𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔

𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝐾𝑖𝑑𝑛𝑎𝑝

John Crashaw (murderer #2)

I hadn't planned how to handle this whole shitshow; kidnapping her was turning out to be a hell of a lot harder than we thought.

She never went out much, raised so differently from everyone else that she seemed like the type who was born in a fucking box. Trapped in her own little world.

Sitting in my black SUV, I watched the school building, trying to whip up a simple plan to lure her into the car-anything, something.

The bell rang loudly, and out came the kids, spilling out of the doors like a swarm of flies. I didn't see her at first, but I noticed a younger dude waiting by the entrance, clearly waiting for someone. Then she stepped outside, and he rushed up to her, chatting her up intently. Suddenly, she was handing him her phone, and I watched as she typed in a hurry before giving it back and heading this way, scanning the parking lot for Rory-no doubt.

After my encounter with Rory last night, I had learned more about her than I could've ever found out by scrolling through useless internet crap. He'd spilled her life story since he was drunk as hell, and I pretended to be interested while mentally taking notes on everything he told me.

When she spotted my car, she stopped and waited near a bench. The kid who exchanged numbers with her meandered this way, so I hit the button to roll down my window and plastered a fake smile on my face.

"Excuse me, young man?" I called out, and he turned my way, grinning like an idiot.

"Yes?"

"I'm John, a friend of Cara's father, Rory?" I lied through my teeth, praying silently that he'd buy it. He looked gullible enough, so I kept the smile plastered on my face to seem sincere.

"Oh, Rory's friend? You must be cool like him! He's a cool dude. What can I do for you?"

He was a fucking idiot... this was going to go perfectly, wasn't it?

"Rory's on vacation, but he asked me to look after Cara while he's gone. She's been... coming home late, and I wanted to know if you could help me out with something. I promise I'll pay you or put in a good word with Rory if you need me to."

Seconds ticked by, and I worried I had overstepped. But then he stepped forward and nodded his head in agreement.

The lengths kids would go to just to date someone they had no chance with? Hilarious.

"Sure! I'm Daniel, by the way," he said, extending his hand towards mine. I shook it firmly, smiling even wider.

He just sold her the fuck out to me and didn't even know it yet.

I sat in the hot and uncomfortable black chair in the brightly colored club, adjusting my collar as I scanned the entrance once again. Daniel-yeah, that was his name-had texted Cara to meet him here at the club they'd already visited to get to know each other better. I had spiraled down this lying path, knowing there was no turning back, and I didn't give a shit anymore. This chase had dragged on for too long.

It was time to finish it right now.

She had told him she'd meet him here, and I had eventually made my way here, waiting for her arrival. I had what I needed tucked safely in my pocket, and I wasn't sure if she drank, but whatever the hell she ordered... it would come with a bubbling surprise.

The air was thick and stifling, the lights were flashing like mad, dazzling under the chaos. Bodies were moving on the dance floor, downing drinks like it was water, scoping food on the sidelines, or just lounging in booths, chatting it up. I felt a pang of envy; if I lived a normal, less angry life, that could be me-the coolest, hottest asshole in the room.

But I was here for business, not pleasure.

I had no clue what to expect when she finally strolled into the club, her eyes darting around like a deer in headlights. Even though she looked dramatically different, her eyes gave her away; I still remembered the bright, joyful spark that normally lit them up. She wore a black skintight dress, the leather accentuating the curves she usually hid. Her skin was pale and radiant, perfectly contrasting the dark fabric. The black strappy heels made her appear taller, more confident. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun, and her lips were painted a daring red. She looked incredibly sexy, and if I wasn't here to ruin her life, I could see this night taking a different turn altogether.

She made her way to the bar, sitting a few spots away from me, her gaze fixated on the alcohol behind the bartender. Even with the loud music, I couldn't hear a damn thing she was saying; her voice was small and soft.

I already knew how this would go, and I hoped it played out smoothly and not like a fucking train wreck.

"Can I get a water, please?" I interrupted them both, and the bartender turned my way, nodding as she grabbed a glass.

That's when her eyes finally met mine, locking onto my gaze for a few seconds before she shyly looked away.

This was going to be so fucking fun...