Rituals by Kelley Armstrong

Author:Kelley Armstrong [Armstrong, Kelley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780345815231
Google: tOAsDwAAQBAJ
Amazon: 0345815238
Barnesnoble: 0345815238
Publisher: Random House Canada
Published: 2017-08-15T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

That whirlwind hit again, memories whipping past. Then I was walking through a forest. It was night, and I had a flashlight in my pocket, but I didn’t take it out. I could see well enough, even if it was only a quarter moon above. I could always see fine, and even when the clouds hid that moon, my feet instinctively stayed on the path.

A rustle sounded as I pulled something from my pocket, unwrapping it and popping it into my mouth. A mint, despite the fact my mouth already tasted of mint. My stomach twisted, and I chewed as I walked, knowing I should let the candy last, but I needed something to do, something to focus on. Swallow the mint. Unwrap another.

I remembered when I’d first gone to see Todd, making my way through a whole pack of spearmint gum, one stick after another, both to give me something to do and to calm my queasy stomach. This felt the same, anxiety making my stomach churn, breath coming hard.

“Stupid. Fucking stupid. I shouldn’t be here.”

I muttered the words, but the voice I heard was Todd’s.

I should be at home, with Pam and Eden. No, I should be out with Pam. It’s date night.

I’d had to make an excuse, and I’d seen the worry on Pam’s face.

“If you want to go out for a drink with the guys, you can just tell me that,” she’d said.

“No, course not. It’s work.”

She’d been quiet for a moment. Then, “You’re happy, right?”

“What? Sure. Of course.”

“I know it’s tough on you, working two jobs, worrying about Eden, the medical bills, the mortgage. I worry…”

“You worry what? I’m going to get fed up and walk out? Jesus, Pam. If you can even think that, I’m doing something wrong.”

“It’s just…the last couple of weeks. You’ve seemed…stressed.”

I’d hugged her and told her it was just a tough job—demanding client—and everything was fine.

I hated lying to her. Hated it. Sucked at it, too. But I’d been careful, setting up my alibi, going to the shop and doing some work before slipping out the back and riding my old bicycle the ten miles to the forest.

I finally reached the spot. I knew she was here—the third victim. I’d come out two days ago and found her hidden under a tree fall. I didn’t check again. Didn’t ever want to see that again. My stomach lurched, and I chewed another mint, wishing I’d brought antacids instead.

I should take this to the police. Take the file and my own research and anonymously submit it.

But that wouldn’t help Eden.

Shit, did I really think this could help Eden?

I swallowed and hunkered down to wait. Twice I thought I heard a sound and jumped back into the shadows. But no one came. The third time, I almost didn’t bother, chalking it up to paranoia. Then the sound turned into the clomping of boots.

A moment later, Kirkman appeared. Sweat poured off him, and he stank of booze. He swayed as he walked, grabbing trees for support.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.