Page 54 of Property of Scythe
I’ve got to get back to the festival. Phantom and Mountain both check in with me, and I’m starting to wonder if the killer is a no-show tonight. It’s getting late. The crowds are showing the first signs that they’re beginning to dwindle.
And that’s when I hear a scream. There are different types of screams. Most of the time, they’re from fears that are intended to make them scared, so it doesn’t carry true terror. But this one is horror and pure terror.
In an instant, I know it’s got to be the psycho clown.
I run in the direction of the scream as I hear more like it. By the time I reach the calling card the killer left behind, there’s no way to contain the crowd that’s seen it.
He’s left us another gift. A blatantfuck you. A severed foot and hand are poised so that the hand is flipping us off. Blood is splattered around the body parts, and there’s a rope of intestine looping around the foot. It’s enough to turn your stomach. A few people look green, and I usher folks away from the scene, trying to convince them it’s a display.
I don’t think anyone is buying it.
It takes a second for me to realize this means the killer isn’t here. He’s left a gift, which means he’s long gone. But I don’t buy that he’s finished, or that he got what he wanted. He came here looking for a victim. Lottie wasn’t here.
Fuck. I know where he’s going.
He’s after Lottie . . . and she’s with my daughter.
Chapter 17 Lottie
“You really should have called me sooner,” Mel complains. “I’ve missed all the juicy gossip about you and your biker.”
“I’ve been busy,” I say defensively. “I teach second grade. Remember?”
“Well, that’s true. Are you saying there’s no juicy gossip to share?”
“No,” I laugh.
“OMG! Stop leaving me in the dark. I need details. Has he kissed you?”
“Yes. He’s got very kissable lips.”
“You slept with him, didn’t you?”
“Mel!”
“Well, did you?”
“Yes.” I swear my cheeks are burning up with this conversation. “He said he claimedme. That I’m his.”
“Is that some dirty biker lingo?”
Sort of. “I guess?”
“Lottie.” She’s laughing. “Tell me you’re happy.”
“I am. Really. I love his little girl, too. She’s adorable.”
“Aw. Mila, right? She’s in your class.”
“That’s right.”
“Wait. You said you love her, too. Does that mean you love Scythe?”
“It’s early to say that.”
“But you feel it, don’t you?”
I can’t lie to my sister. “I do. He’s good to me and protective, and he treats me like I’m special and worthy of love.”
