Page 54 of Snowman

"But how?" she asked, confused. "How does that happen?"

"Self-defense," I said bitterly. "There wasn't enough evidence to convict. He walked. And when I went to the chief, angry ashell, you know what he told me?" I paused, my jaw clenched. "He said I could walk away, pretend nothing happened, or they'd make sure it was me who would take the fall."

"The point is, Bree, someone had to do something. Snowman… he's just a mask. Most of the time, I don't even remember what he does."

She hesitated. "Why did you kill that woman?"

"She took a boy," I said, cutting her off. "Brought him here, abused him for years. And her friend Donna? She knew. She covered it up like it was nothing."

Bree swallowed, the movement making her throat bob. Her voice cracked when she spoke. "And why me?"

"Curiosity." I locked my eyes with her just for a second, then looked away. "I never planned to kill you, Bree. I just…" I let out a breath, trying to piece the thoughts together. "I just wanted to know you."

"Know me?" She let out a bitter laugh. "You don't'get to know'someone by scaring the hell out of them."

"It was a mistake," I admitted with a slight shrug. "An honest rookie mistake. It won't happen again."

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Because nowyou know me."

"I don't." I turned toward her, tilting my head. "I still have no idea who you are."

She looked away. "Maybe that's for the best."

I didn't respond.

The silence between us stretched, filled only by the faint rumble of the tires on the road. Up ahead, the farm came into view, and the sharp stink of pigs and horses stung the air. It hit me like a slap, dragging me back to memories I tried so hard to bury. Memories that never stayed buried.

The car slowed, bumping gently to a stop near the gate. I turned to Bree, catching her eyes in the night. "We'll get our chance," I said quietly, reaching out to tilt her face toward me.

She held my gaze for a moment before her eyes fell.

"Why did you stop calling meBirdie?" she asked, her eyes lingering on my mouth.

My jaw tightened as I let go of her face, my hands clenching into fists.

"Birdie?"My voice softened as I cupped her face again, my fingers trembling against her skin. "When I heard him say it, I felt like I was losing you."

I lied.

I didn't remember ever calling her that. The word had slipped out once, maybe twice, when I was driving with Isak. He took it like it meant nothing. Like it was just a word. But it wasn't. Not to her. Not to menow.

Her eyes filled with tears, one breaking free and sliding down her cheek. "He stole my first kiss," she whispered. "And I let him… because I thought he was Snowman."

Her words hit me hard, sharp. I leaned in, pressing my forehead to hers, trying to hold her together.

Trying to hold myself together. "And I hate myself for it."

"I always wanted it to beyou," she whispered, the words like a quiet confession. "I know this is wrong. All of it. But… I still want it."

Her breath mingled with mine, and I felt her hesitation, her vulnerability. My lips brushed her forehead gently, lingering. "Does it help if I say I've wanted it too? Since the first day I saw you?"

A small, trembling smile formed on her lips as she wrapped her arms around me, holding me close. "Just don't let go."

"I won't," I promised, pulling her tighter against me. She rested her chin on my shoulder, and we stayed like that, locked in a moment that felt almost real enough to last.

Then, a sharp knock shattered everything. The thin glass of the car's window rattled, the sound cutting through like a blade. She screamed, so loud, sending shivers down my spine.

I turned, my heart pounding. Lena was standing there, her hands pressed flat against the glass, her face close, peering in.

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