Chapter 11
Boston
One hour. Two.
One plan foiled. Then another.
The scene with Jeff and Lucy replayed in my mind. I let my anger fester, building as I stared at my reflection in my rearview mirror. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember where my cabin was located. I saw it in my mind, but as for its whereabouts, I didn’t have a clue. I cursed myself for not following when I could have, although something told me I wouldn’t have made it far with my car. The terrain wasn’t right. So how did I normally get there?
Three hours ticked by. I called my mother to see if she’d give me the location, but she didn’t answer.
Darkness filled the interior, only illuminating when lightning flashed around me. The small town was relatively slow considering it was dinner rush, and from where I parked on the side of the old diner, I knew it wouldn’t be long before it died down completely.
I picked up my phone for the hundredth time, clicking the button that said SecureOne. My empty driveway popped up on the screen and the heat within intensified. One by one, I swept my finger over, viewing the main quarters of my parents’ home before flipping through the guesthouse. Nothing. No Lucy.
Tossing it back on the seat, my gaze shot to her road as thunder seemed to shake the car. I couldn’t see her house from here, but I’d noticed before it was a dead end. If Jeff turned on their street, he would have to pass me.
More time. Endless seconds.
Aching throbbed in my jaw while my fingers white-knuckled the steering wheel. Each person who came into view suddenly became a target for my aggression. The thickening pressure within had my heart slamming into my chest. Lucy’s face came in so clear as she told me I couldn’t go. She’d stood up to me. She had emotionally pushed me away for her family—a brother I had spent my entire life protecting her from.
Another person passed. Another victim. Victim. Blood. Knives.
Colors strobed—red, almost black—pale skin. A man. Lightly marbled meat.
I blinked the fuzzy images away, slamming the side of my fist against the steering wheel as hard as I could. Picking up my phone, I hit the security, roaring and hitting the wheel once more when our place remained empty.
Where the hell were they? Did they find anything? Were the cops looking for me this very second? No…they’d be at my house. My mother wasn’t even there. My dad was in the city, and she’d decided to meet him for the weekend. He had always worked a lot. I wasn’t even sure I knew him before the accident.
More time.
As if the universe felt how close I was to combusting, a woman stopped at the end of the building to watch for cars so she could cross. I knew who it was from her small size and dampening blonde hair. And she was alone. It was late. Most of the cars were gone, only a handful remaining throughout town. I let her cross the street and waited a good twenty minutes so she could make it home and settle in. When I turned on my car and drove across the street to their road, most of the neighbors’ lights were off.
I pulled into the driveway, heading to the front door. Two knocks, and she eased open the barrier. “Boston?” Her head moved to the side as she tried to look around me. “Are you okay? Where’s Lucy?”
“I don’t know. I’m worried. Jeff came by and picked her up. He was really upset and managed to convince her to go searching through the woods for a cabin…” I paused, frowning. “The one we supposedly killed a girl at. I tried to tell them to wait until morning, but Lucy promised they wouldn’t be long. That was hours ago. I don’t know what to do. I thought maybe you could go with me to help search? I’d go by myself, but my memory isn’t the best, and I’m afraid every time Jeff gets around me, he turns violent. Lucy doesn’t need to see that.”
Fear had her mouth opening and she quickly nodded. “Please, come in. I’ll change real quick.”
The diner uniform she wore smelled of a mix between chicken fried steak and coffee. I wrinkled my nose, following her into the living room as she put down her wine glass. The moment her bedroom door closed, I pushed my hand into my pocket and tapped against the bottle of pills I’d taken from her medicine cabinet only hours before.
Within a few minutes, Lucy’s mom was breaking from her room. She looked anxious, which was perfect.
“I was thinking, you should probably call the cops or something. I don’t know where to begin. Lucy and Jeff could be anywhere. The more help we have, the better.”
“Right. Yes.” Her hand pressed against the side of her head. “I can run next door and ask the Olsons if I can use their phone.”
“No need. I have mine.”
I took out my cell and handed it over. The frantic tinge lacing her voice soaked into my calculating brain and I studied every little difference in her tone as she explained the situation. “Yes, please. My daughter’s boyfriend said they’ve been missing for hours. My son, he’s not mentally…well.” She paused. “He’s been seeing a doctor, but I’m not sure if he’s been taking his medication. We’re headed out to search now.” She looked over at me. “Where do you think they went?”
I shrugged. “Maybe just outside town? Five to ten miles away? But I really don’t know.”
My response was relayed and she talked to them a little longer. When she hung up and handed the phone over, I smiled.
“Excellent. Before we leave…” I pulled out the medicine bottle and watched as her brow wrinkled in confusion. “You should probably take your pills.”
“Wait…how did you get those?”
The back of the sofa was behind me and I leaned against it, twisting the top free. “I swiped them earlier while you were at work. You know, depression isn’t always fixed with a prescription. Sometimes, there’s nothing we can do to change what we feel.” Little white pills spilled into my palm until it was empty. “Sometimes…we just can’t cope with life anymore.”
