Page 109 of Oliver

There’s no redemption in my soul. Just bitter fucking nothingness.

It’s dark, matching my mood as I head back to the car. Mentally I’m going through what I need to do, get rid of the shotgun, make sure Penny got home, when she says softly from the darkness, “Oliver.”

A lump forms in my throat and I drop the gun just in time as she jumps into my arms. Breathing in her soft, sweet scent, I close my eyes. Fuck me, but maybe I deserve her after all.

Chapter 33

Penny

It’s late. After Oliver drove across town and buried the gun outside a cabin in the middle of nowhere, we came back to my house.

Beside me, Oliver’s deep even breathing soothes me despite the thoughts swirling through my brain.

He killed a man. How do I feel about this? I don’t know. All I do know is that I felt nothing but relief and a flood of warmth when he emerged from that damn boat.

He’s alive. I’m alive. Right now, that’s all that matters to me.

Maybe I’m a hypocrite but that man wasn’t innocent and even though it’s not my job to proclaim him worthy of death, I can’t say I’m sorry he’s gone.

As for Oliver, I think this isn’t the first time he’s killed, I just hope it’s the last. Perfectly naive of me, but I get to be stupid every once in a while. Right?

Despite the fatigue caressing my bones, I know I won’t be able to sleep. Instead, I grab my phone and tiptoe downstairs before settling on the couch and turning on the television.

The show is lost on me though as I stare into nothing. Did Dixie know about the boat? Mr. Cook and his nefarious plans?

If Mr. Cook didn’t know Charming Charlie, was Frank fucking with him? How does all this connect?

Did Charming Charlie assume the girl's moniker after abducting her and presumably killing her?

Beyond that being seriously sick shit, what does it mean?

It could have been Frank McCafferty. Per Ramsay it seems as though someone took over his account. If that’s the case, who attacked me here, after watching me sleep in my bed?

As far as I know, the last possible link to all of this is Bone. Matt and Oren are dead.

Does he know they’re dead?

Hm.

After pulling up his number, I type out a text and wait, exhaling when he responds immediately.

Penny:Why did you take me to Hate?

Bone:Because that’s my job

Penny:Or maybe you wanted me to find out who this fucker is

I purposely don’t mention our revelations or the now dead fucker I bludgeoned to death in the dining room. He’ll clam up, if I do.

Bone:What fucker? All I know is that the Lucky Charm killer murdered your sister

Penny:Dixie died from a drug overdose, dick. Did you give her drugs, Bone?

Bone:I didn’t do shit

Penny:Well, I hope fucking not because Charming Charlie is cleaning house and if you were involved, you’re next

Bone:This isn’t my problem, you’re the one fucking with weirdos

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