Most of the messages are from weirdos begging me to tell them what it was like to chat with a serial killer. A fair few are dudes trying to get my attention with clever lines like, “What up?” A few are from survivors of other violent crimes, asking to connect. I make a note to come back to those later. There are some good online support groups that might be useful to them.

  My eyes start to fog as I scroll and scroll without finding anything that grabs my attention. This was stupid. If Nate stole my phone to contact the Gemini Killer, he wouldn’t have left evidence of it on an account I still had access to. Plus, Karen made me change all of my passwords the second I got a replacement phone. It would have shut the thief out almost immediately.

  I let my head fall back with a disappointed huff. So much for that hunch. Plus, my break is almost over anyway.

  The door eases open. Justin wears an expression that makes me soften. “You okay out here?”

  We give each other matching half smiles. “I’m fine. Thanks for giving me a minute.”

  “You’re welcome. Something on your mind?”

  I pinch my mouth to one side, debating. Odds are he won’t tell me if I ask, but I still have to try. “How did Nate say he could get in contact with him?”

  Justin moves to one side, hand splayed over the door to keep it propped open. “Come back inside. It’s cold out here.”

  I trudge up the hall toward the dining room, exhausted. I want my shift to be over so I can go home and finish off the pan of caramel brownies Noah and I made from a box yesterday when we were bored. My favorite boy showed me some tricks for making them extra luscious, and when I asked him how he knew what to do, he’d ducked his head, sheepish, before admitting he’d learned from his abuela.

  Justin’s question stops me. “You were just checking your photo app, right?”

  I nod, afraid to turn around.

  He gently prods me to one side so he can make eye contact. “If I tell you, you have to promise not to do anything unwise, all right?”

  “I promise,” I blurt.

  He hesitates. Tiny wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepen as Justin searches mine. He must be satisfied by what he sees. “If you were thinking he used the social app to contact someone, you were right. He hacked into your account before you could change the password and sent a single message, giving his accomplice a different account to contact if he wanted to talk. He deleted it before you could see it, and we just found it. It took a couple of techs hours to go through all the old data associated with your account.”

  My heart thuds behind my sternum, pooling in a heavy weight that makes breathing an effort. “And has he responded? Are they going to meet up?”

  Justin’s hands lift to rest on his belt. “Remember your promise.”

  I nod solemnly, and he continues. “Nate set up a meet with his partner for tomorrow night. We’re ready for it, so try not to stress about it. Can you do that?”

  Crossing my arms over my chest, I whisper, “I’ll try. I hope you catch him.”

  “We will, and put them away for a long time. I’ll make sure of it.”

  I’m about to clock back in when my guardian’s hand lands on my arm. Gently, he tugs so I turn to face him. “I’m not going to tell you the when or where. I need you to leave it alone and trust us to handle it. Can you do that?” Justin’s worry is plain in the curves around his mouth, the gentle pressure on my arm.

  “I can do it.” Just one more lie.

  Chapter 28

  Day 337, Tuesday

  Audrey

  The weather must have gotten the memo: something is happening tonight. Hence the rain. And lightning. And thunder so loud it sounds like there’s a giant banging mountain-sized trash cans right outside the window. I blink, but it doesn’t make it any easier to see past the front yard. Even if I could, the meet-up Nate arranged with Robert Baugh is happening in a park at the other end of town. I’m not supposed to know, but Taryn eavesdropped on Justin and Karen earlier this afternoon before they put on their gear, hugged us goodbye, and left.

  We didn’t actually say goodbye. None of us did. Because if this meeting goes like they’ve planned, the FBI will finally have the actual Gemini Killer. But with this storm raging? Something feels off. Thunder clangs like a warning bell through the house.