“Boston, what are you doing?”
She went to step around me, but I put myself in her path, shaking my head.
“Lucy needs me. Not you. Not Jeff. She loves me…and I more than love her. So, you’re going to voluntarily take these, or I’m going to be forced to do something you won’t like.”
Fear grew and a broken breath shook her chest. “You did kill a girl, didn’t you? He’s not sick…J-Jeff’s not lying.”
Tears raced down her face as her hands searched behind her while she walked backward. I took the knife from my pocket, flipping the blade free with a flick of my wrist. She immediately jolted to a stop.
“Well…he could be…but I think he might be telling the truth. You see, I don’t remember exactly what happened, but I have a very strong feeling maybe his words hold a little weight, if you know what I mean.”
“Please, let me take my babies and leave. You never have to see us again. We’ll never say anything.”
“Take Lucy away from me? Not on your life. You’re going to swallow these pills or we’ll do this the fun way. We’ll wait until Jeff gets home and I’ll make him watch you suffer like you can’t imagine. With Jeff so unhinged, who wouldn’t believe he killed his mother? I mean, he’s seeing a shrink, he’s taken his sister on some hunt for a delusion only he believes. You just told the police how unwell he is. Why wouldn’t he kill you, and then himself? It’s perfect, really. Think about it. The neighbors have seen his outbursts. The authorities assume the worst. When they hear this story and Lucy corroborates his unstable behavior, it’ll all fall into place. No one will bat an eyelash.
Green eyes widened and moved to stare at the ground as her mind raced.
“Your choice, Ms. Adams. Suicide or murdered by your beloved son. What do you want the world to know of your demise?” Her legs flexed, and I snapped my hand up to trace the blade along her cheek as she sobbed. “Before you decide to run or fight me, like you’re about to, know if I hit you once—game over, bitch. You choose your son’s fate. When you do, I will draw out every ounce of pain imaginable and prolong it until you beg me for death. Don’t be a hero,” I said, moving closer. “Lucy will take your suicide better than her brother killing her mother. Think about it. Do what’s best for your children and swallow these fucking pills so we can get on the road.”
Time dragged out while I waited for her to choose. She wasn’t a real fighter. I knew it in my gut. Harder, she cried, finally lifting her hand.
“No. Open your mouth.”
“Please, Boston. Don’t do this. We can get you help.”
“Lucy is all the help I need. Open.”
A strangle sound left her as she obeyed. Dumping a large amount into her mouth, I covered her lips with the side of my fist. “Swallow.”
Shoulders caved and she was shaking almost convulsively as she tried to force them down. Once, twice, she swallowed. She seemed to gag before managing to get them down her throat.
“Open. Let me see.”
When there was no evidence of any left, I poured in the remaining pills. A smile wanted to come, but I held it in, grabbing the full glass of wine. She chugged the dark liquid, sobbing even harder as her panicked eyes searched the room. Survival instincts were kicking in, but she wouldn’t outlive this. I wasn’t going to let her.
“You’ve done the right thing. I’m going to take such good care of your daughter. You have my word.”
“No. Lucy will know. She’s smart.”
I laughed, putting the glass down and grabbing her purse. “I’m smarter. Lucy will never suspect, and even if she does, I’ll convince her otherwise. Your biggest mistake right now is underestimating how far I’ll go to make sure she’s mine.”
More tears. More time. Finally, she swayed and blinked slowly.
“I do believe that’s our cue. Time to go. You make a fucking sound and this blade goes through your side.”
I wiped the empty bottle of pills and closed her fist around it before tossing it to her bedroom floor. Leading Ms. Adams to the car appeared like I was helping her more than anything. And I was. I kept her close, leaning not inches from her face as she tried to keep from falling to the side. Rain pounded against us and worry for Lucy had me nearly dumping her inside. When I slid into the driver’s seat, her eyes were closed and she looked on the verge of getting sick. I strapped her in and eased her head back as her breaths quickened.
I reversed, taking my time through town. Anxiety riddled her broken breaths and my palm flattened over her forehead, pushing back as her head bobbed.
“You just lie there and close your eyes. Think of happy times.”
“You’re…not going to…” A dry heave sent her forward, and I slammed her back into the seat. “Luc…” The slurred word died off as her eyes rolled and then closed. Light from the town disappeared and trees lined on our sides. I took the turns, winding us deeper into the darkness. Within minutes, vomit trickled from her mouth as her body convulsed violently next to me. Gurgling played the loveliest duet of death. I did smile then. She was choking. Asphyxiating next to me as she began to swipe her fingers down her throat.
I slowed at a dirt road, making sure no other vehicles were around. What started off as a relatively smooth path turned bumpy. My car slid through mud and scraped underneath from the large potholes. Farther, I went, purposely moving in the direction of a large rut. I eased through, jerking to a stop as the tires spun. Harder, I stepped on the gas, letting it get good and stuck.
