Page 131 of Unspoken Truths

Lili!!!!

My phone ringsas I roll my eyes.

“He’s very impatient,” I mutter.

“Does he think she’s dead?” Mr. Emil asks.

“I told him we were at the hospital,” I admit.

“I found the cameras he installed in the house. I had them all removed today, so even if he can access them, he’s blind as to what’s happening inside,” he says. “I’ll have the house swept regularly for any replacements so my son will be unable to do this again. Just because my hands are tied on some things, doesn’t mean I can’t ensure the house is safe.”

Answering the phone at the last moment, I also hit the speaker phone.

“I’m a little busy here. I don’t have time for your bullshit,” I say.

“I’m not even supposed to have my phone,”Ignacio hisses. “I need answers, Liliana.”

“You don’t deserve them. Writing horrific things on her skin, drowning my girlfriend, all mean that you can get fucked,” I say.

“Wait,”he begs. “If she dies, that nullifies everything the Kings have been working toward.”

Mr. Emil makes a face at his words, because they are selfish ones.

“All you care about is your stupid fucking bet?” I ask him. “I hope you fall into a hole in the woods and a snake bites you, dickcheese.”

Mr. Emil covers his mouth at my words, unsure if he should be horrified or not. I was given free access to say whatever I want. I’m going to take it and run. I refuse to waste the opportunity.

“Damn, that’s cold. Liliana,” Ignacio complains. “I need to know.”

“It’s touch and go,” I lie. “Sweet dreams, lard ass.”

“Lili!” he hisses, and I hang up on his ass.

I hope he agonizes about whether or not they killed her. Asshole.

“Well that was masterful,” Mr. Emil says, slowly clapping. “Out of them all, I am glad you’re with my stepdaughter. Bravo. Let him wallow in guilt. It’s late, let’s see if we can tempt Rachelle with something to eat.”

“Yes,” I agree, standing with him. “She hasn’t eaten much today.”

Together, we walk to the living room to tackle something we can actually do. There’s too many uncertainties, but she’s alive and that’s enough for now.

* * *

THEO

Ignacio is acting funny, and I don’t think any of us slept well, despite our best efforts. None of us know if the little mouse got out of the creek alive. I can’t get my heart to stop racing, something that only happens when I’m anxious about a puzzle piece that won’t quite fit.

Jared knew full well the creek doesn’t calm on the way down, but he lied anyway. While it was the perfect way to fuck with her, if she’s dead, it’ll ruin everything.

“Anyone else want to get out of here?” Jared asks ruefully. He had food for a few days, but I don’t think any of us can handle being cut off from civilization for that long.

Without technology, we have no idea what’s going on, and that’s not a luxury we can afford.

“Me,” Elijah says, surprising me. “I want to know if the little mouse made it or not. None of this matters if she’s dead.”

Nodding, I agree. “I don’t have my phone, so I don’t have access to my usual outlets. Let’s find out and then go grab breakfast.”

“Yes,” Nacio says, yawning wide. “I slept like shit.”

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