puttingasmuchdistancebetweenmyselfandthismanas humanlypossible.
Ikeptmyeyesfixedonthedoorandkickeditopentriumphantly,steppingoutintothecoldairbeyond.Itbitagainstmy bareskin,butIhardlynoticedit Mark’sfuriousvoicecalledafterme,andItookoffdownapaththattookmeasfarawayfrom himashumanlypossible.
Wewereoutinthewoodssomewhere Anoldmill,maybe?Itwasn’tasthoughIhadtimetositaroundandthinkaboutit I justhadtogo.Andfast.
Mylegswerealreadyburningfrombeingstuckinthatchairforsolong,butIpushedmyfeetforward,overandoveragain. IglancedovermyshoulderasIreachedtheforestlinetoseeMarkrushingtowardmefromthewarehouseIhadbeenkeptin Hemighthavebeentwicemyage,buthewasstillquickonhisfeet,andhehadanadvantageoverme.Ihadn’thadany nourishmentindays
ThesunlightburnedintomyeyesasImadeittothetreeline.IfeltasthoughIhadbeentrappedinthereforweeksonend, likeIhadn’tsteppedfootintherealworldforever Branchessnaggedagainstmyskin,butIdidmybesttokeepmoving Icould dealwithwhateverinjuriesthisleftmewith,butwhatIcouldn’tdealwithwaswhatthismanmightdotomeifheactually managedtocatchme.
“Justcomeback,Lily!”heroaredintothewoods,hisvoicereverberatingoffthetreesaroundme Ikeptgoing,dartingfrom sidetosidetododgelargerocksorlogs.IfItripped,itwasoverforme.Hewouldcatchupwithmeinnotime.
IhadtomovelikeIwasrunningformylife BecauseIwas
Iwasn’tsureifIcouldtakeanotherbreath,butIneededtogetoutoftheforest.Therehadtobesomepeopleoutthereon theotherside,right?Somepeoplewhowouldbewillingtohelpme?Iwasn’tsureiftherewasanyoneleftinOakvilleIcould trust,andeveniftherewere,ImighthavebeenalongwayfromKansasrightnow.
ItrippedandmanagedtocatchmyselfonatreebeforeIsprawledoutontotheground,andshotanotherlookovermy shoulder Icouldn’tseeMark Ifroze,eyesdartingthiswayandthatasItriedtospothim Hadhecaughtupwithme,andnow hewashidingout,readytopounceonme?Iwouldn’thaveputanythingpasthimnow.
But,asIstoodthere,therewasnothing Nosoundaroundme,apartfromthewindrustlingthetrees,andadistantriver tricklingacrosstherocks.Ihadmadeit.Ididn’tknowhow,butIhadmadeit.Hehadgivenup,atleastfornow,andIhadto takeeverychanceIcouldgettoescapethem.
WherewasI?Thatwasthefirstquestion.Idecidedtoheadfortheriver.Surelythatwouldtakemesomewhereandmaybe IcouldactuallydrinksomefreshwaterwhileIwasatit.Icouldhardlychokeoutabreath,mythroatwassodry.
Iwandereddowntotheriver,mymusclestremblingfromexhaustion,anddroppeddowntomykneestogulpdownafew much-neededsipsofwater.WhenIwasdone,Isankbackonthebankandstaredupattheskyaboveme.
Itlookedclosetodusk,whichmeantthatitwouldbegettingdarksoon,andIknewnowherewasdarkerthantheforestat night.Itwouldbeeasiertohideouthereformeinthedark,butitwouldalsobeeasyforsomeonetosneakuponmeandgrab mewhenIleastexpectedit.IfiguredImightnothaveachoice,butIshouldatleastwalkalittlefurtherbeforeIgaveupforthe evening.
Atthesnapofeverybranchandthecallofeverybird,myheadwhippedaroundtoseeifMarkhadsomehowmanagedto catchupwithme Itwouldn’thavesurprisedme Iknewheprobablyhadmenscatteredalloverthisplace,doingeverything theycouldtotrackmedownandshutmeinoncemore.