  Taryn looks over her shoulder at me from where she’s practicing her lines in the middle of the living room. She even roped the deputy assigned to keep an eye on us into helping her move the furniture so it mimics the set for the play. She wanted to go over the blocking again. Her body is tense as she rattles off lines, waiting beats in between for invisible, silent actors to deliver theirs. She hasn’t said, but I think she’s feeling extra pressure now that Esau’s parents are attending opening night.

  I’d be freaking out too. “You’re going to be great, and I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Chavez will like you when they see how much Esau does.”

  Taryn gives me a determined smile. “They’re going to love me. I make the magic, remember? Magic.” She goes back to running her lines loudly over the storm. The manic look in her eyes belies her words.

  Deputy Kelley looks up from the corner before going back to whatever she was doing on her phone. The officer armed the security system the minute she walked in the door. I don’t blame her. Taryn and I are proven flight risks. But yeah, the storm blowing outside is a major deterrent. Plus, I’ve decided that Justin and Karen are the adults here. They’ll let us know whatever happens. My phone screen lights up when I press a button. The meet-up is supposed to happen in just a few minutes.

  Taryn shaking out her hands in front of her chest hooks my attention. She’s starting to spiral.

  I climb off the sofa, skirting around the furniture and cut right in front of her. My sister lets out a huff, halting the frenzied pacing before she smacks into me. “Hey! What’s the big idea?”

  Grabbing Taryn’s shoulders, I assess her expression. My eyes, my nose, and my mouth are reflected back at me. If it weren’t for the scar, our identical looks would be uncanny. My entire life, I’ve had this whole other person who looks exactly like me. I mean, I don’t usually think about how lucky I am to have had a sister for every minute of my life on this planet. The second I came into this world, I had a buddy. In the womb, even. A twin who became so much more than a sister. She means so much to me, and I don’t tell her nearly often enough.

  “You’re freaking me out,” Taryn says, eyes locked on mine.

  “No way. You’re the staring contest champion, remember?”

  Her eyebrows twitch over a wobbly smile. “You’re right. I forgot about that. We must have stared at each other for an hour that time.”

  “It was seven minutes.”

  “No way. It felt so long.”

  “No lie. I timed it.”

  Giving a gentle toss of hair, Taryn brings her hands up to rest on my forearms. “As much as I’m enjoying reminiscing, this isn’t the time for a rematch. I have to get my lines down. Opening night is in two days.”

  “Your title is safe. I just have something to say.”

  “Wow, so serious.”

  “Taryn.” My fingers put gentle pressure on her shoulders through her sweater.

  “Okay, okay. I’m ready. Lay it on me. What does the great Audrey Thomas want to say?”

  “You’re such a smart aleck.”

  “It’s part of my charm.”

  I roll my eyes good naturedly. “I’m not sure Esau would agree.”

  “He definitely would.”

  “Fine, but this isn’t about that. I just want you to know that I love you. Okay? I’m glad you’re my twin.”

  Taryn softens. “Wow. I think I needed to hear that. Thanks, Sis. I love you too, and I wouldn’t want anyone else for a sister.”

  Puffing, I turn to the maelstrom outside the window. At first, I was miffed that we weren’t allowed to be anywhere near the meet-up. That we’d have to wait here for news that the hellish past year of our lives was finally, truly over. Taryn put up a fuss, wanting to know the second the Gemini Killer was in custody.

  No dice. Karen insisted we stay safe at the house, far away from the action. Justin implied that she wouldn’t be able to focus on the job if we were in danger, but he was probably just saying that to assuage our disappointment at being left behind. It was nice of him to try.

  I didn’t fight it. I want to know as soon as they’ve caught him and put him where he won’t be able to hurt anyone else. But I don’t need to be there. It’s why we have cell phones. They’ll let us know as soon as it’s done. Clasping my arms loosely around my knees, I rest my chin on them. I’m glad we’re inside where it’s warm and dry. Thunder cracks the sky. Yeah, definitely glad I’m not going anywhere tonight.

