Page 80 of Our Lips Are Sealed
On weak legs, Evie made her way over the uneven ground to examine the tools and supplies spread in neat rows on the far side of the fencing. She didn’t know what any of it was, but whatever their purpose, the sight of them was enough to terrify her sister.
Toby waited, allowing her time to study his toys. “I didn’t bring my bone saw because there’s no outlet out here,” he said, sounding disappointed. “I’ve been meaning to purchase a battery-operated one, but just haven’t had the time.”
Annabeth’s strength finally gave out, her body refusing to go on. Evie tried to hold her up, but couldn’t anymore and allowed her friend to slide slowly down to the soft earth.
“Don’t be rude,” Toby chided. “If Annabeth needs to take a break, let her sit with her daddy.”
Devon’s marker was to their left, and Evie steered Annabeth to rest on her father’s grave, placing her small hands on his name etched in the stone. “It’s going to be okay. Devon will take care of you.”
“We need to go home.” Annabeth’s eyes frantically searched Evie’s. “We need to go home and make dinner. I have so much to do before everyone arrives.”
“I know, and we will. Maybe you can make one of your key lime pies for dessert.” Evie smoothed Annabeth’s wavy hair behind her ears. “You know the ones we’re going to sell in the bookstore?”
“One more step to Key West,” Annabeth whispered, the tears flowing steadily. “One more step to Key West.”
The tears were a good sign. Annabeth was still with them and could run if given a chance.
Rising, Evie fisted her hands at her sides. She only needed to keep Toby occupied for a little longer, without anyone getting hurt. Samuel wouldn’t stay gone for long, even if he couldn’t convince his father to come back with him.
Or maybe Cohen would wake up and come to their rescue. Or Ty would arrive and call the police when he realized they were missing. Or perhaps another officer would return to relieve Callahan.
There were so many ways this could end, and the percentages weren’t in Toby’s favor, which begged the question; why was he willing to take such a risk?
“What now?” she asked, turning around. “What do you expect us to do?”
Toby grinned. “I normally start with a round of tag for all my girls, but I can’t trust you. I know how you like to cheat.”
“Scared I’ll win?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then what is it?”
Toby let out a high-pitched, squealing cackle that sounded childlike. “You’ll see,” he sang, shifting his gaze to something over her shoulder. “But first, let’s welcome our guest. Hello, Agent Cohen.”
Evie spun and saw Cohen—face flushed and gun drawn—coming around the trail’s corner.
“Dr. Miller,” Cohen acknowledged, not slowing in his approach. “Put down the gun.”
Unfazed by the new arrival, Toby giggled again. “Please, call me Toby. And I must say, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m a huge fan of your father, and I can’t begin to tell you how validating it feels to know that his son is handling my case. It’s like my work has finally gained the recognition it deserves.”
“It’s definitely original,” Cohen replied, continuing to close in. “I’ve been sharing details with him, and he’s impressed.”
Toby fawned under the praise. “Being called an original is one of the highest compliments you can pay to an artist like myself, and you’ll find that flattery will get you everywhere with me.”
Cohen made it to within a foot of the waist high iron fence when the excited twinkle in Toby’s eyes blinked out again, and the monster hiding beneath returned, sizing the agent up as he’d done Evie.
“It will get you everywhere except closer.” Toby held the gun higher, placing its tip directly to Jamison’s temple. “Please stop where you are, Agent Cohen or I’ll be forced to decorate your shirt with pieces of Jamison’s head.”
Cohen halted immediately, recognizing the truth in the threat. “Let her go.”
Toby chuckled. “I’m afraid not. You see, my cousin and I are long overdue for a playdate.”
With her free hand, Jamison clawed at Toby over her shoulder. “I’m not fucking playing your stupid game.”
Evie shouted at her sister to stop, with Cohen doing the same. But Jamison didn’t listen, continuing to try and break loose of his hold.
Toby’s face twisted in fury, and Evie ran over to the pair. If she had to wrestle the gun from him, she would. Only two players were needed, and ending her sister and Cohen’s life wouldn’t change his plans in the slightest.
