Page 11 of Once I Find You

I won’t think about Mel.

Tonight is about Samuel. To make him understand that the time to reap the consequences of his actions has finally come.

Sometimes I wonder if they expect me, if maybe they look behind their shoulder when they walk alone at night. If they double-check that they’ve locked every door and window. If they now live in a constant state of paranoia.

I hope they do.

I hope every creak of their floorboard keeps them awake. That every shadow outside their window makes them wonder if tonight is the night. That the harsh rain beating the roof might shadow the sound of me breaking in.

They’re always too afraid to answer me when I ask if they did, it’s a shame.

I turn down a narrow residential street and kill my headlights as I park at the corner. I sit here for a moment, watching. No one seems to be walking around, no one seems to have any lights that stay on at night outside of their homes.

I turn the ignition off, then slip on my balaclava and gloves.

Goodbye, Samuel Green.

CHAPTER SIX

I’m Coming to Find You

LAYLA

“Ugh,” I groan as my alarm goes off right next to my ear. I pick my phone up, missing the button a million times but eventually succeeding. I sit up, scratching my head with a yawn and get up and walk to the bathroom.

I hum to myself as I brush my teeth, finishing up and taking my time to get ready. I have to make sure I’m not too early for the bus this time or I’ll get soaked again.

I change and spend time putting my hair in a loose side braid—I’ll have to get my money pieces touched up soon or I’ll start looking crazy. I finish fussing over myself and grab my purse and my keys.

Crap. I almost forgot my phone again.

I double-back for it and head for the bus stop. When I get seated, I pull my phone out and send a text to Crystal.

Me

I did it.

Crys

did what?

Me

you know…

Crys

YOU HAD SEX?

Me

WHAT? no! but I used the vibrator. and…it was actually good

Crys

i’m sooooo happy for you babe. I told you it would work!

I smile to myself as I let out a breath, catching the passing city view in the bus window beside me. Maybe I am normal. I don’t know why…but I feel like today is going to be a really good day. I look down at my phone when I feel another vibration and see one of my online friends from the true crime forum texted the group chat.