Page 5 of Iris' Lying Eyes

He’s been particularly maniacal about it the last few days, and when I can concentrate long enough to wonder, I suspect it’s because of whatever he’s got up his sleeve.

By now, he must know about Sam. But why hasn’t he confronted me?

I don’t even know how to process this shit storm, but it doesn’t matter. If his new quest is to find her instead, I have to act, even if the potential consequences will be achingly painful.

Rising from the bed, I roll my ankle and wince before sucking in a breath. The front room is dark, and I poke my head into the kitchen. Where is the fucker?

His car is still out front. He didn’t leave. Maybe he’s outside.

With my hand on the door, I hesitate. Do I want to know what’s going on out there?

“Ahhhh.” The shrill cry races along my skin, and I step back with a shiver. Now I know I don’t want to go out there, and bowing my head, I wipe my mouth.

Another soul stolen from the light and cast into darkness. When does it end? How much money is enough? How many lives are too many?

Fuck.

I know what I have to do, but I’m not pleased. Squeezing the doorknob, I breathe deeply before pulling the door open and stepping outside.

The chill in the air sends a tingle down my spine. Wrapping my arms around my torso, I tiptoe toward the trees, frowning when my bare feet curl in the dirt. Go back for shoes? No. If I do, I might change my mind.

At the base of the first tree, I fumble for the flashlight left there for emergencies and fall to my knees. Fuck. Dizziness assails me, and with a moan, I lean over and retch.

The acidic burn grounds me, though, and gripping the flashlight tightly in my hand, I stagger to my feet. I can’t turn it on; that would be a beacon out here, but it’s hefty enough to serve as a weapon.

That’s assuming I have the strength to raise it over my head. I’m feeling pretty fucking puny right now.

The moon casts a faint glow every time I step between the trees. John owns four acres that surround the cabin. The nearest neighbor is a crotchety old fuck three miles down the highway.

It’s perfectly secluded. After the police raided the first place, he moved to a secondary location farther in, conveniently owned under a different name per him. The man is arrogant enough to think he can get away with his misdeeds. So far, he has.

Luckily, I know this forest, and I glide through the darkness on light feet, pausing when something scurries away to my right. The branches sway above me, and I look to the left when I hear the faint sound of a sniffle before moving beyond the tree.

I have to be careful because the ground is covered in holes. I hate those holes, and I push the thought away with a shudder. I hate the darkness. I hate this fucking place.

A twig breaks to my left, and I pause, sweat sliding down my spine. The quiet that ensues should be a relief but only ratchets my paranoia.

Finally, after waiting what feels like a lifetime, nothing emerges and I keep going, only to pause when I step on something sharp.

My foot stings like a motherfucker and I bite my tongue but with nothing to see by, it’ll have to stay.

Fuck.

The first hole comes into view, and I walk gingerly around it. The next is a few feet beyond, and I pause. The sniffling sound is much closer now.

Whoever it is, they’re in the third hole. This one isn’t as deep, meaning they plan to take her back out while she’s still breathing.

That’s good, I think. I drop to my knees at the hole and press my back against a tree before staring blindly into the darkness.

Where’s John? Is Hunter here?

The sniffling starts up again, and I roll my head to the sky. I’ve lost count of the women who’ve come through here, each as innocent as the last.

Why is this one different? Why am I here?

The punishment would be severe. Can I withstand it? I have no choice. If John is looking for her, then this is my opportunity, and I’ll take it if it means ending his fucking crusade.

Rubbing my face, I muffle my sigh and crawl toward the hole. I can’t see shit, but I whisper softly, “Do not make a sound, or they’ll hear. Understand?”

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