Page 77 of Depraved Truths

“We’ve got this, love. Go grab that shower you mentioned earlier.” Eli looks at me intently, silently urging me to leave the room. His eyes dart to my arm, where my hoodie has rolled up. Ispot a speck of blood on my wrist and quickly pull the sleeve back down.

“Okay… but I’ll be back soon.”

Freshly showered, I dress in comfortable clothes, and head back into the living room when I hear the hushed voices of Eli and Jonah. I peer out, noting both Bryce and Gabriel have retired to their room. Relief floods me, but it lasts only momentarily as I hear Jonah bring up William’s name.

“So, the governor is involved. That likely means multiple other powerful people have their hands in this. I need to have him brought in for questioning.”

“No,” Eli says sternly.

“No?” Jonah says incredulously. “Eli, he could be the key to everything.”

“This was the part I told you that you have to trust me about. You won’t find answers with him.”

Yeah, it’s hard to interrogate a dead man.

Eli and Jonah face off for a moment until it’s Jonah who relents. “Okay. Is there anything else I need to know?”

“I need you to look into the warehouse in these photos.”

Jonah glances through the pictures before looking up at him.

“That warehouse belongs to my Uncle Alvin.” I go over to wrap my arm around Eli. He squeezes me back and presses a kiss to my forehead.

“Speaking of showers, it’s my turn. Excuse me for amoment, J?”

“Of course, man. I’ll just get acquainted with your girlfriend.” Jonah smirks at his friend in jest.

“If you weren’t my friend, you’d be a dead man right now,” Eli replies.

Jonah throws up his hands in mock-surrender as Eli leaves the room.

“I was about to make some coffee. Would you like some?” I ask, heading toward the small kitchenette.

“Coffee sounds wonderful.”

We both sit in silence, waiting for the brew to finish. When it’s ready, I pour us each a cup.

“Cream? Sugar?”

“I’m good, thanks.”

I add both cream and sugar to mine. It’s not my favorite brand, but at this moment, coffee is coffee. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep my eyes open.

I take a sip and feel Jonah’s eyes on me. Unfazed, I meet his gaze. Something akin to respect flashes in his eyes.

“I’ve known Eli for a long time and never seen him like he is with you. He loves you.”

“Is this the ‘if you hurt him, you’ll have to answer to me’ talk?” I say with a light laugh. “You have nothing to worry about. I never thought I’d find someone to spend my life with, but I did. He’s the one. He can’t get rid of me if he tries.” I smile, knowing my emotions are written all over my face. I can hide many things, but my feelings for Eli are not one of them.

Jonah nods and raises his mug in toast, and I clink mine against his. It seems we’ve come to some sort of understanding. I know in my bones he has his suspicions, but I alsofeel he has the same mindset I do—he just follows closer to the black lines, whereas I’m clearly in the gray.

Three days later, Eli and I are back in Lake Falls after bidding Bryce and Gabriel farewell. As much as I hated to see Bryce go, I didn’t want to keep dragging him into my madness. He and his partner deserve a nice, happy life, free from worry that the FBI will come knocking at their door—something Eli and Jonah have assured me won’t happen. Eli admitted on the ride back Jonah is very aware of Bryce’s hacking skills and is choosing to look the other way which makes my respect for him grow even deeper.

As for the investigation, Jonah and his team have opened a task force, welcomed by the sheriff’s department, who willingly agreed to their help. Sheriff Randall wants closure for his son’s death, and I feel a small amount of regret for that. But Wilson was crooked, and his demise was a long time coming.

William Hunt was reported missing yesterday. Shortly after, the Atlanta PD received an anonymous document with evidence of his involvement in the missing girls. His car was found in a rental lot near Atlanta-Hartsfield airport and a man matching his description was seen on camera. A last hurrah from my dear friend, I suppose, before he goes back to being a law-abiding citizen. It’s believed Hunt fled to his private home in Morocco. The press has a variety of conspiracy theories floating around on all media platforms. Some have speculated that William had Dalton killed.

Alvin Walker has also been arrested and is being arraigned for his involvement in the kidnappings as well as the murder of PaisleyHuntington. The police showed up at his home with a search warrant and took him into custody. Allie called me in distress and shortly after had to be taken to the emergency department to treat her panic attack. I’ve been checking in with her multiple times a day; sometimes, I get a response, and other times, I don’t. She’s retreating further into herself. They discharged her back to her parent’s house with lorazepam and a sleep aid. I’ll be there for her, and I can’t fail her again. As much as I hate watching from afar, I feel I need to let Jonah and his partners complete the investigation so we can find all the answers.

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