Page 29 of The Psychopaths

It’s now or never.

There’s a lot of hustle and bustle as students and staff intersect, some leaving for the day, and some arriving for evening classes. I climb into my car and slam the door shut, taking a moment to breathe. I don’t want to draw any attention, so I’ll need to keep some distance between us to ensure he doesn’t think anything is off. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I feel that I’ve read enough crime fiction and watched enough movies to act like I do.

I grip the steering wheel hard as anxious butterflies take flight in my belly. I can’t believe I’m doing this.

Acting on impulse and being reckless.

My secondhand Honda Civic is forgettably nondescript compared to his flashy Range Rover. But it’s mine, and I didn’t have to barter hours of my life away from my parents inexchange for it. It was the one thing I fought for with my mother, and thankfully, she decided it wasn’t worth the effort to push back when I was so adamant. Little rebellions like my car is what keeps me going...the only way I can manage the stupid parties without ripping my hair out.

The drive to the parking lot nearest The Mill only takes a few minutes. Technically, I don’t need to drive here but, there’s less of a chance of an asthma attack if I have less distance to walk. I park in a spot that gives me a clear view of the entrance but keeps my car partially hidden behind a large SUV. The Mill House stands imposing against the darkening sky, its Victorian architecture somehow both beautiful and oppressive at once. I’ve only been here a handful of times, and only ever as Aries’s stepsister, never as someone with purpose.

Today is different. Today, I need answers.

My phone buzzes with a text.

Emery:Whatever you are doing, be careful.

Me:Not doing anything but homework.

Emery:You’re a big fat liar. Be fucking careful.

She knows me too well.

Me:Will update soon.

Then I silence my phone, even the vibration, and slip it into my pocket.

Taking a deep breath, I exit the car and approach the building. The evening air carries a chill that makes me pull my jacket tighter around myself. Students pass by, laughing and talking, oblivious to my racing heart and sweaty palms. I try to look like I belong, like I’m just another visitor to a friend’s place and not someone about to break into her stepbrother’s room.

Despite campus security's repeated warnings, the front door isn’t locked—it never is. I slip inside, keeping my head down as I navigate the familiar hallway. Music pounds from somewhere upstairs, and the smell of pizza wafts from the common room.

I’m almost at the stairs when a voice stops me cold.

“Lilian? What are you doing here?”

I turn to find Lee, Aries’s best friend, tousled, shirtless, lounging against the doorframe of the common room. His expression is curious rather than suspicious, which I take as a good sign.

“Lee, hey,” I manage, hoping my voice sounds casual.

Lee frowns, pushing off the doorframe to approach me. “Hey. I wanted to ask you if you saw Aries yet? Housing office is on my ass about clearing out his room—new students coming next week. I’ve been trying to reach him, but he’s not answering his phone.”

A cold feeling settles in my stomach. “Oh, yes I actually just spoke to him,” I lie smoothly. “He asked me to grab a few things from his room. Said he’d finish clearing it out tomorrow.”

Lee studies me for a moment, then shrugs. “Cool. Glad to hear he’s alive, at least.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a key. “Use the key. It’ll save you the trouble of picking the lock. If you steal something, make sure it’s the booze and the drugs, then come back down here and share them with me.”

I give a forced laugh, but he doesn’t seem to notice. I take the key, hoping he doesn’t notice my hand trembling. “Thanks. I won’t be long.”

“No rush,” Lee says, already turning back toward the common room. “I’m about to head out anyway. Stay as long as you like. Hell, burn the place down if you want.”

I don’t comment on the last bit, hoping he’s merely joking, but from the look on his face I don’t think so. I climb the stairs quickly, heart thundering against my ribs.

At Aries’s door, I pause, key in hand. This is the point of no return. I insert the key, turn it, and slip inside, closing the door quietly behind me.

The room is exactly as I remember from my last visit years ago—meticulously organized, everything in its perfect place. Unlike most college students, Aries keeps his space like a military barracks, a habit instilled by his father from an early age.

I don’t waste another second peering around the room. Moving to his desk, I begin opening drawers, searching for anything that might shed light on…what, exactly?

What am I hunting for?

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