Page 104 of The Tangle of Awful

Thundering footsteps head our way. I want to cry out in joy, but Drew digs the tip of the knife into my neck just deep enough to break the skin but not tear through muscle and veins.

Then, my saviors reveal themselves. Spencer and Dempsey. I’m so happy to see them I don’t even care that I’m naked, dripping in pee and vomit, or that snot coats my upper lip.

Spencer’s normally antagonistic face is twisted into one of pure fear. Fear for me. The expression on his face makes him appear as though he’s a child having a nightmare.

“You’ve been caught, pool boy,” Spencer grinds out, voice shaking. “Might as well give up now. The cops are on the way.”

“After years of cleaning your goddamn pool, you finally connect me?” Drew bellows. “I fucking loved Neena and saw her every chance I could. You Parks have your heads so far up your asses, you don’t even see what’s happening around you!”

He drags the knife tip through my skin, tearing the top layer. I cry out in pain, shooting Spencer a panicked, pleading look through teary eyes.

“We saw you,” Spencer taunts, finding his arrogant tone I love so much. “You just didn’t matter. You’re unimportant.”

“Not to Neena!” Drew roars. “I was her everything!”

Spencer sneers. “Funny. She never mentioned fucking the pool boy. Aww. Did you think she was going to run away with you? Give up her million-dollar life to shack it up in a shithole like this?” He gestures wide, indicating Drew’s house, his fingertips coming close to the gun sitting on the dresser. “Keep fucking dreaming, dude. Neena’s a spoiled brat who used you for your dick.”

“Was a spoiled brat,” Drew hisses. “But you took care of that, didn’t you? I know you motherfuckers killed my woman! Where the fuck did you drop her body? You’re all going down!”

At that exact moment, Dempsey darts to my left, distracting Drew. My eyes are on Spencer and I watch as he swiftly picks up the gun. I let my head lol to the side and clench my eyes closed.

Pop!

The loud gun firing so close to my head is too much. Drew lets go of me and I flop uselessly to the messy bed.

“You shot my fucking ear off!” Drew screams.

Pop! Pop!

Thud.

I think it’s gone silent, but the ringing in my ears overshadows all else. Hands grab onto me, roughly yanking me up.

“N-No,” I choke out, trying to escape Drew’s grasp.

But it’s not Drew.

I recognize these smooth hands. Fingers that have been on me and inside me.

“I’ve got you, leech. I’ve got you now.”

He pulls me to his chest, hugging me to him, and rains kisses down on my head. I’ve never felt such complete and utter relief.

I’m alive.

They got here in time and saved me.

“I hear sirens,” Dempsey barks out. “Wrap her up in this while I wipe your prints.”

A sheet is thrown at us and Spencer dutifully obeys, wrapping the thin material around me to shield me from onlookers.

“Wait,” Spencer rasps out. “Why are you wiping my prints from the gun?”

“Because, dumbass, you’re eighteen. I’m still underage. Plus, Dad can get me out of this much easier than my brother can get you out of it. Hugo’s under scrutiny with the campaign and they’re going to start asking questions about Neena. It’ll spread quicker and we won’t be able to contain it.”

“Fuck,” Spencer mutters. “You’re right. They’re also going to want to know this guy’s motive.”

“He stalked her,” Dempsey supplies. “Saw her while cleaning your pool, wanted her, and then kidnapped her. That’s it. No need to bring in his connection with Neena.”

---