Page 72 of Depraved Truths

“Ah, ah. Where are you going? I thought you’d enjoy this. Me touching you for a change?”

He shakes his head, nostrils flaring in defiance.

“I don’t know what you mean. I’ve never met you before tonight,” he insists.

“Perhaps I could help refresh your memory.”

I turn away and remove my contacts. As I spin back around, I pull off the red wig, shaking out my blonde hair. Eli turns on his flashlight, illuminating my face as I turn back to William.

Blood drains from his face as recognition sets in.

“Tessa?”

Chapter 47

“Tessa,” Hunt repeats, his voice full of disbelief as his eyes rake over me. “Tessa Sparks?

I curl my lips in disdain. “The one and only.”

“I don't understand. Your parents said you moved away. They haven’t heard from you in years.”

“All of that is accurate.”

His eyes dart over to Eli. “Who are you?”

“The man who loves the woman you stole innocence from,” Eli snarls.

“I don't know what she told you, but that’s a damn lie.”

“You want to try that again, asshole?” Eli grabs William by the throat, squeezing tightly until his face turns purple before releasing him.

“I’m innocent!” he stammers, his gaze dropping to the ground. Poor William is a terrible liar.

“Tsk tsk, come on, William, you know that’s not true. You may as well admit what you’ve done. It isn’t going to change the outcome here. It just determines how much pain I choose to putyou in before you die. And honestly, what you say doesn’t matter because I was there. I’ve had to live with those nightmares ever since,” I add coldly.

I glance down at my fingernails, admiring the glossy red polish, before meeting his gaze once more. “But you know what makes them go away?” I taunt. “Ridding the world of vermin like you.”

“I’m not a bad man. I help children.” His voice trembles and he looks as though he’s on the verge of tears.

“Help them?” I sneer. “Or help yourself to them?”

He looks away.

“So, it’s like this: tell us everything you know, and I’ll make your death less painful.”

“Why would I tell you anything if you’re going to kill me anyway?”

“Because isn’t it time you redeem yourself?” I ask, my tone laced with contempt. “And this isn’t just about you. It’s about saving children before they’re placed in the hands of pedophiles like you. It’s for girls like Paisley.”

He looks at me blankly. “Paisley?”

“My fucking sister, asshole!” Eli’s patience is wearing thin. Before I can say another word, he’s holding a drill, screwing William’s left pinky finger into the cross.

Hunt screams in agony. “I don’t know a Paisley,” he insists.

I grin, savoring every moment of this. Few girls can say their man would torture someone else for them. Kill for them. And at this moment, I know Eli would do anything for me. He’s only holding back now because he knows I need to finish this.

As Hunt continues to scream, disgust rolls off me in waves.

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