Page 13 of Grave Possession

“Some of it, yeah. You just have to find the right websites for our area. It can be tricky ‘cause we’re a small town in the middle of nowhere but I’ve for sure read a few things from our woods.” He flips his hair, and I wish he would get a fucking haircut.

“Can you dig it up and send it to me?” I try not to sound too eager while I feel Graham trying to get a read on me. It’s irritating. I’m going to have to tell him so he can stay on Jaydon’s ass to get me this information.

“For sure, man. I’ll take a scroll through my search history and see what I can dig up. Have fun scoutin’ and let me know if you nab anything.” Jaydon retreats back into the garage on their property with a wave, and I turn to face Graham. The downfall of being friends with someone since adolescence is they actually know you pretty damn well, despite what you try to hide.

“Spill it, G. You fucking hate hunting, so what’s going on?” He still calls me ‘G’, a funny nickname from our time of thinking we were hot shit teenagers. I used to call him ‘G’ too, but dropped it when I hit my twenties. Some things run deeper for others, I guess.

“Do you remember Mallory?” I ask.

“The woman with the black Civic?” TypicalGraham, doesn’t remember a name or a face, but a vehicle he remembers no problem. I nod. “What about her?”

“She’s missing,” I state. He holds my gaze, my eyes pleading for him not to dig further into this because I’m barely holding it together.

“And you think she could be in the woods?” he questions.

“I do.”

“How long?” he says.

“Has she been gone?” I ask, finishing his sentence.

“Yeah.”

“A week,” I answer. He grimaces. I know what he’s thinking. Anyone lost for that long in the woods without proper supplies is as good as dead. Except she’s not lost, she’s taken. Nausea overcomes me and I force it down. He knows there’s more to my story, but doesn’t pry.

“Call me if you need me,” he offers and I nod.

“Can you keep on top of Jaydon so he doesn’t forget to send me those websites?” I ask.

“Of course.” I see pity on his face and I hate it. Don’t feel bad for me, she’s not dead. She can’t be.

I’m halfway back to Mallory’s when my phone starts to ring. Victoria’s name flashes across the screen and I groan aloud. I know I can’t keep brushing her off, but she’s so damn persistent and irritating. I tap the green answer button.

“Yes, Victoria?”

“Have you found her yet?” Is she serious? She would be my first call after I got my hands on my little siren.

“No. There’s nothing new since we last talked. I’m sorry.” Dead air floats between us and I know she wants to hit me, hurt me, berate me, and kick the shit out of me for failing her best friend. I don’t blame her. I’d let her enact whatever she sees fit for my shortcomings. I’d willingly lay down and take the beating I deserve.

“Is there anything I can do? I need to help, Lennox, in any way I can. I’m losing it.”

“I can’t put you in danger too, Victoria. Mallory would never forgive me.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you can’t stop me. I’ve already read up on the mill murders, and made several online dating accounts. If he’s been watching her, throwing myself into the ring will be fucking irresistible to him.”

“You did WHAT?” I roar into the receiver.

“Keep you posted.”

Click.

She didn’t. She can’t possibly be that stupid. She’s as desperate to get Mal back as I am though, resorting to self-sacrifice just to get any proof that Mallory is still alive. This killer won’t be up for a swap though, Victoria won’t be able to take Mallory’s place. He will just torture her to get what he wants from my little siren. I can’t let Victoria go through with this suicide mission. Panic amasses in my chest as I ring her back, but she ignores my call. My mind races, forcing rational thought to take over. He would only take Victoria as a last resort to get to Mallory, to get her to submit and do what he wants. He won’t be searching for a new victimonline as long as he has Mal. He doesn’t need the internet to take Victoria, he could if he wanted to. Fuck.

I pull into Mallory’s driveway, park, then try to word a calm and level-headed text message to her friend.

Graves:

I’m sorry this is moving so slowly, but please don’t do anything that puts yourself at risk. Mallory needs all of my attention right now and I can’t focus on finding her if I’m worried about you getting taken as well.

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