“She mentioned Agatha Christie in passing,” I admit, studying Justin the same way that he’s studying me. Are there clues here to finding Parrish? Clues in his appearance? In this limo? In our destination? “What does it matter?”
Justin heaves a sigh and shakes his head again.
“History is important, Mia. Lest we repeat the same mistakes over and over again.” He smiles at me again. “As I’ve said before, this town is cursed. Cursed in blood and diamonds.” Justin chuckles at himself. He seems to enjoy laughing, but every sound he makes is tinged with shadows. “I certainly won’t be repeating my mistakes from fourteen years ago.”
“How old are you?” I ask. Tess mentioned they went to Whitehall together, but for how long?
“Thirty-six. Is that important?” He cocks his head to the side, still smiling. Always smiling.
“Just putting together clues,” I reply, leaning back in my seat and trying to affect a calm demeanor. I’ve grown up light-years in the last few weeks thanks to this prick. Might as well put those skills to good use.
“Is that so? Do you know where to find Parrish?” This time, he isn’t just smiling, he’s grinning maniacally. “I’m guessing not or else you would’ve freed him. No mind. I truly didn’t expect you to solve this mystery just yet. Even my intelligent, perceptive little daughter needs to learn to walk before she can run.”
I glare at him, gritting my teeth so hard that they actually hurt.
“So, can I ask you questions? Will you answer them?” I take another swig of the champagne.
“Depends on the questions. Ask away. I won’t be mad. If I don’t want to answer, I simply won’t.”
Hmm. Okay. It’s like, bizarre as fuck that Justin Prior is more open than Tess Vanguard. She doesn’t really invite conversation or questions. At least, not until recently. Justin seems excited by the idea.
I decide to start small and work my way up.
“What’s up with the black stag mask?” I ask, raising a brow. “It’s a little odd, don’t you think?”
Justin snorts and leans toward me, arms still crossed. He looks so young. I was expecting someone much older; I don’t know why. Tess was eighteen when she had me; Justin was twenty. I should’ve figured they’d be close in age.
“Oh, there are so many reasons for that.” He grins again, his teeth a brilliant, blinding white. “The black stag represents mystery and rebellion. It’s a warning to avoid flashy things and search for substance.” My eyes flick to the watch on Justin’s wrist before returning to his face, and he freaking winks at me. Total creeper. “Anyway, we used to watch the movie Bambi together when you were a baby. I’m sure you don’t remember, but it always struck me, that scene where the young fawn finally meets his father.” He holds up a hand, like he’s reliving the memory.
Typical Millennial. Loves Disney. A lot. Also likes killing people. Not sure if that’s a Millennial trait specifically though. I’m guessing not.
“Stags represent fatherhood in certain cultures.” He waves that same hand in a dismissive fashion. “Anyway, it’s just pageantry. Just for fun. You have to have fun in life where you can. It’s the little things, Mia.” Justin chuckles at himself yet again, and I stare wide-eyed in return.
Good lord.
He’s nuts.
He is absolutely nuts.
“This is as exciting as I always imagined it would be.” He sits back in his seat, recrossing his arms. “Next question.”
“Why are you doing this to me?” I manage to whisper, past the sudden surge of fear and anxiety that I’m feeling. Every second that I spend with this man confirms what I need to do. I need to offer myself to him completely in order to save Parrish. In order to save everyone I love, actually. He has all the resources: the money, the connections, the power, that horrible app.
That app. Milk Carton. I don’t know much about it, but I got a horrible, horrible feeling when I heard the pitch during the press conference.
The Milk Carton app puts powerful facial recognition software in the hands of the public with a simple, user-friendly interface. More advanced than any of its predecessors, it can even search the dark web, comb social media, use side profiles, blurred faces, and link to traffic cams, store surveillance cameras, airport security and more. Milk Carton even utilizes its own cutting-edge aging software to help find missing children years after their image was last captured.
Milk Carton, the only application a parent will ever need to install on their phone.
Keeping children safe is not only our mission—it’s our passion.
And it can be yours, too—for fourteen dollars on your favorite app store.
Track anyone, anytime, anywhere. All in the palm of your hand.
Keeping children safe, right? Unless, you know, the CEO kills them first.
Anyway, how creepy is all that?
