Page 104 of Begin Again

I swallow, my pulse kicking up a notch.

Another buzz.

Bennett:On my way.

Theo:Be there in 10.

The cafe is still busy, a hum of chatter and clinking cups filling the space, but I feel a sudden urgency—like if I don’t move fast enough, the moment will slip through my fingers.

As I step outside, the crisp evening air bites at my skin. The sun is lower now, casting long shadows across the sidewalk. I adjust my grip on Valkyrie’s leash, my other hand tightening around my phone.

We don’t have all the pieces yet, but we’re getting closer.

And tomorrow, at Gabriel’s grave, we’re going to find out just how deep this goes.

27

Selene

The cold air feels sharper on the walk back like it’s cutting straight through my coat and into my skin. Or maybe it’s just me, raw and unsettled after running into Aubrey. Valkyrie trots beside me, tail wagging happily, blissfully unaware of the storm in my chest.

It’s strange—how someone can smile so sweetly, laugh so freely, and hide so much darkness underneath. I can still feel the warmth of her hand on mine, the weight of her words about Gabriel, about Theo. About love and loss and memories. She sounded so genuine, like a person who would give you the shirt off her back. A person who wanted to see everyone happy.

But she’s not.

I know the truth now. Gabriel. George. Theo’s parents. The same woman who tried to set me up with her nephew, who teased me about romance and gave me tips on how to win over the town, killed at least three people to protect her secrets.

Thinking back on it she probably even used the tips she gave me. She knows they work because she is the one who used them in the first place.

I clench Valkyrie’s leash tighter, my fingers stiff and cold. The streets blur around me, the charm of Shadow Grove’s picturesque houses and friendly shops dimmed by the shadow Aubrey cast over the morning. How did I not see it before? How didanyonenot see it? She’s so good at pretending—at making everyone believe she’s someone she’s not.

By the time I reach my house, my head is pounding. The sight of my porch is a relief, and I fumble for my keys as Valkyrie bounces up the steps, her tail nub thumping against the railing.

The door swings open before I can unlock it. Orion stands there, his broad frame filling the doorway, his expression grim. He steps aside to let me in, and I immediately spot the others—Theo, Morgan, andThe Great Wall of FBI, aka Special Agent Lucian Stirling, who is standing near my bookshelf, arms crossed like a human skyscraper with a badge. Celeste somehow found out the broody agent’s full name.

I unclip Valkyrie’s leash, and she bolts past Orion, making a beeline for her usual spot on the couch. I shrug off my coat and hang it by the door, exhaling sharply. “It wasn’t what I wanted to happen when I left the house, but I guess I knew there was a risk of running into her.” I rub my arms, still feeling the ghost of her touch. “She hugged me like we were best friends and invited me to some little anniversary gathering at Gabriel’s grave tomorrow.”

Theo, who’s leaning against the arm of the couch, stiffens at that. His hands curl into fists at his sides, jaw locking.

Orion’s jaw tightens. “She’s not wasting any time, is she?”

“She’s good,” I say, sinking into the chair nearest the door. “Too good. If I didn’t know what I know now, I’d believe her. She talked about Gabriel like he was the love of her life. Told me this sweet story about one of their anniversaries, how he rented out some rooftop for dinner under the stars.” I laugh bitterly. “I almost believed her for a second. Almost.”

“She’s a pro,” Orion says, crossing his arms. “She’s had years to perfect her act. That’s what makes her dangerous.”

At the dining table, Morgan is bent over a map of the cemetery, making adjustments to a few marked spots. Meanwhile, Agent Stirling—who has no need for furniture—remains standing, watching the discussion with his usual unreadable expression.

“She said she also wanted to celebrate withTeddyand Morgan,” I say, the name nearly catching in my throat. “Like this is some heartfelt anniversary.”

Theo exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. He’s quiet, but I know what’s running through his head—how she manipulated him, how she looked him in the eyes for years and pretended to care about him.

“She’s trying to isolate them,” Orion mutters. “Make them feel like this is some sentimental moment, not a setup.”

“She’s still playing the role of the grieving widow,” I say, looking at the map Morgan is marking up. “And she expects them to play along.”

“We’ve got teams covering every angle—entry points, exits, surveillance. We’ll let her get comfortable, and then we’ll move in.”

I nod, but the weight in my chest doesn’t ease. “What if she doesn’t slip up? What if she’s as careful tomorrow as she’s always been?”

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