Page 85 of Deviant

I’m troubled by her reaction, conflicted with the notion that she doesn’t fear death as I previously assumed. After so many failed attempts at the bridge, I thought it was fear that kept her from jumping.

She doesn’t look afraid to me. Not now, at least.

Hmm. That could be a problem.

No matter. The first part of my plan is done. Now, all I need is to complete the second part.

I wait impatiently for Rowen to leave the clearing, but it takes her forever. She just stares at the moon with that goofy grin on her face.

It’s fucking unnerving.

“Come on… come on… we don’t have all night,” I grumble, irritated at being unable to light up a cigarette for fear that she might see it.

Her moment of peace is abruptly shattered by the ringtone of her phone, forcing her to quickly answer it. I naturally assume it’s her father calling, considering she has no friends. After a couple of nods, she hangs up and hurries out of the clearing.

Thank fuck for that.

After ensuring the coast is clear, I leave my hiding spot and finally light a cigarette. I then stroll over to the old well and take a quick peek inside. However, the well is extremely deep, and it’s too dark to see anything down there. With the cigarette in one hand, I shove the other into the pocket of my leather jacket to retrieve a little bottle of my own—with a note inside especially written to theHosts—and drop it in the well.

I’m no threat to you.

I have no intention of winning your fucked-up games.

All I want is to kill Rowen Hawthorne.

Her death, by my hand, will be enough of a prize to me.

That is my secret.

Do with it what you will.

If that doesn’t get me an invite toThe Scourge,nothing will.

Chapter 16

Rowen

Now that my life has a ticking clock on it, my father’s cold shoulder hurts even worse. With the Harvest Festival only three days away, it leaves very little time for us to get back what we lost, what we once were to each other.

Not that I haven’t tried to make amends in the past.

I’ve done everything in my power to get back in his good graces but to no avail.

I would do just about anything for his forgiveness.

To have him look at me just one more time… and see me again as the daughter he once loved.

That’s why I’m here, at the sheriff’s station, still holding on to the hope that, somehow, we can be father and daughter again.

“There she is! Blackwater Falls’ favorite daughter,” Bobby exclaims cheerfully when he sees me walk in.

“I doubt that’s true. That title should belong to Mackenzie, not me.” I smile shyly, feeling uncomfortable with all the attention I receive from the rest of the bullpen, thanks to Bobby’s loud praise.

“Since Mackenzie is my niece, I can honestly say she isn’t anyone’s favorite. Let me tell you, that girl has the temper of a viper.” He chuckles.

“Oh, that’s right. Sometimes, I forget that you and the Davenports are related.”

“By marriage only, thank God. That family is all sorts of high maintenance, starting with its patriarch.”

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