The Fear by Natasha Preston

Author:Natasha Preston [Preston, Natasha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2022-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

twenty-six

IZZY

I’m home barely two minutes when Sheriff Rosetta and Officer Duggan knock on the door. I’ve confirmed that Syd is home safe. Mom and Dad are on their way, but their commute will be close to an hour in this weather. A blanket of snow has already settled on my car.

I let the officers in, shivering at the two-second bite from the snowstorm. Sheriff looks over his shoulder as I slam the door, probably thinking that I don’t want the neighbors to see that he’s here.

“Would you like something to drink?” I ask.

They both ask for coffee and stay mostly silent while I make it. I notice they look around the kitchen as if they’ve never seen it before. They’ve both been inside my house. It’s a small town, and Dad invites most people to our cookouts.

When I’ve made the coffee, I join them at the kitchen table.

“We’ve spoken to your parents, and they’re happy for us to talk to you about what you saw,” Sheriff Rosetta says.

I nod. “Yeah, my dad said he would tell you that it’s okay.”

“Can you take us through it?”

“I was on my way home and kept slowing down because of the storm. Then this car came up behind me, way too fast for the conditions. It was like they were in a hurry. They stayed back for a few minutes and then went past me.” I take a breath. “I saw two hands, like more of the sides actually and some fingers.” I hold both wrists together, palms touching, and show them. “The hands weren’t flat to the glass…as if they couldn’t because they were tied.”

Sheriff nods. “And did you see who was in the car?”

“No, the windows were tinted. It was a gray SUV. An old one. I didn’t get the license, and I couldn’t see the driver. It all happened so fast, and the snow was really coming down.”

He nods and smiles. “It’s okay. You’re doing well. Do you know the make and model of the car?”

“No. It wasn’t huge, and it didn’t have smooth, curved lines like the ones made now. That’s why I think it was quite old. It was definitely a pale gray, though. I remember the windows were a lot darker than the paintwork.”

Officer Duggan scribbles down a note with one hand while drinking his coffee with the other.

“I know you said you didn’t see the driver, but could you tell if they were male or female?”

“No. I’m sorry.”

“All right.”

“Do you think the killer has someone else?” I ask.

The sheriff clears his throat. “Let’s not speculate.”

So, yes.

“I wanted to ask about Jessie,” I say.

“Unfortunately, we can’t give you any details, Izzy. You know that.”

“Yeah, I do, but…was she in a lot of pain?”

I can see the debate in his eyes. “I don’t think she suffered for long.” He pauses, then says, “We’re going to stay with you until your parents arrive, Izzy, okay?”

My spine stiffens. Now, why would he do that? We have locks.

“You think I’m in danger.”

I’m not asking him.

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