Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 112449 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 562(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112449 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 562(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
“You dragged this up because you got away with it. The motive, the means, the opportunity, it was all there staring everyone in the face, but no one suspected you. You four always had an audience for your cruelty—people to witness what you did even if they couldn’t prove it was you. You want someone to acknowledge how wickedly clever you are. And now that you’ve got a taste for killing, you need an audience this time around.
“This is just a game to you, Cavendish. Another prank. That’s why that disgusting smile is on your face.”
Cavendish clapped. Slow at first, then faster as his laughter rang through the street. “Good, Rainey. Very good. You scared me cutting it this close. I was afraid you weren’t what I thought you were.” He shook his head. “You never cease to impress.”
“You don’t know me!”
He pouted. “After all the time we’ve spent together these last several weeks, how can you say that?”
I advanced and slammed against the invisible barrier made of common sense. “I’m not playing, you miserable fucker. Why did you get me involved? Why me?!”
“Ah. So, this is the part where I deliver my evil villain monologue. Thanks for giving me so much time to prepare.” Cavendish straightened and cleared his throat. “I did run out in front of his car that night. Douglas was going out on that camping trip to clear his head. Work up the courage to betray his best friend since kindergarten.” The first trace of temper colored his voice.
“Douglas found out something about me that he shouldn’t have. He was cool to keep it to himself when he understood loyalty, then that stupid kid almost drowned. Douglas gave me till he got back from his trip to confess myself. Make things right and accept the consequences. It’s the only way I’d be free. The sanctimonious bastard,” he spat. “I knew the route he’d take, so I went up first. Waited for his car to drive down and jumped out in front of him. That was supposed to be the end of it, but would you believe it, he survived two days in that broken-down heap.”
Cavendish tossed the apple over his shoulder. “I panicked when I found out. Had to rush to the hospital to make sure he didn’t get a chance to tell anyone who shone in his headlights. A syringe, air bubble in the IV, boohoo to the doctors, and it was over... until you. Because that’s what you have so wrong, Rain-ey.”
He moved closer, making me trip over myself backing up. “I didn’t get bored. We’re not here because I need the thrill of almost getting caught. This is, and has always been, about you.”
“You don’t know me,” I forced through clenched teeth.
“So you keep saying.” His eyes narrowed. “As always, focused on the wrong thing and letting it take you away from the path. I never wanted any of this to come back up. Douglas fucking Herbert is dead and buried. Let him rot, and I hope that clean conscience serves him well in the afterlife.”
“If you didn’t want this, why are we here?!” Frustration made me scream. Anger made me rip a shoe off and fling it at his head. It struck his forehead, breaking the skin, and leaving a streak of blood and no satisfaction. I wanted to punch his smirk in. Tear out his hair. Break his fingers. I wanted to stomp his crotch and cave his skull. I wanted to ki—
I gasped, staggering farther back as I cut the thought off at the knees. What was wrong with me? What was he doing to me? I was so angry, scared, and helpless, I felt capable of anything.
“Oh,” he whispered. “Now she gets mad.”
“That’s what you want, isn’t it?” I ripped off the other shoe. Just to hold something. To know I could hurt him again if I wished. “Why? I answered your questions, you answer mine. What do you want with me?”
“It’s always been about you. Even before I knew you.” Cavendish paid no mind to the blood streaking down his nose. “I had to give you a reason. The catalyst to push you over the edge, and the proof that I will carry out my word. Revealing what I did to Douglas was a sacrifice. Ugh!” he bellowed, throwing up his hands.
I jumped, heart slamming into my throat.
“People don’t understand sacrifice. They’re not willing to do whatever needs to be done, no matter the cost to them. Weak. Pathetic! But not me, and soon, not you.” Cavendish raised his hand. It took me a terrible moment to realize he wanted me to hold it. “I’ve given away my deepest secret to erase any doubt that I’ve killed before and I’ll do it again,” he said. “Unless you stop me.”