Page 43 of Little Twisted Things

“I’ll get back to you on that. We had a fight last night, and he stormed out of my house. We aren’t on speaking terms at the moment.”

“Oh no. What was your fight about?”

“He wants us to pack up and leave Key West because of all the murders. I told him no.”

“He does have a point. If I could, I would leave here too, at least until the killer was caught.”

“He wants to uproot our lives over something temporary. Besides, maybe The Last Chapter Killer will get bored with Key West and move on.”

“God, I hope so.”

I placed my hand on my forehead.

“Are you okay?” Tess asked.

“I woke up with a bad headache, and I can’t seem to get rid of it.”

“Did you take something?”

“I did. And so far, it hasn’t helped.

“Drink some more coffee. The caffeine should help.” She smiled.

24

I pulled into the driveway and saw Alex sitting on the porch. I knew he couldn’t stay away for too long.

“What are you doing here?” I climbed out of my car.

“To apologize.” He stood, tucking his hands inside his pants pockets.

“I’m not sure I’ve ‘cooled’ down yet.” I unlocked the door and stepped into the house.

“I’m sorry, Dahlia. I was out of line. It’s just all these murders have me crazy.”

“I think it has everyone in Key West crazy. But you just can’t pack up and leave your entire life behind because of one person. That right there is giving him control.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Please say you forgive me.”

I stared into his eyes. I could tell he was genuinely sorry.

“Apology accepted,” I said.

“Really?” A grin spread across his face. “Thank you.” He leaned in and kissed me.

A week had passed, and Alex had stopped talking about moving out of Key West. I stumbled out of bed and went down to the kitchen for some much-needed coffee. I picked up the remote and turned on the TV.

“Authorities in Key West have confirmed the discovery of twenty-six-year-old dancer Mikela Adams, who had been reported missing last week. Mikela’s body was found early this morning at one of the island’s most famous landmarks, carefully posed up against the fat painted buoy, facing the water.”

“Oh, you’re getting brave dumping her body in such an open space,” I whispered to myself.

I picked up the remote and turned off the TV. I’d felt like The Last Chapter Killer and I were in a game of cat and mouse. One week. Exactly one week after Bart Rexley’s death, another body had been found. It wasn’t a coincidence anymore. We weren’t strangers residing in the same city. We were aware of each other. The game was now in motion. The kind of game where every move demanded another. My victims had to be punished for their sins. His? I had no idea why he chose the victims he did. But it was time to find out.

“Morning, beautiful.” Alex strode into the kitchen and kissed my cheek.

“Morning. You seem to be in a chipper mood this morning.” I smiled.

“That’s because I slept great. I feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day with my students.”