Now?
I simply check my watch again. “Done,” I say into it, not waiting for a response.
Back in the hall, I step out like I belong there.
Lan nearly crashes into me, eyes bright, mouth running. “You see that girl? The one with the huge?—”
“We’re leaving,” I cut in.
His grin falters. “Already?”
“Yes.”
“But I thought?—”
I grab the front of his shirt and pull him in close, just enough so that he knows that I know how fucking high he is. Just enough that he remembers who’s in charge.
“I saved your ass,” I tell him calmly. “Don’t ruin my charity by asking questions.”
He swallows. Nods.
And we waltz out the same way we came in.
The night air hits my face as we step outside, cool and sharp. Somewhere behind us, a phone will ring. Someone will scream. Alarms will wake up too late.
Not my concern.
I did my duty to the best of my abilities. No mess. No witnesses. No chaos. I’m a pro by now.
Nothing like I was at Crest.
Who knewa body was so fuckingheavy? And how much blood a big guy could have.
I heave in breaths as I tug on Neal’s arms, dragging himslow and steady toward the woods. The light from the kitchens reaches toward my feet so I keep moving.
This turned into a disaster. I wasn’t thinking. No plan.
Just started a fight, got sent to the closet. And when Neal took me out to beat my back with his switch, that’s when I pulled out the butcher’s knife they didn’t know I had and swung at him.
A few times.
I thought it would just take one. Fucker couldn’t evendieright.
I hadn’t planned where I’d put him. So now, I’m hauling ass toward the back acreage, hoping that no one else is awake for a snack.
Oddly, despite not feeling a damn thing other than annoyed, my hands won’t quit shaking.
Fortunately, the gardeners never miss their shovels. Figured I’ll just dig a hole and toss him in. That should do the trick.
Except digging a hole is a lot harder than I expected. After what seems like hours, but is still before the sun even thinks of coming up, I’m only down a few feet. That may have to do.
I can’t keep going like this.
If someone finds him out here, I’m finished. Prison for life.
Worse, I’d lose the way Ashlyn looks at me now. Like I’m something that can fix her. Fix this.
Like I matter.