Page 8

Chapter 7

T he shrill of my alarm slices through the quiet morning, pulling me from sleep. I reach for my phone, slapping the stop button, and stretch. My body feels light and rejuvenated. It’s always like this after I take down a target.

I take a moment to bask in the memories, a deep satisfaction filling every inch of me. It’s the same feeling I get when I save a life. Isn't that ironic? Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of taking some sick bastard’s life or the gratification of saving one, both bring me equal pleasure. But the satisfaction of eradicating a monster from this world is the only thing that lets me sleep at night without nightmares. And I never know how long those nightmares will stay at bay, so I take advantage of the peace while I can.

My thoughts drift to my morning run yesterday by Conrad’s burned house. It’s true what they say about killers returning to the scene of the crime. You can’t make this stuff up. Part of me wanted to scope out the scene, but also, I had to maintain my routine. I strategically switch between several routes to keep things unpredictable. Most of them have a view of Lake Lucia, because there’s nothing more peaceful than a lake. The vibrant colors, the soothing sounds of nature—it’s calming.

As of now, the investigators have ruled the incident an accident. Multiple surveillance cameras caught Conrad’s reckless drive home from the bar. Everyone believes what I want them to—that he was drunk, passed out in his recliner with a cigarette. If there’s any suspicion of foul play, I haven’t heard about it. But then again, the local police might not care. Despite their best efforts, the justice system failed the first time around. Fucking politicians.

I’ve always loved this town, ever since that first summer camp when I got away. The summer I met Allie. The summer after everything changed. Lake Lucia has a mysterious past. They say there’ve been mysterious deaths and drownings over the years. Locals call it 'Devil’s Lake,' adding to the mystique. I remember sitting around the campfire, listening to the stories. Back then, they used the legends to keep us from sneaking out or going off alone at night. As I got older, I did my own research. It only intrigued me more and is another reason I chose to make Lake Falls my home. I don’t know where I’d be now if that camp hadn’t saved me.

Once again, I feel an unnatural pull, a need to retrace my steps, to return to Cherry Lane. I can’t help but wonder if someone might’ve been working late at the Cunningham’s place that night. I knew they were starting renovations soon, but I didn’t realize they’d already begun. Thankfully, no one was around when I scouted Conrad’s house—otherwise, that could have been a problem. And who was that guy working at the house next door ?

The guy with the eyes I could drown in.

I’ve lived here for a year now, and I’ve never seen him before. Though our encounter was brief, I remember the flip-flop in my chest. That never happens. I don’t feel intense lust at first sight. But that morning, something was different. Between working in the emergency room and spending time with Allie, I thought I knew everyone who lived here year-round.

Oh shit, Allie!

We’re meeting at The Donut Hole at ten. I need to hurry if I want to squeeze in a shower and look halfway decent before heading into town.

Just before ten, I slip out the door and into my silver Lexus. I glance down at my outfit. The yellow sundress clings just enough to accentuate my legs, and the cute sandals complete the look. My blonde hair falls in soft waves down my back and I kept the makeup subtle—just mascara, a light dusting of bronzer, and my favorite lip shade, Lovedust. I check my reflection in the rearview mirror, popping my lips in approval.

As I pull out of the driveway, I smile at the sight of the sun bouncing off the glistening lake. I love the variety of homes here—some have that rustic cabin feel, others are sleek and modern, and some are more traditional. My own place is a contemporary two-story, with an open floor plan and large picture windows overlooking the lake.

Arriving at The Donut Hole , I pull into the parking lot. Allie’s already inside, chatting with the barista and likely everyone else in the café. She’s one of those people who doesn’t meet a stranger, and I’ve never seen anyone who hasn’t fallen for her charm .

The door jingles as I step inside. Allie’s head snaps in my direction, her blue eyes lighting up as they meet mine. She’s wearing Capri pants and a blue blouse that complement her eyes. Her shoulder-length brown hair falls in a sleek, straight line, gently framing her face. There’s a natural beauty about her, the kind that radiates from within, and draws people to her effortlessly. She grabs two drinks from the counter and walks toward me as I plop down at our usual table by the window. From this vantage point, I can easily see anyone entering or leaving the cafe.

“I’m so excited to see you!” she exclaims, handing me my iced caramel macchiato with an extra shot of espresso before sitting down. “It’s been forever since we’ve done this! We have so much to catch up on! OH MY GOD, did you hear about Conrad Johnson?”

“Take a breath, girl,” I laugh. “It’s great to see you, too. Especially away from the hospital.”

Is discussing Conrad something I want to do? Not at all. But I know we’ll circle back to it. Allie has a heart of gold, but she loves a good gossip session. She doesn’t always know when to keep her mouth shut, but she’s the only one in Lake Falls who knows what happened in Atlanta. And as far as I know, she’s kept it to herself.

“What do you think happened to Conrad? I can’t believe he’s dead,” Allie leans in, lowering her voice as she glances around before speaking again. “I bet his uncle hired a hitman to take him out. Everyone knows he did it.”

“You’ve been watching too many crime shows, Alls,” I state casually, glancing down at my light pink nail polish. “I’m sure it was just an accident, like the police said.” It’s a logical theory; I’ll give her that .

