Page 66 of Girl, Bound

She continued reading.

It's true. I workfor a pharma company. We've designed a revolutionary antidepressant, but itblocks puberty in adolescents and delays development. It's due to be releasedsoon, and I can't stop it even though I wish I could.

Ella swallowed hard,the words seeping into her brain like black sludge.

This all soundeddisturbingly familiar.

These were the wordsof Eric Saunders, going by the name ToyotaMan19.

She tabbed over to thenext one.

I’ve taken toprostitution. It makes me feel sick to my stomach. I hate having to do whatthese people ask me. I hate having to be their slut and pretend to like it. ButI have to do it because I need the money. My mom is sick. She's in a nursinghome, and I can't afford to keep her there.

A fine sheen of coldsweat glistened on Ella’s brow. She felt like she was seeing beyond the veil tothe truth she craved.

This was Kara Murphy’sconfession. Her dirty laundry laid bare for the world.

Next tab.

I’ve been stealingto make ends meet. Last year, I invested in a homeless shelter, but I’ve notbeen able to keep up my end of the deal when it comes to money. So, I’ve beenstealing from people, using their credit cards to buy stuff then selling it. Iwish I didn’t have to, and once I’ve paid my debt, I’m gonna quit. I swear.

Ella fought the urgeto curse.

This was ChristianMaddox.

All three victims. Allhad confessed on Dark Confessor.

Her mind began to fireon all cylinders. Synapses snapped like live wires sparking in the dark. Thepieces didn’t just fall into place – they slammed home with the finality ofnails in a coffin lid.

This was how Dravenwas finding his victims.

And he had a type.Draven did have a victimology. Ella just couldn’t see it.

Every victim had anevil job, but they’d all wanted to change. They’d all had reasons for doingwhat they did.

Draven was trying torebirth them. He wanted them to see the light, come out as better people on theother side.

There was one moretab.

Ella checked it,preparing herself for the worst.

I run a business ina small town. We’re a weird little zoo, and I cut a LOT of corners. But I do itfor my little brother. Both our parents are dead. I’m the only person he has.

‘Mia,’ Ella shouted.

Her partner rushedinto the room. 'Please tell me you got something.'

This was it.

She knew where AdamDraven was.

‘Our final victim isAva Schofield.’

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

Ella's foot was leadon the gas pedal, the engine howling like a pack of hell's hounds hot on herheels. She tore through the streets, running red lights like they were MardiGras beads, Ripley hanging onto her seat like a rodeo rider on a bucking bronco.She kept scanning the sidewalks for Draven, for a whiff of the sleazy creep.

But no dice.

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