Page 26 of Little Twisted Things

“He needs to be punished for his sins,” I said.

“Perhaps.”

“Why are you here?” I asked.

“To remind you of consequences.”

“I’m well aware of consequences.” I breathed out a laugh.

“Do you remember New York?” Her voice was calm and composed.

“Of course. I remember everything.”

“You believe your greatest mistake was what happened in New York.”

“It wasn’t.” My fingers tightened around the edge of the counter.

“It will be the next choice you make,” she said.

“What do you mean?” My brows furrowed.

“Detective Walker is looking for patterns. That is why she came to Key West after what you did to Kevin. And every choice you make now gives her another question to ask.”

“With the information I know, I just can’t stand by and do nothing. I can’t ignore men like him.”

“I know,” she whispered.

“So, you’re saying if I proceed, I’ll make a mistake?”

“You can’t help the ritual you created. It’s a necessity for you. But if you proceed with the same MO, Detective Walker will be back, and she will eventually connect the dots. Twenty-two is your number. It’s your compulsion. You can’t help yourself, and I understand that. Use twenty-two in a different way.”

Suddenly, she was gone, and only my reflection stood in the mirror.

“Dahlia?” Alex knocked on the bathroom door.

“Come in,” I said, turning on the water.

“Did I hear you talking to someone in here?” he asked.

“No. Who would I be talking to?”

“I swore I heard you talking.”

“Are you okay, Alex?” I walked over and placed the back of my hand on his forehead.

“I’m fine. Why would you ask me that?”

“Because you’re hearing things that aren’t there.”

A smile perched on his lips as his hands gripped my hips. “Maybe I’m going crazy.”

“I think you are.”

“Crazy in love with you.” His lips met mine.

After we had breakfast, Alex left for the university. Today was my day off, and I had a lot to do. I grabbed my laptop, brought it to the kitchen table, and sat down.

I typed Lawrence Gearheart, Key West, into the search bar. Within seconds, I was introduced to him. A polished headshot, perfectly styled salt-and-pepper hair, and a navy tailored suit. He had the type of smile that would make anyone trust him.