“Of course, I do.” I followed her to her play area. In my peripheral, I saw Keiran take a seat where he could watch me unobstructed. I think it was a habit he picked up from when he tormented me. Ironically, it no longer felt threatening and, in turn, made me feel safe. “Can I be Mikey?”
“No, this one.” She held up the turtle with the blue bandana and explained the rules in a way only a four-year-old could.
We spent the rest of the afternoon taking turns playing ninja turtles with Ken, who managed to hang for a few hours before she needed another nap.
Di even showed up out of the blue.
Sheldon had reluctantly begun to accept her, but there was still obvious tension. No one had ever been able to figure out her problem with Di. I wasn’t sure Sheldon even knew. Di was incredibly beautiful and desirable when she wasn’t snarky.
For the rest of the day, we felt the need to be together, so we ordered pizza and wings and made it a movie night, but hanging out soon turned into a strategy meeting for survival.
“We still don’t know who kidnapped Kennedy and then killed John.”
“What are you talking about? It was that crazy whack job. Sorry, Di.”
“None taken.” When Keenan turned his attention away, she threw a chicken wing and hit him in the head.
“It wasn’t Esmerelda. I questioned her about it when we were taken. If she didn’t take the opportunity to brag about it to two people she was about to kill, she couldn’t have done it. She only said she wished she had because then Kennedy wouldn’t be alive, and I would be suffering much more than physical pain before I died.”
“Damn,” Keenan murmured. He turned to Di and said, “My mistake, Di. Your mother is a super crazy whack job.”
She flipped him off and leaned forward. “So we still have a major problem on our hands.”
“Fuck! I need answers now.”
Just then, the door burst open and what seemed like the entire police force rushed in, shouting to everyone the order to get down.
Everyone put their hands up and probably assumed they were here for Keiran. Only I wasn’t surprised when they bypassed him and placed me in handcuffs instead.
My borrowed time had just come to an end.
“Lake Monroe, you’re wanted for questioning in the murder of Mitchell Masters. You have the right to remain silent…”
*
PRESENT
“I’ve got to say, Miss Monroe. We don’t get many like you in here. I’m also aware this isn’t the first time you’ve been here because of murder.” When I only stared back at him, he continued. “Five years ago, you were a witness to an atrocious crime committed against two of your classmates who were burned alive.” He made a point of looking at the thick folder splayed out on the table. “Anya Risdell and Trevor Reynolds.”
“I’m familiar with the case. What’s your point?”
“My point is we both know you didn’t murder Mitch Masters, so why don’t you tell me the truth.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“I think you do. Come on… you and I both know Keiran Masters killed his father so why don’t you make this easier on yourself? You were brave back then. What’s stopping you now?”
“I love him.”
“Love?” he scoffed. “Love is about to cost you twenty to life without the possibility of parole. Don’t let his cock ruin your life.”
I was sure his mention of my boyfriend’s cock violated his code of conduct, but I let it slide.
“He also didn’t do it.”
“Now why should I believe that? You just told me you wouldn’t give him up because you love him. Why should I believe you aren’t lying?”
I narrowed my eyes feeling as if I were led here under false pretenses. The interrogation felt too much like a trap. The detective seemed more focused on accusing Keiran than offering evidence against me. “Am I here because I’m suspected of murder, or am I here because my boyfriend is suspected of murder?”
“Oh, we’re sure you’re guilty. We’re also certain you didn’t act alone.”
For the first time since the detective entered the room, I felt my heart rate quicken. My tongue was suddenly dry as I choked on unspoken words. I was suddenly very interested in what the detective had to say even though I remained silent. The detective took it as an invitation to continue. Plucking a single sheet of paper from the folder, he slid it across the table.
“Do you recognize this?”
I peered down at the sheet and immediately recognized the name written at the top of the chart. It was a visitor sign-in sheet for Summit Rehabilitation for Cancer Survivors.
The facility where Mitch had been residing for three years while he withered away from cancer.
“I find it interesting that you were visiting the center the same day your boyfriend’s father was brutally murdered. Even more interesting, you signed in… but you never signed out.”
If it were ever proven impossible that the entire body couldn’t start to perspire at once, I’d just disproven that theory.
“I want a lawyer.”
He didn’t miss a beat and stood up straight. “Good. You’re going to need one, Miss Monroe.”
I let my gaze trail to where I had written my name. I wouldn’t have been so stupid if I hadn’t got caught that day.
Chapter Two
LAKE
SEVEN MONTHS AGO