Page 96 of The Game

“You don’t need redemption. You make this world a better place by getting rid of evil,” I argue quietly, eyes searching his stormy gray ones. He reaches up, a flittering smile on his lips as he grasps my cold fingers and squeezes.

“I am not God, Alice. My judgment of others and my execution of them is based on my own viewpoint.”

It’s then I understand his struggle. Where Tristan can block that off easily, can come to terms with who and what he is and all he’s done, it’s much more difficult for Jameson. Both of them have huge hearts, and when they love, they do so with everything they have. I still remember the day I discovered the identical dates tattooed on their forearms—their mother’s birth and death date. I just need to make Jameson see he isn’t the monster he thinks he is.

“But you saved me. You helped find Ellie. You drove Aria home from campus that night…you’re good, through and through…” I trail off, still searching his eyes. With a soft smile, he reaches up and brushes his fingers over my cheek.

“But that’s the difference between a hero and a villain,babochka. I am the villain, because I would burn this entire world just for you and not give a fuck who else I killed, so long as your heart kept beating.”

It’s my turn to frown, to formulate a response to this conundrum he’s laying out for me.

“You know, there’s a psychologist that doesn’t believe in the concept of good and evil, that it’s just a social construct based on whatever culture you’re from…” I say, watching as a slow grin blooms on his flawless face. Before I can finish my thought, a shadow moves alongside us, settling down, picking up where I’ve left off.

“That concept was to create a social hierarchy, to keep people in line,” Teddy says, and our eyes snap to his, the teal darkening as a cloud scuttles in front of the sun. “But as individuals, we inherently know what is good, what is bad. Killing those that hurt others is one of the most noble pursuits I’ve found myself capable of.”

His voice trails off at the end, and I offer him a small smile, that connection between us still sure, still strong. Jameson smiles softly, his eyes gentle as they swish back to mine.

“I’m still not sure how I feel about this man,” he says, nodding to Teddy. “But I think I am beginning to understand why you two…” he trails off, looking for the right words as my grin begins to bloom. I nod, letting him know it’s okay to not say the words. His acknowledgment alone is enough for me. Teddy chuckles, shaking his head, but before we can continue to discuss philosophy, another shadow eclipses the sun—this one in the form of a beast.

Chilled in his presence, our eyes shoot up to his face.

“Is now a good time to speak?”

Tensing as his electric blue eyes trace my face, I nod solemnly, slipping off Jameson’s lap and straightening out my cardigan. Jameson stands as well, and so does Teddy, and though I am afraid he will make me speak with him alone, he just nods curtly, and we follow him inside.

He pauses in the foyer, away from prying eyes and ears, hands shoved in his pockets as I stare up at him, trying to read him.

“Where’s Ellie?” I say, the question pushing to the forefront of my mind. He drops his eyes, smiling immediately at the mention of her, before he snorts and shakes his head.

“She’s…none too pleased with me at the moment. I’m sure she will be telling you why once she’s cooled down.”

Crossing my arms, I muster a glare, defensive over my best friend. He pulls his hands from his pockets, surrendering.

“It’s nothing too pressing, I promise. I’ve learned to…give that woman space when she’s upset.”

Jameson snorts behind me, and before I can glare at him, his hands engulf my hips and squeeze gently.

“Then what news do you wish to share?” he says as Teddy leans against the wall, his eyes never leaving Nick’s form. My heart rate picks up speed as he drops his eyes again, frowning slightly before he speaks, his voice so deep coming from his barrel chest.

“Your friend, Cash…it won’t be long until they pin the murder of Bethany on him,” he begins, and my wide eyes flash to Teddy’s again. He remains stoic, nodding slightly as he waits for more. Nick sighs, running a huge hand through his dark, tousled hair. “Her body was far too decomposed by the time it washed up for much evidence to be spared…but someone…someone else has been found.”

Heart in my throat, my mind immediately jumps to Aria, and I lurch forward with the question tumbling from my lips.

“Aria?” I gasp. Nick’s eyes widen as he quickly wags his hands.

“No, no…I’m sure she’s quite safe with Maks. No, this woman…you do know her, and I am very sorry to have to relay this today of all days…” he trails off, his eyes swishing to Teddy’s.

“Was it Meg?” he whispers, a tightness in his smooth, melodic voice. My heart thumps harder as Nick frowns, rubbing at his jaw before he nods. My heart sinks through the floor as a million questions bubble up.

“Who was she to you,babochka?” Jameson says softly from behind me, pressing himself closer in a show of comfort. My eyes find Teddy’s; he’s just as shocked.

“She worked at the circus. She’d been there…the longest…” I choke out robotically. Nick’s eyes waver, on the precipice of more information. I can tell he’s holding back for my sake. “Just tell us,” I whisper before biting my lip, searching his hardened face. After a sigh, he nods.

“Jonah thinks whoever killed her also killed Bethany. Both were dumped in the Sound in similar fashions. With Meg…we have more evidence intact. He believes…” he pauses to clear his throat, glancing at Teddy. “Believes it was a ritualistic type killing, that Bethany was the first in some sort of spree, and more will follow Meg.”

“What makes him believe that?” Teddy says smoothly, his brows pinched in concentration and focus.

“The location, for one. Bethany disappeared in the woods near the asylum that night. It was far out enough not to draw attention. Meg had…carvings etched into her, runes and similar things…” he answers, rubbing the back of his neck.

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