Page 96 of Second Chance Savior

“Then…then what…”

I smiled slowly.

“You mentioned my friends. But there’s also Jessi and Scarlett. Stillwater helped their abusers get away with their crimes for way too long. A Stillwater employee also tortured Genevieve for information. Now Stillwater is trying to hurt Charlotte. That’s how Stillwater likes it though, huh? They help sickos abuse women and children.”

“That isn’t my fault.”

“But someone should answer for all that harm. I haven’t got Stillwater’s leaders here, but I do have you.”

“I didn’t lay a finger on any of them. I just took the money that was offered. If it hadn’t been me, it would’ve been someone else. You have to know that.”

I shrugged. “You’re probably right.” I leaned in further,dropping my voice to a whisper. “But you know what really bugs me, more than anything else?”

“What?” His voice was getting hoarse.

“You had a woman like Charlotte in your arms. In your bed. And you didn’t treat her right.”

“You want me to apologize to her? I’ll apologize. I was a shitty boyfriend. I lied to her. I’ll crawl on the damn ground if that’s what it takes.”

“Nope, that won’t fix my problem. Charlotte and I have a long history. The truth is, I’ve been in love with her since we were in high school, and I never had the chance to call her mine. Do you know how that feels? How jealousy has eaten at me?” I brought the knife to his chin. Traced it along his jawline. “Do you know how fuckingcrazyit makes me, thinking of her with a man like you?”

“Oh God,” he whimpered. “Please.”

“Charlotte thinks I’m in here interrogating you, but I’m just waiting long enough for it to seem like I gave it a shot. She’s over near the house keeping an eye on the road, making sure that nobody sneaks up on us unaware. I wouldn’t leave her by herself for long. But luckily we’re almost done here. I’ll just tell her that you managed to get free, rushed me, and I had no choice but to stab you. Right between your ribs and into your heart.” I pointed at his chest with my finger, grinning.

“You wouldn’t. You stopped Charlotte before she cut me with that same knife. You need me!”

“I didn’t want her pretty hands to get dirty. I don’t want that on her conscience. She’s seen too much violence and death already.” I shrugged. “I’d also prefer she doesn’t witness how much I’m going to enjoy this.”

“You’re insane.”

“Am I? It all makes sense to me. I just want to see youcrying and bleeding out onto the ground until the life drains out of you. Is that so much to ask?”

“Help!” Jud thrashed against the ropes. “Charlotte, help! He’s going to kill me!”

“She’s not coming.” I checked the time again on my phone. “It’s been almost ten minutes. I figure that’s long enough.” I stood.

“Okay! Okay, okay! Charlotte was right! I was lying!”

“Nice try.” I pointed the knife at his sternum.

“I have more on Stillwater,” he shouted, squeezing his eyes closed. “An insurance policy! I swear to you, it’s major, you’ll want it, just don’t, don’t?—”

I paused with the knife an inch from his chest. “What kind of insurance policy?”

“It’s a list of everyone in the government, at all levels, who is working for Stillwater.Everyone.”

Nowthatwas interesting. But I had to ensure he was desperate enough to tell the whole truth.

“Seems like you’re just stalling for time. How about this? I really will cut your restraints. I’ll give you a chance to fight. That way, when I put this knife between your ribs, it’ll be a little more believable. And more fun for me, to be honest, because I’m getting bored.”

“Lori Landry,” he screamed.

I took a small step back. “Is that a name?”

“Yes. I told you about the lobbyist who initially brought me into Stillwater. Lori is his assistant. I got close to her. She became…enamored with me.”

I held back an eye roll. So he wasn’t just in bed with Stillwater, he was literallyin bedwith them. “Go on.”

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