Love Me in the Dark novel Chapter 13

KREW

Yeah, I’m screwing it up. And so far, I have had no luck in unscrewing it. River was right. I ruined her life.

I couldn’t let her go when that asshole was still at large. I needed to make things right with her. I needed to see the sparkles in her eyes just like the first time I met her. But I was running out of options.

I stayed in my office, working the whole day when finally, maybe there was some good news. The family PI rang me up.

“Any luck?”

“Mr. Witley did this to a young woman back in high school. Unfortunately, that girl died of illness. I think he has unrequited feelings, and Ms. Rouge became his next target. I got an old photo of the girl. They happened to have a resemblance.”

Son of a bitch. I locked my jaw hard not to curse. Now I got it. However they met, it couldn’t be a coincidence. It was well-planned. He must have been stalking River before they went on a date. It was disturbing. Now I got another reason why I should keep River in my home. I saw how she paled, how her lips trembled, how she looked so powerless, and that caused such a strong surge of protectiveness to flood through me.

I steadied myself before I spoke. “Did he appear at River’s apartment?”

“So far, he hasn’t. He went to work every day like nothing’s happened.”

“Then how do we get him caught? I want to stop this, Aeckley.” I scratched my growing stubble. This lunatic had not run out of luck just yet, but he would. I would make sure of that.

“I understand your frustration, Mr. Selik.”

“I don’t think you do. Find something that we could use against him. If you have to take drastic measures, do it. I’m willing to gamble as long as it won’t be traced back to me.”

“I may have a suggestion.” Now I got his attention.

“I’m listening.”

“You might not gonna like it—”

“Just say it.”

“We’ll use Ms. Rouge as bait.”

“The fuck we will. River just had a nightmare two nights ago, and I can tell that it has something to do with that asshole. I feel it in my bones that she’s terrified. Otherwise, why would she come to me when the last person she should be approaching is me, who destroyed her future? She’s jumpy and paranoid, and then you’re suggesting to use her as bait.”

“Just listen to me first. This isn’t that bad.”

“How is it not bad when putting her in danger?”

“I’m only suggesting. I think it’s best if you both show in public. Like, go out on a date to lure Mr. Witley out.” His idea was appealing, but I couldn’t gamble River’s life. The risk of her getting kidnapped by that psychopath was high. The problem would only get worse instead of ending it.

“It’s not such a bad idea. Besides, Mr. Witley may change his feelings once he sees you both together.”

“May? Then what? He will look for another River lookalike? There could be another way without involving her as a mousetrap, Aeckley. Do something. You couldn’t be working for my father for too long if you’re not good at your job. I’m sorry if I ask too much. I know this is not a part of your job anymore, but please, tell me you can help me.” I had huge respect for him, and he was the one who had been keeping tabs on River over the years.

“If you wanna make this easy and fast, think about it. While you do the act, I will inform the authority. This way, we can catch him in the act.” He had a point, but maybe there was another way to catch him.

“I still feel unease about the idea, but I’ll think about it.”

“Sure, Mr. Selik.”

Time flew fast. I was caught up in work. It was past dinner, and I hadn’t eaten anything. Before I could rise from my seat, my heart jumped up to my throat as the lightning struck the sky, reflecting through the glass window. Darkness, roars of thunder, and the horrifying strikes of lightning frightened me to fucking ass.