Page 98 of Savage Keepsakes

“We won’t take too much of your time, just wanted to talk to Leah’s friends and coworkers. How long have you known Leah?”

“I’ve been familiar with her since she started on the job. I’ve known everyone for such a long time.” Artie chuckles nervously.

“A few years,” I tell him. “We worked separate shifts most of the time.”

My focus remains fixed on the detective, trying to decipher the thoughts behind their intense stare. His ill-fitted brown suit jacket contrasts with his jeans and leather belt.

“We’ve talked to some of her friends who said you didn’t get along.” He continues to pace and runs a hand through his chestnut hair.

“Different personalities. You know how it can be,” Artie pipes up.

The detective’s focus doesn’t leave me. He arches an eyebrow before pulling out a notepad. “Her mother states that she was dating a man named Miles, who has disappeared.”

I maintain a poker face as I wet my lips and clasp my hands together on the table. “Heard about that. He was also dating me. Leah and I have always had our differences. She’s outgoing and bubbly, and I’m introverted, but I’d never wish ill harm on anyone.”

With a stern expression, the detective props himself up against the table, his disapproving click of the tongue echoing through the room.

“Have you heard about the Keepsake Killer?”

“Who hasn’t at this point? Pretty sick individual, eh?” Artie is my favourite man to break the tension literally anywhere he goes. “We can only do our best to keep vigilant of the situation.”

“Good. How do you feel about the killer, Lucy?”

“As surprised as anyone else. Can you imagine the lengths of psychological torture the loved ones go through? It’s got to be heartbreaking. Those poor people will never be the same, and the amount of planning that must go into something like that…I’m speechless.”

Arms folded across his chest, he locks eyes with both of us, his stare unwavering. A wave of dread washes over me, sending shivers down my spine.

“Right, well, you know the drill. Don’t leave the province. I’ll call if I have any further questions.”

As Shaw escorts us to the front entrance, I follow behind and then walk out to the lot with Artie, taking in the sights of parked cars and the smell of exhaust fumes.

“Get some sleep, Lucy. I feel like we’re gonna be in for a shitstorm.”

He slaps my shoulder before getting in his truck, and I do the same before driving away.

Once I’m home, I realize I’ve driven on autopilot, tuned out everything, and somehow arrived in my driveway.

Billy’s Cruze is parked ahead of me and I get out of the car quickly to head into the house, stopping when I see him on the porch swing. He’s wearing ripped jeans and a soft grey tee.

“You okay?” I ask.

“Mostly. I took care of everything. What happened?” He stares up at me before adjusting his hat and taking another drag from his cigarette.

I sigh and sit beside him.

“She’s claiming it was the Keepsake Killer, and before the nurse came in, she said something about danger.”

“Fuck. I swear to you, Lou, I thought she was dead.” He butts out his cigarette and leans forward with his head in his hands.

“I know,” I whisper.

“I love you so fucking much. I can’t believe I’ve put everything in jeopardy.”

My brows scrunch together, and I tilt my head. “What do you mean? We’ll get through this.”

Twenty-Five

Billy

---