Page 90 of Ruthless Intent

It’s uncomfortable. I don’t like how sharp his gaze is, or how focused he seems to be.

When his hand lifts, I flinch back. He ignores me, and presses his fingers beneath my chin to tip my head up.

“What are you doing?”

“Checking the cut on your head. Stay still. I don’t have any antiseptic or anything here, so water is going to have to do.”

He dabs at my forehead. I hiss.

“Does that hurt?”

“Of course it does!” I can’t help but snap the words.

“You know, this attitude of yours isn’t part of the contract.” He sounds almost amused.

“Call it a surprise bonus.”

His lips twitch. I frown.

Did he just smile?

When I try to pull away again, his fingers grip my chin. “Hold still.”

“You’re hurting me. Let me do it myself.”

“You should be thankful I’m not choking the fucking life out of you.”

“That’ll look good, won't it? Exonerated of two murders, then commits one.”

“I wouldn’t be feeling the urge, if you hadn’t tried to run from me.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t be acting like a crazy person.”

“You try being locked away for fourteen years. See how sane you are when you’re released.”

“So you’re admitting you’re not sane?”

“That isn’t what I said.”

“Isn’t it? Sounds like you did to me.”

“Are you always this fucking annoying?”

I don’t answer him. Because, in truth, the way I’m behaving isn’t normal for me. I don’t like causing issues, or fighting with people. I like to live my life quietly, without drawing attention to myself.

So why am I baiting him?

Maybe I’ll regret it. Maybe I’ll push him too far. But after seeing the recordings of both our interviews after Jason’s death, I can’t help but wonder if his anger toward me is justified.

Maybe I do deserve the punishment he wants to inflict on me.

Did I lie?

Why did I start out by saying he didn’t have a knife, then change my story?

Why do I remember seeing him holding a knife and standing over the bodies?

Why don’t I remember that first half of the interview?

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