Page 45 of Resolutions

Opening one side of the large double doors, I emerged into a guest wing, right by the exit. Through the glass, I could see all I needed to do was go around the corner and my truck wasn't very far away. Looking over my shoulder, I pushed open the door and took off. The winter air hit my face as I sprinted across the lawn, expecting at any moment to hear footsteps behind me.

The parking lot seemed to stretch for miles. I fumbled with my keys, finally getting the door open and throwing myself inside. I thought about the hotel and how I'd had to dash to the truck that time, too. The engine roared to life. Putting the heat on high and pulling my coat over me, I ventured a look around. There, by the front door, I saw Michael pointing. Three goons dressed all in black-faced him.

“Don't draw attention,” I reminded myself as I pulled out.

I drove aimlessly for an hour, taking random turns, doubling back, making sure no one followed. By the time I got home, it was almost midnight. I collapsed into my chair, finally feeling like I could breathe. Moses jumped on me; I didn't care at all about the dress. Given the night, I was happy to be here with him.

“Moses, that was too close. Way too damn close.”

Chapter 22

MidnightNewYear'sEve

Melanie

Curled in my chair at home, I clutch Moses as he pats my face. Tears stream silently down my face. I feel cold, empty, alone.

“Cameron, I'm so sorry.” The words catch in my throat. “I love you so much, and seeing you tonight only confirmed what my heart already knew.”

Closing my eyes, I can still see him in that blue suit that used to fit his athletic frame so perfectly. God, I wish I could have hugged him and said everything was going to be alright. But, I couldn't. I can't. The memory of Michael's presence in that hallway sends an involuntary shiver through my body. The terror of that moment still has my hands trembling.

“I have to stay safe until I can expose Michael for what he really is.” My voice breaks. “Someday, I hope you understand why I have to do this. Cameron, I know he took the other twowomen. I can't even fathom how many others he's taken. I can't imagine what horrors those ladies are living through.” I wipe the tear from my face with the back of my sweatshirt sleeve. “I think the only reason he's playing this demented game with me is because of your friendship. Please understand that I have to prove it's him, to keep all of us safe. I promise Cameron, we'll be back together. But,” I pause for a moment. “I think because Michael now knows I'm still in the area, it's best for all of us if I move on.”

I stand and place Moses on the chair. Stepping to the window, I look out at the night sky. The distant sounds of fireworks going off marking the start of the New Year mock the hollow ache in my chest.

“My New Year's resolution has two parts. One to get enough information on you, Michael, to lock you away for the rest of your miserable life. And two, to make Cameron understand that I love him, but I had no choice.”

Cameron

The glow of my office computer screen casts harsh shadows as I stare at the footage before me, my hands gripping the desk edge until my knuckles cry out in pain. Closing my eyes, I still see the image I'd give anything not to have seen.

“Why?” The word comes out as a ragged whisper. “Why didn't you talk to me?” Clear as day on the screen in front of me, is a blonde-haired Melanie. The camera got a clear shot of her before she bolted. Even with the wig, you can tell it's her. I zoom back in on her face and again my heart shatters.

Rage, grief, and shock, war inside me as I watch her in her lavender dress disappear through the exit. “Why, why didn't you want to talk to me? What were you doing here?” The questions tear at my insides. “I guess your note is true. You never wanted to be with me.”

Slumping back in my chair, I feel the fight drain out of me. “Melanie, you shattered my heart, destroying me. I would have spent the rest of my life making your dreams come true.” Bitter laughter escapes me. “What a fool I am. I believed you. I loved you! And why? So, you could deceive me? And my family?” I let out a sigh, then continued in a quieter tone. “You deceived everyone. Everything I thought I knew about you was a lie. I can see that now.”

Standing abruptly, I walk to the window and press my forehead against the cold glass. Hearing guests cheer, I glance at my wall clock and see its midnight.

“My New Year's resolution - I don't know when or how, but I'm going to get over you. I won't allow you to continue to haunt my life.” My breath fogs the window as I make my vow. “As of right now, kicking off this New Year, we are no more. I wish you luck in your life, but I never want to see you again.” A single tear slides down my cheek. “I'm done crying over what could have been. Goodbye Melanie.”

I stand up straight, smooth my suit, shut the lights off, and walk out of my office.

Michael

Leaning against the wall across from the housekeeping door, I scroll through the hacked security feed on my phone, a predatory smile playing at my lips.

“Oh, Melanie, you've been a very bad bunny.” I trace her image on the screen. “That fucking close, and I let you slip through my fingers. I can't believe I touched that damn door.” A laugh escapes. “shit, I even turned the damn knob!” Shaking my head, I close my eyes. “I should have checked Cameron's video when I got here. I would have never guessed you would be here. Or even in this area.”

“Well played, little bunny, well played indeed.”

Heat pools in my groin as I study her movements. “Even though I like a darker-haired woman, that blonde suits you. Wigs might become a regular thing for you.” My free hand flexes unconsciously. “You may have won this one, Melanie, but make no mistake, I will find you.” I pull my phone closer, whispering directly to her face. I lick my screen. “Then you and I are going to spend someone-on-one time. Before I let the sharks sink their teeth into you.”

Pushing off the wall, I straighten my jacket with practiced precision. The crowded ballroom cheers. “My New Year's resolution, to throw all my resources and money into finding Melanie. It's time for my reward.” My lips curl into a cruel smile. “Ready or not, here I come, little bunny.”

Chapter 23

Cameron

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