Page 7 of No Escape

Will’s blood ran cold as he remembered John Murphy, another killer they had put away a year prior. Murphy had been attacking his own family members, and although they had managed to apprehend him, the reason behind his violent behavior remained a mystery.

“I know you’re working at the university right now,” Valerie continued, her voice tense, “but I need you to come to Shady Pines. Something terrible is about to happen, I can feel it. I… I need help.”

Will didn’t hesitate. “I’ll be there as soon as I can, Val,” he promised, his mind racing as he considered the implications of Murphy’s presence at Shady Pines.

“Thank you, Will,” Valerie said, relief palpable in her voice. The call ended, leaving Will to gather his thoughts and push down the lingering fear from Damian’s visit.

He dialed another number, his hand gripping the phone tightly. The line rang once, twice, before a gruff voice answered.

“Charlie, it’s Will. Valerie is in danger.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of impending disaster.

CHAPTER FIVE

Valerie sat in the common room at Shady Pines, surrounded by the other patients. Some of them were well-balanced, engaging in quiet conversations or engrossed in books, while others seemed heavily medicated, their eyes glazed over and their movements sluggish.

The room was filled with the muted sounds of chatter and shuffling feet, the occasional nervous laugh punctuating the air.

She found herself gazing out the window, her mind wandering to what life would be like when Suzie left. The thought of losing the constant presence of her sister left a hollow feeling in her chest, an emptiness she wasn’t sure how to fill.

The sun cast dappled shadows on the ground outside, leaves rustling gently in the breeze. The idyllic scene was a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within her.

A sudden shift in the atmosphere tore Valerie from her thoughts. She turned her head to find John Murphy, the very man she had been dreading, entering the common room in cuffs. He was being escorted by an orderly, who stayed by the common room entrance while John continued on. John walked with a casual confidence, his eyes scanning the room before settling on her. He looked surprised to see her, shocked even. For a moment he simply stared as if wondering what to do about her presence.

A chill ran down her spine as he finally made his way over, his predatory gaze never leaving her face.

He settled into the seat beside her, an unnervingly calm smile playing on his lips. “Valerie,” he said, his voice disarmingly smooth. “It seems like fate has brought us together once more. I always suspected that you were close to the edge… Looks like you fell off it, but it’s good to see you. I can tell by your expression you already knew I was here. You have nothing to worry about. I’m a reformed man.”

Valerie’s eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, she was lost in the depths of his icy stare. She knew better than to let his words sway her; she was an expert in serial killer psychology, after all. She could see the same calculating, ruthless killer in his eyes that she had apprehended a year earlier.

“It’s only a matter of time before your game unravels,” she told him, her voice low and steely. “I see right through you, even if the authorities don’t.”

John’s smile never faltered, but a dangerous glint flickered in his eyes. He leaned in, his breath hot on her ear as he whispered, “I heard from another patient that your sister is in here with you.”

He paused, his words heavy with menace. “There’s no point in pretending with you. You’re as broken as the rest. But let me tell you, I will finish the work you interrupted. And think on this: It would be a shame if you got involved, because who knows who could get hurt? Especially when one’s sister is so… close.”

He stepped back and grinned.

The implication that he would hurt Suzie ignited a fire within Valerie. She felt a surge of anger and fear, her pulse pounding in her ears as she lunged at John. Her hands found purchase on his shirt collar, her fingers digging into the fabric as she tried to convey the depth of her rage.

The room erupted into chaos, the other patients scattering to avoid the confrontation. Two orderlies rushed forward, their strong arms pinning Valerie down as they attempted to pry her from John. Her heart raced, fury coursing through her veins, but she knew she couldn’t fight them both.

Dr. Irene Stadler appeared in the doorway, her eyes wide with concern. “What happened?” she demanded, her gaze shifting between Valerie and John.

John feigned a look of remorse, shaking his head as if to clear it. “I don’t know, Doctor,” he said, his voice dripping with fake sincerity. “She just became violent for no reason.”

“He’s lying!” Valerie yelled, being held back by staff in white coats.

“I understand, Valerie,” John said softly. “I don’t hold it against you. I did terrible things, but I’m different now.”

“No you’re not,” Valerie said. “I can see it in your eyes.”

“Perhaps it would be best if you were escorted back to your room,” Dr. Stadler said. “Then we can talk about this later.”

Valerie expected the doctor to be talking to Murphy, but she was surprised to see Stadler’s gaze pointed at her instead.

“You can’t be serious?” Valerie said.

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