Page 32 of Two for Joy

It didn’t matter what he said, Holly had made up her mind. Him not killing the perfect victim had somehow confirmed there was some good in him. There had been so many failed attempts, all different reasons why he didn’t kill. They frustrated him, but in the end, it added to the build-up, made the kill even more satisfying when he finally got it.

“Romeo?”

“Sorry, what?”

Holly pressed her lips in a grim smile, then gathered her papers together. “You’ve been distracted today.”

“Maybe because you’re not listening to a word I’m saying.”

“I don’t think it’s that.”

“Of course you don’t.”

“I think it’s to do with Chad. I heard about what happened.”

“How did you hear?”

Holly glanced behind him, so quick if Romeo wasn’t concentrating, he would’ve missed it. She’d looked at Paul.

“Do you think he’s going to stop visiting you?”

“It’s up to him.”

“How would you feel if he stopped?”

Romeo looked away. He’d feel like there wasn’t any point anymore. Coldness seeped into his veins, and he shivered.

“If you ask me, they should’ve stepped in and stopped the visits months ago.”

“Why do you say that?”

“What Chad’s doing is cruel. He openly mocks your failure, and now, when you’ve become reliant on him, he’s ended your visits.”

“He hasn’t ended them.”

“He’s cancelled Wednesday.”

The words were like a physical blow, and the coldness in his blood turned to ice, freezing everything, crystallizing his heart.

“What?”

“Oh, didn’t they tell you.” Holly said. “I thought you knew.”

Romeo could tell by the tone of voice she was lying. She knew he didn’t know, and she was drinking in his reaction. Her eyes were wide, taking it all in with excitement.

Bitch.

Romeo turned back to Fred and Paul. Paul grinned, but Fred had the decency to close his eyes, and look regretful.

“I was gonna tell you later,” Fred said. “Chad phoned up and cancelled Wednesday’s visit.”

“Did—did he say why?”

Fred shook his head.

“Don’t worry,” Holly said. “I’m not gonna end our visits. I’m not like Chad.”

“You got that right.” Romeo growled.

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