Page 32 of Dead Love

Vincent typed into a computer to the side of the furnace. Did that computer have the internet? I hadn’t used it much, but Nyla had let me use her smartphone a few times when my mother wasn’t looking. I knew how to get around a computer, enough to search for instructions on texting a phone number from a computer. But I still needed time, and I wasn’t sure if I had that.

A landline hung on the wall, but I knew the computer was the best option. If I could type out a message when Vincent left the room, then he wouldn’t hear me.

Breaking News!the reporter chimed in.Echo found inside of Sheriff Mike’s house, in his daughter’s room!

The television flashed to a picture of my house with pieces of the exterior missing. The cream-painted walls were now stroked with black, decimating the structure. A few beams stood in place, but it was like a skeleton of itself.

I don’t care what happened anymore,my mother cried into the camera lens, my father’s arm clutched around her. He rarely touched her like that, and she seemed to soak it up, leaning into him.Please bring my daughter back.

My stomach sank. The reporter continued:Police have not yet confirmed whether there is a connection between the Echo murders and the arson of the Nova house, but we expect a full statement from the sheriff soon.

A few seconds passed with a discussion between correspondents from the network, but my mind went blank. Could the Echo deaths really be murders?

Did that mean Nyla had been murdered?

My father filled the screen. A sense of serenity washed over me for a moment. He might have been an absent father, but he cared about justice. About his image. He would figure out the truth; his career depended on it.It is my belief that the arson and the murders are connected. While this might not be the same criminal, it is highly likely that they are working together. If you have any information about the crime, please contact the police department.

Vincent stood to the side, crossing his arms in front of him. Was Vincent the murderer? Adrenaline surged through me, and I let out a haggard breath. No… I couldn’t let myself shut down now. I had tothink.

He threw a hand toward the screen.

“Don’t believe that crap,” he said. My shoulders tensed. “They just need something to say so that the people don’t get antsy.”

I stared at him. Why was he telling me this?

“The Echo deaths have nothing to do with your mother’s house,” he explained.

“The Echomurders,” I corrected. He didn’t say a word, so I continued: “You burned my mother’s house down so that you could abduct me.”

“How many times do I have to say this? I could have left you there, but I didn’t. I saved you, Kora. From more than the fire.”

“Saved me?” I laughed. “Wow. How lucky for me.”

He stepped forward slowly, making me shrink.

“Tell me, how many men have you met in your life?” He tapped his chin. “What about people in general?” I looked off to the side, but he stepped closer, and his body heat radiating toward me; I couldn’t concentrate. “I may have abducted you, but I rescued you too.”

He stood up straight. My eyelids fluttered as I tried to push down the guilt. The shame. The fear.

“Don’t shut down, Kora,” he said. Anger flickered in my veins, pulsing through me. He may have had me cornered, but I refused to believe he could read me like that. “You can’t shut down every time you feel something.” I balled my hands into fists. He put a finger under my chin. “I have to check something.” His words were careful, his eyes searching back and forth. “You will not leave this room or Iwillhurt you.”

Then he left.

I sprinted to the computer.Password:was on the screen, and no matter what I typed, it flashed,Incorrect password!A hot sweat broke out all over me, but I kept trying anyway. After the fifth attempt, I went to the phone. I dialed my mother’s number. Vincent’s shadow stretched into the room, and I turned, my face going white.

“Hello? Mr. Erickson?”

Vincent smacked a hand over my mouth and held the phone to his ear.

“Hey Shea,” he said like he was ringing her himself, “I saw the news. I was calling to see if you were all right.”

“Oh. How nice,” she said, her voice cautious. “My husband said you were very helpful during the investigation. I’m afraid that’s all you can do—”

I tried to scream, but Vincent tightened his grip around my mouth, pinching my nose shut.

“Let me know if I can be of any help,” he said, then hung up. He let me go and I gasped for air. He narrowed his eyes. “What did you think you would accomplish?”

I glared and he grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up at him. My heart pounded.