Page 64 of Obsession
For the broken girl.
When the sobbing finally dissipates, like his breathing earlier, I carefully place the pillow back behind his head. Then I return to my bedroom and rip the curtains open to allow the sun to chase away the dark. I have cried over my past for the last time.
I am brand fucking new.
28
SAVANNAH
“When did your mom first start hurting you?”
“My earliest memories involve my mom humiliating me in some form by installing padlocks on the cupboards to stop me from rummaging for food, or refusing to change my diapers for days. She was inventive in her punishments.”
“No one knew?”
“No one cared.”
A hand lands on my shoulder, and I nearly jump out of my skin. I rip my headphones off and attempt to punch Elliot in the arm, but he dodges out of the way.
“What have I said? Don’t sneak up on me like that.”
He doesn’t look sorry, but he doesn’t look like his usual smug self either. Much to my annoyance, he sits his ass beside my laptop on my desk and closes the lid. I’m too tired for this.
Elbow on the armrest, I rub my brow and look up at him.
“I’m sorry about your dad.”
Oh, that… I’ve had colleagues interrupting me all day long to express their condolences.
“I heard he died in this sleep?”
I make an agreeing sound before sighing gently. “How’s it going with the serial killer?”
“There hasn’t been another murder since last week.”
“You must be running dry on things to print daily.”
I can only imagine James being on his ass constantly about writing new material. I can hear his voice in my head.Keep it fresh. Make it interesting. If you can’t find any new information, bend the truth just enough.
At least, he’s had the decency to leave me alone today now that my father has died.
Elliot shrugs, flicking a speck of dust off his pants. “If you need anything at all, just let me know.”
I frown. “I don’t like this nice version of you.”
“Your father just died. I can be a dick next week instead.” He puts a hand on my shoulder on his way out, and I blow out a breath.
I’m traveling to the prison tomorrow. What if Robbie isn’t out of solitary yet? What if Miller sets me up again? Regardless, he’ll be cornering me before I can leave. He’s had a taste of flesh, and he’ll be back for more.
There’s a knock behind me on the cubicle wall. Jeanine smiles at me uncertainly. “James wants to see you in his office. It’s err… urgent.”
My eyebrows pull low, and I stand up, leaving the chair to spin in a slow circle behind me as I follow her into the main area.
“Do you know what it’s about?” I ask, testing the waters. Jeanine is unusually nervous.
Her smile is apologetic, but she stays silent.
Weird…
