Page 95 of Snowman

"Bree," I whispered, pleading with her, but she wouldn't even look at me.

"It's worse," she said, her voice quieter now, trembling. "It's worse knowing you were here the whole time. Knowing you were close enough to help but didn't. That's worse than you leaving. Twice. And not looking back."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Tell me. Please."

"Call Frida," she said. "Call her right now and tell her where you are. Tell her you would rather rot in jail than keep hiding from your own daughter."

My chest tightened, and I stared at her, frozen. "Bree, I—"

"Do it!" she shouted, her chin lifting defiantly. "One call, Thor. That's all I'm asking."

I swallowed hard, my hands clammy as I pulled my phone from my pocket.

My fingers trembled as I dialed, and the ringing on the other end seemed impossibly loud. The operator's voice finally broke through the silence. "122, what's your emergency?"

I hesitated for a moment, then forced the words out. "I've killed people."

The line went quiet. Bree froze, her eyes widening as her hands flew to her mouth.

"Eighteen men," I continued, my voice steady even though my whole body felt like it was breaking apart. "And ten women. I... I cut them. Used their parts to build snowmen." My breathcaught, and I looked at Bree, her tears were now streaming freely. "I did it to mock them. To mock their lives."

The operator's breath hitched. Still, I pressed on. "And Jan Johansson," I said. "The chief of police. He and his lover, Donna. I burned them alive. Buried their sons, Josh and Vic, because they abused the woman I love."

The operator finally found her voice. "What's your name, sir?" she asked, her tone unsteady.

"Snowman," I said, staring straight at Bree. "Thor Karlsson."

"Where are you now?" she asked, but before I could answer, Bree lunged forward, grabbing the phone from my hand and ending the call.

Her palm cracked across my cheek before I could react, the slap ringing on my skin, leaving nothing but a red trail behind.

"You idiot!" she cried. "Why would you do that?"

"You told me to call," I said, shrugging.

I have nothing left to lose.

Her face crumpled, and then she grabbed me, pulling me close. Her lips met mine in a desperate, angry kiss, her hands gripping my jacket like she was holding on to life. "Run, Thor," she whispered against my mouth, her voice breaking. "Please. Run."

I shook my head, cupping her face in my hands. My thumbs brushed the tears from her cheeks as I kissed her again, softer this time, leaving clues in her mouth.

"No more running," I whispered, my breath mingling with hers. "Not anymore."

The sound of sirens pierced the air, growing louder with every second. Red and blue lights flashed around us. Commands were shouted, and the crunch of boots on snow drew closer.

We didn't stop. We didn't care. We just held on, kissing like the world was ending. Maybe it was.

They tore me away from her, their hands rough as they pulled me back and cuffed me. Bree stood there, her arms hanging limply at her sides, tears streaming down her face.

I smiled at her, as they dragged me away. "See you around, birdie," I said softly.

She didn't respond, just stood there, watching as they led me out into the cold.

Snowtime.

They could stop Thor, but they couldn't stop The Phantom.

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