Page 35 of Creep

The world didn’t work that way, and all of my problems didn’t just magically disappear simply because I prayed for it.

I closed the door behind me and locked it, hearing the latch click into place, and still not feeling safe in my own home.

I leaned back against the door and took in my surroundings.

What was I supposed to do now?

13

MAEL

I leanedagainst the railing of my apartment balcony and looked out at the city lights twinkling in New York.

The city that never sleeps.

And sometimes, I wondered if the city worsened my insomnia. Perhaps I should move somewhere with Lia once all this shit was done.

Was I really entertaining the idea of leaving everything behind?

I let out a small chuckle just as the balcony door opened. Theo came to stand next to me, a glass of bourbon in each hand.

“What’s so funny?” he asked, giving me one of the glasses.

“Just thinking about retirement,” I said, taking a small sip.

I could feel his eyes on me. “Really?” he asked.

“You don’t sound sad in the least,” I said instead of answering him.

“Maybe I’m tired of constantly moving around and watching our backs.”

“No one can tie us to any of the killings,” I said. “We were careful. Always careful. Even getting rid of the bodies. There were no traces left behind for anyone to find.”

“That doesn’t mean anything. Don’t you know even the greatest secrets in the world could be exposed?”

I shrugged. “I’m not worried, so you shouldn’t be either.”

“Then what’s got you thinking about an early retirement?”

I didn’t answer him. Just took another sip of my drink.

“Ah,” he said, looking out to the city. “The girl. You want to build a happily ever after with her, don’t you?”

“Happily ever after, huh? Sounds sappy.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s not true.”

I made a small, noncommittal sound just as the phone vibrated in my pocket. Not my phone. The fucker’s phone who had been following my girl around for weeks.

I pulled it out and saw the text from Leo asking for an update.

I pulled up the cameras I had installed in Lia’s apartment, watching as she went about getting ready for bed. Fuck, but how I wished I was right there with her now.

I texted Briggs back, telling him Lia was safely at home.

It didn’t take him long to respond.

Briggs:Good. Make sure nothing happens to the girl.

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