Page 33 of Whispers of Deception

“You’re welcome.” The voice was familiar, and it caused her to look up, her heart shuttering in her chest.

“Detective McCall,” she murmured, her voice catching in her throat.

“Lilia.” He nodded, her gaze steady and unreadable. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she replied quickly, the lie tasting bitter on her tongue as she looked at him with suspicion.

“Weak stomach?” he questioned, his tone casual.

“Yeah. I guess,” she answered, attempting to maintain a semblance of composure.

“Did you know the victim?”

She wiped a shaky hand over her brow, struggling to keep her voice steady. “No. I mean, we went to the same school. We had some classes together. I wanted to come pay my respects.”

“Is that all?” he asked, his eyes narrowing as if searching for the lie among her features.

“Pardon?”

“It’s tragic, isn’t it?” he continued, ignoring her question. “How easily a young life can be lost. How suddenly.”

“What are you getting at, Detective?”

“Just that it’s unusual.” He shrugged. “How you and your friends keep finding yourselves at the center of these tragedies. It’s like death is following you around.”

“What are you implying?” she managed, her voice firmer now.

McCall’s expression remained unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—curiosity, maybe, or suspicion. “Nothing, really. Just an observation. But it does make you wonder, doesn’t it? Why do these things keep happening?”

“Are you saying you think we’re involved?” Lilia shot back.

McCall tilted his head slightly, studying her. “I’m not saying anything, Ms. Chen. Just pointing out that it’s quite a coincidence, isn’t it? All these funerals, all these connections. It’s enough to make anyone curious.”

She felt the blood drain from her face, her grip tightening around the handkerchief. “We’re just trying to cope with what’s happening. The same as everyone else. That’s all.”

“Of course,” McCall said smoothly, though the look in his eye suggested otherwise. “But you can’t blame a detective for being thorough, can you? It’s my job to ask questions.”

Before Lilia could respond, Sebastian’s voice broke through the tension. “Lilia,” he called from the top of the steps, his tone protective, almost demanding.

McCall straightened, giving her a polite if somewhat knowing smile. “You have a good rest of your day, Ms. Chen.”

She nodded numbly, watching as he turned and walked away, his presence leaving her feeling cold and exposed. Sebastian reached her side in a few quick strides, his hand finding the small of her back she guided her further away from the church.

“What did he want?” Sebastian asked, slowly.

“Just asking questions,” she replied, her voice hollow.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, his eyes darkening with concern. “We need to be more careful.”

“I know,” she whispered, her gaze drifting back to the church where the funeral continued, unaware of the storm brewing just outside its doors. “I know.”

ii.

ii.

too close for comfort

What is truth but a lie we’ve convinced ourselves to live by? And what is life but the fear of being found out?

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