Page 87 of Shadows of Timber Creek

“You do a lot for me, Lucy. I’m always grateful.” I casually glance to see where my phone is. It’s on my nightstand, but not close enough I can grab it without her noticing.

She lifts the hand that holds the knife, scratching her temple. “I did you a favor. I saved you.”

What the hell is she talking about?

Her voice raises. “Blaine was garbage. He was an abusive asshole who didn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you.”

I open my mouth to speak, but she keeps going. Her eyes grow wilder by the second. “I saved you from him. Gave him what he deserved, and the second I do you let that rich boy that left you high and dry take his turn.” She laughs again, tugging at her hair.

“Lucy, I don’t understand….” I start.

“You don’t understand!” She shouts.

I flinch as she stalks towards me, rushing me until I’m backed against my dresser. “They were both worthless. They both hurt you and you just let them back in after I’m the one who took care of you!” She taps her chest with the tip of the blade. “I’m the one who always made sure you had everything you needed. I made sure you weren’t stressed at work. I made sure you had your favorite flowers every week.” Her eyes seared into mine.

Angry and out of control.

The flowers?

“The flowers were from Blaine.” I grip the dresser, mentally trying to picture what objects are behind me that I can grab if she decides to use that knife.

“Ha!” She reaches up and moves a piece of my hair with the sharp point. “You think that self centered bastard took time out of his day to send you flowers?” She shakes her head. “That was me.”

What the hell is happening?

“I really appreciate that, Lucy. I had no idea they were from you.” I try flattery. Maybe she’ll relax.

“They were. Because I love you.” Her eyes start to water.

“I love you too, Luce. We’re friends.” I try to smile through the tremors wracking my body.

She pulls at her hair again. “I don’t want to be your friend!” She shouts. “You were so kind to me. When I met you. No one took time for me. Put aside hours a day to be with me. But you did.”

“Lucy, I was your teacher. That was my job.”

“No!” She growls. “Then you made sure I could work with you. You wanted me there, Tilly. You needed me.”

I try to slip around her, but she shoves me back, pointing the knife at my chest. “I had it all taken care of. Blaine was gone, that football player in jail. We could finally be together.”

This woman is downright mental.

She thinks she loves me.

Shit.

“But you just had to go and ruin it.” She sneers. “Finding those cameras that I put in place to keep you safe.” Her expression changes and her eyes darken. “I watched you two. Right over there.” She points to the bed. “What you let him do to you. I was sick.” Her lip rises into a snarl. “He doesn’t deserve you.”

My eyes widen. “Why? Why would you do this?”

She steps closer. “Because I love you.” She says it like it's the most truthful thing in the world. “I killed for you. And you love me.” Her eyes narrow. “We were meant to be together.”

I’ve never once had an inkling Lucy wasn’t stable.

She was always so normal. A good friend even.

Her hand reaches up to touch my cheek. The knife tip is now digging into the cotton of my shirt. I can feel the tip about to break skin.

“Lucy,” I whisper. “Please put down the knife.”

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