Page 110 of Savage Scream

Or maybe it was Rhys.

Either way, I guess it’s not a bad thing that they all get along. It gives me hope that if the Rogans ever need help after I’m gone, that they will get it.

Later in the night, Cynthia brings out a cake she baked for my birthday, and I feel rather emotional at the simple act. I can’t remember the last time anyone baked for me.

Charlotte, my oldest foster sister who has never really given me the time of day, wishes me a happy birthday and offers an awkward smile, and yet again, my heart hurts because I really want to stay, but I know I can’t do that to them anymore.

After I give in to the twins and dance around the backyard, drawing pictures in the dark with sparklers together, the guests start to leave, and my eyes find Jared, who I know has spent endless minutes watching me from afar.

Does he know I’m leaving?

Paranoia gnaws at me, so I avoid him for a bit more, helping Cynthia clean up given all the mess is in honour of me. When we are alone, I clear my throat to gain her attention, and she looks up, having just placed a glass in the dishwasher, and her eyes are soft and warm, waiting for me to speak.

“I never meant for any of that stuff to happen,” I admit, and she frowns, nodding.

“I know, honey.”

“It’s just, I came across your file when I was looking for potential families in this area that had a link to the Archer Network.”

Cynthia nods, knowing that through that program, the twins and I were placed with her.

“How did you get your hands on files from the Archer Network?”

It’s Rhys’ voice, which startles me, and I whip around to see her behind me.

Where did she come from?

“Uh…” I glance between her and Cynthia, and decide just to tell them the truth. “I’m good at breaking into things.”

“You broke into their office?” Rhys gasps and Cynthia sighs.

“I probably shouldn’t be listening to this.”

Ignoring that, I nod at Rhys. “I knew Travis was in this town, and I found you guys in the files, so I filed some false paperwork which put me in the Archer Network’s system, and a few months later, Cynthia and Will came into the office to meet me.”

Rhys’ mouth drops open, but then she smiles and points at me.

“You are more than this quiet girl. I knew it from the start. What else can you do? Because I saw that huge knife you were carrying last week when those pricks broke into this house.” She claps in excitement. “Tell me everything.”

Frowning, I glance over at Cynthia, and then back at Rhys.

Fuck it. I’m leaving in the morning anyway, and it will make it easier on them when they find out the truth. They are sure to hate me and want me out of their lives.

“I… um… I kind of assassinate people for a living.” It comes out more as a question, but Rhys doesn’t care, her eyes going wide with excitement.

“It’s you, isn’t it? The one who’s been killing all of those sick fuckers linked to Carnal Unicorn?” When I nod, her mouth drops into an O and she rushes forward, gripping my shoulders. “Holy shit balls. You must know who Hush is. The podcaster. OMG, you need to hook me up with her details. I want to meet her. Thank her. She helped me, and she helps so many, and—”

“Ah, Rhys?” Cynthia comes to my side, gaining Rhys’ overactive attention. “I think you’ve already met her.”

Rhys’ expression turns to confusion, and I glance at Cynthia, really taking her in.

She knows.

“What?” Rhys asks. “I have?”

Cynthia giggles. “Yes, Rhys. She’s standing right in front of you.”

It takes Rhys a moment to catch up, but when she does, her deep chocolate eyes roam my face and fill with tears.

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