Page 59 of Lady Killer

“It’s okay,” he said, stepping into my space.

The last of the students exited the building, and I tried to calculate how quickly I could make an excuse and leave.

“We all miss her terribly and are praying for her safe return.”

Thoughts and prayers.

“Of course,” I said, looking around me.

Where was a Blackwell when you needed one?

Clayton released my shoulder, although he didn’t move to give me any more space.

Just then my phone audibly vibrated in my pocket, followed seconds later by Clayton’s.

It was the university emergency alert.

CAMPUS WIDE ALERT:

MISSING:

Cassandra Mortimer/Female/19 years old

Last seen on the southeast end of campus, near Granger Hall.

If you have any information related to the whereabouts of Cassandra Mortimer, Ainsley Phillimore, or Melody Thomson, please contact the Shady Harbor Police Department at 467 – 5269.

Hollow Oak University takes the safety of its students, faculty, and staff seriously. As a reminder, the university curfew is still in effect, with a zero tolerance policy for loitering enforced after 10:00 p.m.

The Virgin Sacrifice Killer had taken another girl.

The blood rushed from my head as I looked up to read Clayton’s reaction.

His face was passive, absolutely relaxed, as he read about Cassandra’s disappearance.

It didn’t mean anything, but . ..

“Well, I’ve got to run,” I started to say, taking a couple of steps backward.

Clayton looked up at me with a frown and stepped forward, closing the gap between us once more.

The lobby of the hall was completely empty, and my heart stuttered. No one was watching me.

“Is everything all right, Luz?” Clayton said, concern written across his face as he reached for me again.

Stop being nice.

I shifted my weight on my feet, prepared to bolt, when the lecture hall doors swung open.

“Clayton, are you coming?”

Saved by Dr. Reed.

“Yes, of course,” Clayton replied before turning to me with a friendly wave, appearing utterly unaware of my state of distress.

“Gotta go, but here’s hoping our girl comes home, right?”

“Fingers crossed,” I said awkwardly, taking another step away from him.

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