Page 152 of Their Little Ghost

“We’re on the same side,” Lex says. “You may hate us, but you hate your father more. We’re not just doing this for us. Don’t you want justice for Erin?”

My rage boils over in another furious outburst as I jab my finger into his hard pec. “Don’t you dare say her fucking name!”

“Let us help you,” Eli says softly. “I know it won’t change what happened, but we can make this right.”

“Says the guy who murdered my sister,” I snap.

Eli steps back like he’s been sucker punched. His haunted eyes sparkle with guilt. I sense Erin’s disapproval prickle under my skin. I’ve always had a quick temper. Act first, ask questions later is my motto.

“It wasn’t his fault, Sarah,” Aiden growls protectively. “And you know it.”

“She’s right, though,” Eli says. “I’m a killer. A killer. Killer. Killer.” He falls into a robot-like trance. “A killer. Killer. Killer. I’m a killer.”

He never used to be like this. My stomach knots with guilt over triggering him. He’s hurting just as much as I am. Erin must agree, as she bursts to the surface like a volcano erupting.

“I forgive you, Eli.”

Erin’s words leap from my mouth, and everyone freezes.

Eli’s jaw drops. “E-Erin?” he stammers, putting his hand on my shoulder. “Is that you?”

“Yes,” she says. “And I mean it, Eli.”

Eli’s face crumples. “Erin, I’m so sorry…”

“That’s enough.” I blink hard and take a deep breath to suppress her, then hiss, “This isn’t about you, Erin.”

I’m the one who died, she responds in my mind in her annoying know-it-all way.It’s very much about me. Thank you very much.

“Shut it,” I command. “Can you give me time to think for a second without butting in?”

Thankfully, she fades, although her lingering disapproval eats away at my conscience. The sensation of having her stuck in my head is hard to describe. She’s getting a front-row seat to my life while being stuck in a room in the back of my brain. She will appear when called, and I can push her back if I try hard enough. However, if she feels strongly enough about something, she’s able to burst through of her own accord.

“She’s still in there?” Aiden asks, obviously stunned. “I thought when you came back, she?—”

“She’d disappear forever? No.” I ignore his probing gaze that has an unnatural skill for knowing what I’m thinking. “It doesn’t seem to work like that.”

“All the more reason for us to work together,” Lex insists. “If we don’t stop him, who knows what he’ll do next?”

“Let us help you,” Eli says. “Both of you.” He wipes his watery eyes pleadingly. “Please.”

They know my father’s twisted ways and this asylum better than anyone. They may be the only chance I have to not lose myself again, even if it means swallowing my pride.

“Fine,” I say. My jaw hardens, resolute in what I must do. “We’ll work together. Just this once. After that, we’re done. What’s the plan?”

“So…” Aiden begins.

CHAPTER

FORTY-FIVE

ELI

We briefed Sarah.Obviously, she wasn’t happy about it, and neither am I. Having to leave her in the asylum unprotected is like torture. I don’t want her trapped there any longer than necessary, but Aiden keeps reminding us that picking our moment is important.

“She’s not alone,” Aiden says, like he can read my thoughts. “She has Erin.”

“Yeah, because her sister’s voice in her head is going to help her,” I mutter sarcastically.