Page 96 of Little Dark Deeds

“You have it?”

“Sure do.”

“Look, you don’t need to point that thing at me.”

“Don’t I?”

“I wasn’t going to pull a gun on you, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Why did you open the drawer, then?”

He narrowed his eyes, staring at me for a time, like he was scheming, planning out his next move.

“Don’t do it,” I said.

“Don’t do what?”

“Whatever you’re planning.”

“Or what?”

The second the words left his lips, he leapt over the desk, his hands reaching for my neck.But he was a few seconds too late.I had already fired.

CHAPTER 35

I’d wanted nothingmore than to shoot him dead when I fired my gun.I didn’t just want justice for Tiffany.I wanted his life to end like he’d ended hers.But killing him would have been a far easier way for him to go than the life he’d have in prison, and I wanted him to live long enough to experience every excruciating moment of it.

I’d shot him in the shoulder, the impact just enough to stop him in his tracks.Lila rushed in, screaming when she realized what I’d done.I told her to call the police, and it wasn’t long before they arrived, and Jordan was taken into custody.

After his gunshot wound was treated, Foley invited me to accompany them to the station where Jordan would be questioned.It was where we were now—Foley, Whitlock, and me, sitting in the interrogation room across from Jordan.We’d shown him the lighter and the smear of blood, which we were sure was his.

When it became clear to him that there was no way out, Jordan said, “You know something?I’ve been a disaster ever since this all started.It’s strange to say, but I’m relieved it’s over.”

“You’rerelieved,” I said.“Three people are dead, including one of my dearest friends.And for what?”

“I’m sorry.”