Page 49 of Lake House Killer

My lips part as if I’m about to say something, to protest, or not?—

But before any of the above happens, a sharp knock explodes against the driver’s side window and we jump apart like a couple of teenagers.

We look up to see Hale growling at us before waving the tow truck in this direction.

This day is already off to a bad start.

31

Evil

Ihadn’t set out down this road on purpose.

I’ve spent my life trying to fit in, trying to follow the rules, trying to be appreciated for who I am.

I’ve built something. A life. I worked hard to be seen—to be needed, wanted.

I don’t like feeling humiliated, second rate, second best.

He did this to me.

I pace the congested woods behind the shed as my thoughts spiral in all sorts of directions.

Dusk creeps in, cloaking Sugar Pine Lake in shadows that match the darkness swelling in my heart. I have them both now—Lydia and that meddling gnat from the FBI.

I can set fire to this place and end them.

Two birds, one stone.

The flames will be poetry in motion.

The smell of gasoline stops up my nostrils as I pour a line outside of the vicinity. I won’t initiate anything until well into the night. Even better? Early morning.

By the time the fire department arrives, it will be too late for the victims. But I have another party to tend to first—the one at the community center.

I have my weapon of choice set for that good time as well.

There will be victims.

Although my weapon of choice is what it’s truly been all along. Revenge.

All I need to do is plant one more seed to finish the setup. The final piece in this twisted puzzle.

The fire will come last.

The FBI will move in. They will think they have it all figured out. I’ll laud them on a job well done. And then I’ll walk away with a smile on my face. So very satisfied.

A whispered conversation erupts from inside the shed and it sends a shiver of excitement through me.

Speak now or forever hold your peace. In a few short hours, they’ll be holding their peace for all eternity.

An expletive-filled tirade flies from inside the room and I know it’s intended for me.

Fury boils in my veins because I was forced to do this.

My hands were tied.

I had no other choice.

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