Page 83 of What Happened on Roslyn Street?
I ignore the rapid peace of my heart and step into the little alleyway between two buildings. This is where the first body was found, according to my research.
We check it each time. Eventually, the killer will repeat old habits.
Shining my phone’s flashlight into the crevice, I step deeper into the alley. My other hand clutches my stake so hard my knuckles go white.
My pulse is in my ears. I won’t stop until I make it to the other end of the alley.
“God…” I let out a shaky laugh. Relief sinks into my bones.
Everything is fine.
I check my phone again. No text from Margaux. Nothing from Caldwell. Where are they?
I step out of the alley, squinting into the distance.
I see someone. There’s someone there.
No, there are two people—one standing and one on the ground. Finally, my phone buzzes.
Caldwell
STAY INSIDE!
My head jerks up, eyes widening at the figure ahead of me. I slip my phone into my pocket, bring the stake from the bag, and run toward the bodies.
One body is immobilized on the ground with blood gushing from the neck. The other kneels by their side, with their handscovered in blood…
And on their lap is a bird mask, a perfect replica of the one hidden in my dormitory.
I go cold as my gaze lifts to their face. I’ve become so familiar with these features. Eyes of green and blue, messy brown hair, and blood-smeared glasses falling down an angular nose.
It’s Caldwell. His phone has crimson smeared on it, and it rests near his feet.
I step closer, even as my body begs me to run. This is the first scene with visible blood dripping from the man’s neck, pooling around his body.
“No—” I gasp, immobilized by fear.
He reaches down to snatch the mask. “We have to go.”
“No!”
Caldwell looks at me with furrowed brows. “Tobey. It isn’t safe here. Come on.”
“It was you!” I choke out a sob. My stomach churning so hard I worry I may be sick. I take slow, calculated steps away. “It was you all along. You tricked me. You lied to me. You made me trust you, and—I was right. I’m not goinganywherewith you!”
“Tobey! Stop!”
Those are the last words I let him get out before I bolt.
He yells my name, running after me, but I move faster. My mind rushes.
Where do I go? Do I find Margaux? Do I find security? I keep running. His footsteps are close behind me.
He’s going to catch me! A scream gets caught in my throat.
I slam into another body.
Professor Cruz. His hands find my shoulders, pushing me away, brows furrowing as he looks down at me.