Lucy’s mom fell to the side, and I reached over, leaning the seat back and pressing my fingers to the pulse point at her neck. If there was a beat, it was faint. But I felt nothing.
Time.
Bright light from my high beams lit up the space. Stepping from the car, I turned it off and snagged the keys as I walked the surrounding tree-line.
“Lucy!”
I called out her name, repeatedly, loud and with purpose. My fear skyrocketed. Pulling out my phone, I hit redial. An operator came through, and my voice shook with true emotion.
“Hey, this is Boston Marks. I’m calling to check on the search going on for Lucy and Jeff Adams. I’m out here with their mother, but I don’t see anyone. Are there people looking? Are we in different spots? My car is stuck and I can’t make it back to the main road.”
“Mr. Marks, do you know your location?”
“No. The road wasn’t marked. I’m maybe ten miles north of town.”
A pause. “I’ll call and inform them. We’ll see if we can find your location.”
“Great. I’ll be out calling for Lucy. Maybe if they’re close they’ll hear me.”
Hanging up, I pulled security again. Nothing. My teeth ground together and anger flourished. Heading back to the car, I opened my door, leaning in. Water dripped from my hair, splashing against the leather. The smell of bile had me holding my breath. Lucy’s mom’s skin was so white, it didn’t look real. I stared, fascinated, at her slightly open eyes and parted mouth. She was staring toward the ceiling and there was white residue mixed in with vomit on her lip. The substance was soaked into the top of her light pink shirt. Dead. She was definitely dead.
Lucy. This was for the best.
I stood, heading back to the trees.
“Lucy!”
An hour later, maybe less, lights flooded down the road. I kept yelling, only backtracking toward my car as a big truck stopped directly behind where I was stuck. Two men got out, and I called out once more as I waved to them, jogging back in their direction.
“Any luck? Have you found Lucy or Jeff?”
A short, stocky man walked up next to a taller, gray-haired man. They were both wearing uniforms.
“Not yet. Volunteers are pouring in. We’ll find them soon, son. Can you tell us what happened?”
I took a deep breath. “Jeff, Lucy’s brother, came by our house earlier. We’re living in my parents’ guesthouse. He’s been…” I paused, glancing toward the car, then dropped my voice, appearing as if I wanted to guard Ms. Adams from hearing. “We used to be best friends. Ever since the accident where he hit me in the head with an axe, he’s been having these weird breakdowns. I think he blames himself for almost killing me.”
“We know the story,” the shorter officer said. “I was on scene when we took you to the hospital.”
My eyes widened. “Then you know. Well, since I’ve been awake, he’s invented this story about some cabin in the woods and a body.” I sighed. “We were making a horror movie there right before the accident. Somehow, I think he’s convinced himself the entire thing was real. He came over begging Lucy to go with him so he could prove to her these delusions were real. She didn’t want to go, but he started getting threatening and erratic. More toward me, not her. I tried to make her stay, but she wanted to try to show him what he believed wasn’t real. So, she went in an attempt to calm him down. That was hours ago. I’m sick with worry something’s happened.”
“He was in the station not long ago for attacking you at the hospital. You didn’t press charges.”
I shook my head. “I don’t blame him for what happened. I was stupid for getting so close. I just wish he wouldn’t blame himself. We’re all taking it hard. I still don’t remember my past. My best friend scares me now. Hell, he scares us all, but I can’t imagine what he went through during the time I was in a coma.”
“We’ll get it straightened out when we find them. Did you tell dispatch Ms. Adams is with you?”
“Yes. She’s in the car. She wasn’t feeling very well when I picked her up. I think she was crying,” I said lowly, glancing back toward the passenger side again. “She’s hasn’t looked very good lately. I told her to rest, that I’d search. She could barely walk when we left the house. I’m not sure whether it was the wine she was drinking or she’s getting the flu. I’ll let her know you’re here. I’m sure that’ll put her at ease.”
I headed in the direction, opening the door as they followed.
“Ms. Adams?” My head reared back at the smell and I cocked it to the side, shaking her shoulder as her deathly pale face rolled at the movement. More liquid dribbled from her mouth, streaming from her chin. “M-Ms. Adams, are you okay?”
Urgency, fear, confusion. They thickened my tone as I shook her once again and surged back. I nearly plowed over the smaller officer, hitting the ground hard as I scrambled away.
“She’s…is she…?” Somehow, I gagged, digging my fingers into the mud as I dry heaved.
“Oh, hell.” The older officer crinkled his nose, whispering to the other before moving in to talk on his radio.
“What’s wrong with her? Is she…? She’s not fucking…dead…right?”
“Son, just calm down. We have an ambulance on the way.”
I gagged again. Surprise had pride swelling, but I was more interested in the sympathy lighting the officers’ faces as I tried to catch my breath. Their concern over me was genuine. It was real. This was going to work, and if Jeff was smart, he’d kill himself before I had to do it for him.