Page 82 of The Weekend Getaway

Biting back a retort, which might have manifested into something physical, Alex turned and forced himself to laugh. “She knows we’re just messing around. Here you go …”

Phil took the drink from him, then raised the glass, as though toasting, but Alex felt like a servant. Some old-world colonial era butler whose duty was making the master of the house his after-dinner drink. As Phil brought the glass to his lips, Alex wanted to grab it, smash it, and use one of the shards to slit Phil’s throat.

“You gonna join me?” Phil asked, taking another sip.

With a rueful grin, Alex said, “That’s the plan.”

CHAPTER 72

Fifteen Years Ago

3:03 a.m.

Alex

“I think he’s unconscious,” Chris said.

Jason sighed, collapsing into one of the chairs in front of the desk.

“Make sure,” Alex said, pouring more of the rare malt whiskey into his glass. The GHB hadn’t taken as long as he’d thought it would to take effect. Phil had begun slurring his words and leaning over in the chair moments after he’d taken the last sip of whiskey.

Alex started a conversation about a class they had together, to gauge the effects of the drug, and sooner than he realized, Phil was slumped over, drooling. Alex waited another ten minutes, had another drink. He spent timewalking around the library, examining the first-edition leather-bound books and peering at the priceless art. He sat down on one of the four oversized leather couches, putting his feet up, relaxing as he savored the expensive, rare libation, feeling at peace and at home, as though he belonged.

Satisfied that enough time had passed, and Phil wouldn’t wake up, Alex texted Jason and Chris, sending a series of messages to guide them through the house to the library.

“How are we supposed to make sure?” Chris asked.

Glancing over his shoulder, Alex glared at Jason. “Hit him in the face.”

“What?” Jason blanched, looking like he might be sick. “Why?”

“For Sarah,” Alex said, taking a sip of the smooth liquor, relishing the slow burn easing down his throat, coating his stomach. “Phil hit her, which wasn’t right. So you hit him …”

“But he’s already knocked out,” Jason said.

Chris walked to where Phil slumped in the chair and patted his face. “He’s breathing but he’s unconscious.”

“Sarah was breathing but unconscious when Phil hit her,” Alex pointed out, still staring at Jason. “It’s only right that you return the favor.”

Jason shook his head. “I don’t think?—”

“I didn’t ask you to think,” Alex said. “I told you to hit him. And if it makes you feel any better, it’s part of the plan.”

“What plan?” Chris asked.

“We’ll talk about that later,” Alex said, walking to Phil. “Right now, we need to get him out of here.”

“Where are we taking him?” Chris asked.

“Upstairs to the room where Sarah is,” Alex said, then looked at Jason. “After you hit him …”

CHAPTER 73

Fifteen Years Ago

3:17 a.m.

Alex

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