Page 65 of Depraved Truths

Alvin glances over at us. “Thank you both. For everything.”

“We were happy to help,” I reply stiffly. It’s hard sitting here acting as if nothing’s wrong, all the while wondering if he’s responsible for my sister’s death. I have so many questions sitting on the tip of my tongue, just waiting to spill out, but now isn’t the right time.

Aunt Liz settles into an armchair, her eyes bouncing between Tess and me, a sparkle of interest in her gaze before she focuses back on her daughter. Alvin asks about my mom, and how the construction business is coming along. Allie grows increasinglyrestless and stands. “I’m really tired. I think I’m gonna lay down for a while.”

Tessa and I stand to hug Allie. “Call me if you need me, cuz. I love you.”

“I love you too, Eli,” she says, sniffling as she pulls out of my embrace and reaches out to Tess.

“Thank you,” she whispers so her parents can’t hear. “Thank you for being there for me. You’ve been the best friend I’ve ever had. I love you to the moon and back.”

“I love you to the moon and back, Alls,” Tess whispers. “Never forget it.”

Chapter 43

The drive home is uneventful as both of us settle into a comfortable silence. I know it must have been hard for Eli to hold back from questioning his uncle. Every part of him probably wanted to demand answers, to push for the truth, but the timing just wasn’t right. I could sense his internal struggle, even though he hid it well. We stop for dinner, and when Eli goes inside to pick up our food, my phone buzzes with a text from Bryce.

Bryce: I have some information you need to see.

Immediately, I grab my burner phone, power it up, and check my email. Bryce has sent me a link to a news article announcing a major fundraising event and my jaw drops as I read further. It’s hosted by none other than William Hunt, and it will take place two weeks from now at his private residence.

The event is expected to draw politicians and wealthy business owners from all over the country and the fundraiser will support a non-profit that’s already in the works. My stomach sinks when I realize it’s for underprivileged youths. Innocent children. Potential victims.

Me: Message received.

My mind starts racing, already formulating a plan. This is the perfect opportunity to get to him, make him pay, and stop him once and for all.

Over the next week, despite everything, life resumes. Eli and I slip back into our new normal. We haven’t spent a night apart from each other, and for the last few days, we’ve been staying at his place.

There hasn’t been a discussion on the specifics, but I love my house, and Eli has no attachments to his. He’s still working on his remodel after work and on weekends. Hopefully, if I get the nerve to ask him to move in with me, he can put his house on the market soon. Not that money is a concern, but my house is no longer a home unless Eli is in it.

Operation William Hunt Elimination is officially in motion. Everything is lining up just as it should. It won’t be long now. The plan is to ambush him at his private home during the fundraising event being held this Saturday. An unexpected renovation was necessary after a pipe burst at the Governor’s mansion, which led to a change of venue. The security will be less stringent. It’s the perfect opportunity to get him alone, and with a few alterations to my appearance and a fake identity, I’ll be able to blend in with the crowd. It’s imperative that every aspect of the plan goes off without a hitch, and so far everything seems to be lining up just as it should. Once I’ve shown Hunt the evidence we have against him, it won’t be difficult to draw him out to a new location to finish him off. I have something special in mind. The stakes are high, but the end result is that William will suffer immensely before meeting his maker.

It’s Wednesday evening, and I’m finishing up my shift at the hospital. Nothing too exciting happened today, and I’m looking forward to getting out of there. Once home, I shower and towel-dry my hair, letting it fall in loose waves down my back before I throw on a camisole and shorts. Tonight, we’re having fast food takeout and watching a movie. It’s his turn to pick, so it’ll probably be an action flick.

I smile to myself. With all the craziness in my life, Eli has become my rock. I don’t deserve him, and I definitely never saw him coming. He bulldozed his way into my world and stole my heart.

We’re on the couch, watching—surprise, surprise—The Equalizer, when my phone alarm goes off. I glance at the time. It’s well after ten.

“Are you expecting someone?” Eli asks.

“No, not at all.” I pull up the camera app to see a black sedan pulling into my driveway. Two men step out. One wears a gray hoodie, his face obscured, and the other man looks vaguely familiar.

Pressing a hidden button on the armrest, a secret compartment opens to reveal a pair of Glocks, and I pass one to Eli.

Why have one when you can have two?

“Christ, Little Killer, do you have weapons hidden everywhere in this house?” Eli’s expression is incredulous.

“Can’t be too careful these days,” I reply flippantly, smirking at him.

We move silently toward the front door, each flanking one side, and when the doorbell rings. I raise an eyebrow, wondering what kind of cold-blooded killer would ring the doorbell.

Taking a deep breath, I open the front door with Eli right behind me. I know he wants to take the lead, but I’m perfectly capable of protecting myself. Still, it’s sweet. The two men are standing on my porch. A familiar pair of brown eyes meets mine; I squeal and launch myself into his open arms.

Chapter 44

Iwatch, stunned, as my girl jumps into the arms of a man I don’t recognize.

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