Chapter 99
When I wake up the next day. My eyes open and the first thing I do is turn my head to see if Zane’s behind me.
But the space behind me is empty.
No Zane, no weight on the mattress. Just cold sheets and the faint imprint where someone slept hours ago.
Relief hits me so fast i woul have buckled down if I was standing.
I suck in a breath and push myself up on my elbows, scanning the room like I expect him to step out of the shadows. Nothing. The room is quiet and my heart is still racing, my ears ringing with memories from last night. Him literally soaked in blood, his voice and the way he so calmly said it.
I killed him.
My stomach twists again.
I swing my legs off the bed and stand quickly, like if I move fast enough my fear won’t catch up with me. My feet hit the floor and I sway slightly, the room tilting just a bit so I grab the edge of the dresser until it steadies. I don’t let myself think about that too much, I don’t have time for it.
All I can think is about how I I need to leave.
And Now.
I move through the room fast, pulling open drawers, grabbing clothes without caring what matches. Jeans, a sweater, a pair of Sneakers. My hands are shaking, and I fumble with buttons, curse under my breath when I miss one. Every sound feeling too loud, the zipper, the snap of fabric, the rustle of my own movements
I keep expecting to hear footsteps in the hallway.
I don’t.
I cross to the closet and grab my duffel bag from the bottom shelf. I don’t pack much. Just essentials, a few clothes, toiletries, my passport for just in case, Some cash I keep hidden in the lining, my phone charger and stuff like this. It doesn’t pass me that I’m running away from a killer when I myself wanted killing a man who raped me a few years ago but I’m way past reasoning now.
My mind keeps circling the same thought, If he could kill someone, he could kill me too.
I don’t know if that’s fair, I don’t know if it’s logical. I just know the fear is real, thick and suffocating, sitting right under my skin. I don’t recognize the man I saw last night. Or maybe I do, and that’s what scares me.
I pause with my hands on the bag, breathing hard.
The condo.
The thought hits me suddenly. My condo on the outskirts of town, small, quiet and Mine. Barely used and no one knows it If I go there, I can disappear for a while, breathe, think and decide what to do next.
No one will look for me there unless I want them to.
Decision made, my movements become faster and more focused. I sling the bag over my shoulder and take one last look around the room.
I don’t feel sad
I slip out of the bedroom and move down the hallway, carefully and listening so I don’t come across Aaron. I can hear faint movement somewhere far off. Off
I take the stairs quickly, not running but not slow either. When I reach the bottom, I turn toward the back entrance, hoping I can leave without seeing anyone.
“Elaine p>
I freeze.
Margaret stands near the kitchen doorway, wiping her hands on a towel. She takes one look at me and her expression changes immediately. Her eyes drop to the bag on my shoulder then back to my face.
“Oh,” she says softly. “What’s wrong, child p>
I swallow. My throat feels tight. “I’m just… I’m heading out p>
She steps closer, concern etched deep into her face. “Out? Like this? With a bag?” She glances toward the front of the house. “Is Zane with you? Or Aaron?
I shake my head quickly. “No no one. Please I lower my voice instinctively. “Please don’t call them p>
Her brows knit together. She reaches out, touches my arm gently. “Elaine, talk to me. Where are you going?
I hesitate for half a second, then lean in closer. “I’m going to my condo on the outskirts. I just need some time alone, I need Space.” My voice drops even further. “Please don’t tell anyone. Not Zane, not Thomas, not Aaron. If they ask… just say you don’t know p>
She studies my face carefully, like she’s reading something written between the lines. Her mouth pressing into a thin line.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she murmurs.
I almost laugh. Almost cry.
“I just need to go,” I say. “Before anyone notices p>
She doesn’t argue. Instead, she pulls me into her arms without warning. The hug is firm, warm and grounding. I stiffen at first, then melt into it, my body betraying how badly I need it. Her hand rubs slow circles on my back, the way a mother does when she knows words won’t help.
“Be careful sweetheart,” she says quietly into my hair. “Please p>
“I will,” I lie.
She pulls back and presses a kiss to my forehead. Then she moves quickly to the counter, grabs a small paper bag, and stuffs it with food, a sandwich, fruit, a bottle of water. She hands it to me like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“For the road,” she says. “You don’t leave without eating p>
My eyes burn. “Thank you p>
She squeezes my hands. “If you need me, you call. Anytime. I don’t care what hour it is p>
I nod, because if I try to speak my voice will break.
I turn toward the door, heart pounding, every step feeling like a betrayal and a rescue at the same time. Just before I step outside, Margaret speaks again.
“Elaine,” she says.
I look back
“Please be safe,” she says gently
I don’t answer. I can’t.
I step out into the morning air, the door closing softly behind me, and for the first time since last night, I let myself breathe.