Page 115 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

“I told you this would happen!” he shouts. “I warned you!”

His incessant sniveling is only a minor irritation compared to the turmoil brewing in my mind. They found her. I always knew they would, but it’s more than I bargained for, watching her moved from her earthly tomb.

In a way, it’s a relief. It’s been years since I’ve been back to visit. She deserves more. It’s what started all of this. My chest tightens with rage as I think of all the ways I failed her.

It wasn’t just me though, was it?

It’s why I keep searching, keep harvesting. To prove it can be done. To prove it was purely his incompetence that killed her.

I turn to face the pathetic man. He’s outlived his usefulness. Perhaps it’s time I help him see that.

I stalk toward him, scalpel in hand.

“What are you doing?”

I don’t answer.

“No! No! This isn’t what we agreed!”

I grin, setting down the blade. It would be too easy, over too quickly. Instead, I pick up a syringe. “Don’t worry,” I say, plunging it into his neck. “I have bigger plans for you. ”

I stare down at his motionless body. He’s so old, so frail. Incapacitating him is too easy. I sigh but remind myself I’ll have everything at my disposal to make him pay. Soon. It’s not time yet. I have other things to focus on.

Turning my attention back to the news, I frown.

I’m not happy about having to accelerate my exit plan.

But I knew this day was coming. I’m prepared.

I just need to pull the trigger. Offload the last of my harvest. It will be hard to stop, but I have more than enough money now. More than enough to start a new life.

I move to my laptop. The glow from the screen is a beacon in the encroaching darkness. I begin to type, easily snaring more desperate targets.

My fingers fly over the keyboard. Each keystroke brings me a step closer to my destiny. When I finish, I crack my knuckles and grin.

This will be my swan song.

There’s only one task left.

My phone buzzes on the table beside me. I read the text message and smile. Enlarging the photograph, I let the tingle of excitement take hold. One last hunt. One last victim.

She’s perfect. And she’ll never see me coming.