“So, how’s everything with you and Dalton?” I ask, desperate to change the topic as I sip my drink, the sweet aroma of coffee swirling around me. The buttery caramel floods my mouth, leaving a warm sweetness behind. Something about Dalton, Allie’s boyfriend of two years, doesn’t sit right with me. He’s good-looking, but his unpredictable mood swings often leave her in tears, and there’s a darkness about him that sets me on edge. She deserves better.

“Oh, everything’s great. I think Dalton may propose soon. I overheard him talking to his mom about his grandmother’s wedding set,” she whispers, practically glowing.

She fills me in on the latest happenings in her life and around town. Allie’s always involved in something, volunteering for this or that. She has a heart that won’t quit, and I love her like the sister I never had. There’s never a dull moment when she’s around, and no matter what’s happening, she manages to make everything feel brighter. I’ve always envied her bubbly, extroverted personality, the way she can walk into a room and instantly light it up. It’s something I’ve never been able to do.

She pauses for a beat, her face falling into something more serious. “This week was tough at work. There’s this little girl I’m worried about. Her mother brought her in after the school reported that she had been acting out in class, showing up unkempt and without money for lunch. While her mother insisted that everything was fine at home, I have a gut feeling that there is more to the story. I think the mother is on drugs.”

“God, that’s horrible. I know those cases are so hard to prove. Did you reach out to Child Protective Services?” I ask, concern threading my voice .

“Oh, definitely. The problem is, those cases take time. Sure, they have to respond within twenty-four hours, but I’m worried something will happen to her in the meantime.” Her eyes fill with unshed tears. She has the biggest heart.

“It’s going to be okay. I know that little girl is in good hands with you. You’ll help her. You were born to be a therapist,” I reassure her, patting her hand briefly.

I make a mental note to investigate the woman and her daughter later. Allie’s always careful about breaking confidentiality, but figuring out who she’s talking about won’t be difficult. We both work at the same hospital, and I have my connections.

We’re chatting about going to the lake when the front doorbell jingles. Allie looks up and freezes, her smile faltering. Turning my head, I meet a pair of vaguely familiar blue eyes—eyes that mirror the deep tumultuous blue of a stormy ocean.

He stares at me, and for a moment, I can’t tear my gaze away. Then I regain my composure enough to avert it. He walks toward us, flashing a casual grin at Allie as he stops to speak.

“Hi, Allie. How’s it going?”

Allie musters a smile. “I’m good, Eli. How’re you doing?”

“Doing good. Who’s your friend?” His gaze slides over me, lingering on my lips for a heartbeat before lifting back to meet my eyes. “I don’t believe we’ve met before.”

“Oh, this is Tessa. She moved here about a year ago. We’ve been friends since we were kids. We met at summer camp—” she pauses abruptly and clears her throat. “Tess, this is Elijah Huntington. Eli’s from a long line of families that have lived in Lake Falls for decades. He’s also my cousin. ”

Cousin? When the hell did Allie get a cousin? Has she been hiding this guy from me?

After composing myself, I extend my hand. “Nice to meet you, Elijah.” His grip is firm, an electric shock tingling my skin. Startled, I glance down at our joined hands before meeting his gaze again.

“You can call me Eli.” A slow smile spreads across his face, making his eyes sparkle with warmth. His expression only enhances his already stunning features. He stands nearly six-foot-four, towering over me, his lean, sculpted frame highlighting well-defined muscles. Elijah Huntington is the epitome of rugged charm. His disheveled caramel-brown hair and chiseled jawline blend effortlessly with the deep blue hue of his eyes , and I could spend days memorizing every inch of him. His full lips, with a hint of a sly smile, pull my attention.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tessa,” he replies, his voice low and lazy. “Maybe I’ll see you around sometime.”

A flush spreads across my cheeks, and a pleasant warmth blooms in my stomach. My gaze follows him as he walks to the counter to collect his order. His eyes dart toward me as he hands over his money, the burning intensity of his stare making it clear that he’s interested.

Allie raises an eyebrow, sarcasm thick in her voice. “You’re drooling.”

I dart my eyes back to her. “No, I’m not.” Jesus. What’s wrong with me today? I’ve never felt an immediate connection like this with anyone before—if at all. Something deeper than attraction alone.

Just as we’re about to resume our conversation, Eli interrupts with a final, “Have a great day, ladies. ”

As he exits the café, he shoots me a flirtatious wink and a lingering glance.

After he’s gone, I hiss at Allie, “What was that about?”

“What do you mean?”

“You looked at him like you’d seen a ghost—or like you were afraid of him. Is there something I need to know?” I demand, suspicion rising.

“Eli’s a good guy. We’ve never been very close. My dad and his mom are siblings. I was a couple of years behind him in high school. He was always busy with one sport or another. I was closer in age to his sister—” She stops suddenly, her voice trailing off. Now I know she’s hiding something. But what?

Allie quickly changes the subject, trying to deflect. “Shall we go to the lake and soak up some sun?”

“That sounds good to me.” I reply, more distracted than I want to admit. “I’ll need to swing by my house and grab a few things. Meet me there in an hour?”

“I can do that. See you soon.” Allie hurries out, the door chiming behind her.

What was that about?