Page 71 of The Cleaner

Tanya's smile is filled with glee. "You think you're so clever, don't you? This house was the house where Lisa tried to take her own life. It’s fitting really." She circles behind me, her fingers trailing across my shoulders. I resist the urge to shudder at her touch. "You know, Maverick, I almost admire your dedication. Killing for the woman you love... It's almost romantic. Stupid, but romantic."

"Fuck you," I growl, still working at the ropes. They're tight, but I can feel them starting to give. I just need to keep her talking. "You don't know the first thing about love."

Tanya laughs, a harsh, brittle sound. "Oh please. Love is for the weak. Power, money, respect, that's what really matters in this world.”

“That’s ‘cause no one would ever love your psycho ass. You’re a toxic bitch, Tanya, and the only way you can get someone to even stay with you is by manipulation.”

Tanya's eyes flash with rage. She leans in close, her breath hot on my face. "Is that so? Then tell me, Maverick, where is your precious Lisa now? Does she know what you've done? Does she still love you after learning what a monster you really are?"

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I refuse to let her see how much they affect me.

"Oh, this is priceless." Tanya grins. "I'm sure she just loves the idea of her man killing her dad. What will she do? Hmm? Cry to mammy? Oh wait, she can’t; she’s dead too.”

“You’re a fucking bitch," I snarl, feeling the rope start to loosen. "I’m going to enjoy killing you, and when I’m done, I’m going after your dad and mam."

“Not going to happen,” she laughs. “But don’t worry, Maverick, once I’m finished with you, I’ll be sure to let Lisa knowjust how much you loved her. That’s, of course, right before I kill her. It’s been a while since I last saw her. I wonder if she’s still crazy?”

“Well, you don’t have to wonder for much longer,” I hear Lisa’s voice say, her tone hard.

“Get the fuck out of here,” I growl, my heart racing. She can’t be here. Fuck no, she needs to leave.

Tanya whirls around, her eyes wide with shock as she sees Lisa standing in the doorway. Lisa's face is slack and filled with shock, but she quickly recovers. "Lisa," Tanya sneers. "How nice of you to join us. We were just talking about you."

"I heard," Lisa says coldly, taking a step into the room. Her gaze flicks to me, concern flashing across her face before she turns back to Tanya. “But don’t worry, bitch, I won’t be staying long.”

I’ve never heard Lisa’s voice sound so cold or hard. What the fuck is going on?

Chapter

Thirty

LISA

Five Hours Earlier

"Lisa,"Ciarán says, his voice gentle as he crouches in front of me. "Come on, girl, let's get you up."

I take a steady breath and let him help me off the floor. "He's gone?" I ask, needing to know if I was right and he left.

Ciarán nods. "Yeah, he left, but you won't have long until he'll be back again."

I close my eyes. It's so fucking stupid, so damn stupid, but I miss him. After everything that's happened, I actually want him to come home to me. I love him, but how can I forgive him? He killed my dad.

"Do you want me to stay with you?" he asks, his words laced with concern. "Travis will probably be here soon."

I sigh. Fuck, I forgot that he told me that. "I'll be fine. I'm going to have a shower and then curl up in bed and rest for a bit."

Ciarán hesitates, his brow furrowed with worry. "Are you sure? I don't like leaving you alone after... everything."

I force a weak smile. "I'm sure. Thanks for being here, but I just need some time to process."

He nods reluctantly and heads for the door. Before leaving, he turns back. He’s unsure of whether or not to leave me. He’s a great friend, and I truly appreciate that he’s worried, but I need some space. "Call me if you need anything, okay?"

"I will," I promise, even though we both know I won't. I hate relying on anyone and it’s something that Ciarán knows. I rarely call him, and when I do it’s just to check in with him and make sure he’s okay.

As soon as the door clicks shut, I slump against the wall. The silence in the house is deafening. I cleaned everything this morning, and right now I’m really wishing I hadn’t. There’s no trace of him right now and I hate that. God, I’m such an idiot. One minute I hate him and the next I’m wishing he was here. What the hell is wrong with me?

I drag myself to the bathroom, shedding clothes as I go. The hot water stings my skin, but I welcome the pain. It's a distraction from the ache in my chest. As I stand under the scalding spray, memories of him flood my mind. His smile, his touch, the way he'd hold me at night. But then, like a cruel twist of fate, I see my father's face. The betrayal, the shock, the life fading from his eyes. I choke back a sob, my hands trembling as I brace myself against the shower wall.

---