Page 7 of Santa Daddy
Bastard.
"Your men don't believe you."
"They will."
"They know I'm not really?—"
"They know what I tell them to know." He finally looked at me. Those ice-water eyes pinning me in place. "As will you."
Through the window, Christmas lights blurred past. Families walking together. Normal people living normal lives.
I watched it disappear.
That was you two hours ago. Mall elf. Bus rider. Now you're?—
"What's your name?"
The question cut through my spiral.
I didn't answer.
"I asked you a question." His voice dropped. "Answer."
"Dani."
"Full name."
"Daniela. Daniela Morales."
"Daniela." The way he said it, accent just touching the edges, made it sound foreign. Like it belonged to someone else. "You live alone?"
Why did that matter?
"Yes."
"Family?"
"No."
"Boyfriend?"
"No."
"Good." He went back to his phone. "Makes this easier."
Makes what easier?
We passed a church. Nativity scene on the lawn. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE - ALL WELCOME.
All welcome except witnesses to murder.
"You're shaking."
I didn't look at him. "You just killed someone."
"Yes. I did." He pocketed his phone. Turned to face me. "And you watched.”
“Now you understand? You belong to me. My fiancée. My problem to handle."