  Taryn’s phone beeps where she left it on the plush chair she shoved into the corner. “Finally!” Marching over, she scoops it up. “Boo. He’s not coming.”

  “Esau?”

  She frowns up at me. “He’s at the farm. They’re worried the levee will rupture, so they’re putting out sandbags. It sounds pretty serious.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be fine. It’s not the first time that’s happened.”

  “But let’s hope it doesn’t.”

  “Totally.”

  “Remember that time the floods were so high they had to rescue a dog off a roof with a helicopter? What if it happens again and they have to get Esau off the barn?”

  “Then they’ll get him off. Hence, the helicopter.”

  “So not helping.”

  My phone buzzes this time. Probably Justin or Karen with an update. I pull it out and skim over the message. All the blood drains from my face as I read it again. Before I start to spin, I go through the exercise my therapist recommended.

  Hear the rain.

  Smell the hot cocoa we made an hour ago.

  See the worry lines on Taryn’s face.

  Touch my pulse, thrumming a rapid beat in my neck.

  Taste the tang of fear on my tongue.

  Okay, that didn’t help.

  Taryn’s face falls. “What is it? What happened?”

  “Shh,” I hiss, cutting a glance over to where Deputy Kelley stands looking out the window. A steaming cup of coffee in one hand. Gesturing for Taryn to follow, I tiptoe into the hall. “Look.” Hold my phone out to her.

  Unknown: I have your friend.

  Unknown: If you don’t show up at this address in the next half hour, she’s dead.

  Unknown: If you tell the cops, she’s dead.

  Unknown: Don’t even think about bringing your tracking bracelets or phones. I’ll be checking.

  Taryn’s expression dies as she reads. As the phone pings a final time, she gasps.

  Unknown: [Image]

  My gut twists at the image of Viv, her wrists and ankles duct taped so tight the binds cut into her skin. Tears stream from her puffy, bloodshot eyes. A gag pinches into her cheeks, wet with tears and drool. Blood trickles from her temple.

  Lifting her phone, Taryn types. Meets my eyes. My cell dings.

  Is it real?

  The image of Viv is branded behind my eyes. I type back.

  Looks like it.

  How would they fake something

  like that?

  Nobody would be that cruel.

  Panic shoves at my heart until it’s shivering against my jugular. I know that isn’t true. The past year has been a crash course in the cruelty of people who choose to do evil. My stomach clenches before I even ask the question. I already know the answer.

  What are we gonna do?

  Taryn’s hands brush over her upper arms as if to ward off the shivers. Her eyes pinch closed.

  We have to go. Just give me a second to think.

  The storm seems to mirror the unrest in my soul, thunder crashing overhead. Lightning shoots through the black sky, striking a tree across the street with a loud CRACK. Hissing, I swivel on Taryn.

  Please don’t tell me we’re going out in that.

  We don’t have a choice.

  “Girls?” The deputy pokes her head into the hallway, eyeing us with more than simple curiosity. Frankly, she should be suspicious. We are acting so weird right now.

  “We’re just grabbing our coats. It’s cold in here.” Taryn plays up shivering as she swings open the hall closet and pulls out our jackets.

  “Right.” Deputy Kelley isn’t buying it. She leans against the wall, in full view of the front door, and stares us down.

  I shrug on the coat Taryn hands me, before sending another message.

  Are we going to bring our

  babysitter at least?

  You read the message.

  It said no cops.

  “Who are you both texting so furiously?” Kelley asks.

  “My boyfriend,” Taryn says. “He works at Del O’sso. They’re worried about flooding. See?” She brandishes the phone, screen pointed at the deputy, who reads it quickly.

  “I hope they have enough sandbags out there,” the deputy says. “It doesn’t look like it’s going to stop raining anytime soon.”

  “Me too.” Taryn nods, a touch too enthusiastically.

  I grimace, feeling super awkward. “Hey, Taryn, want to go upstairs and watch something on my laptop? It’s usually warmer up there.”

  At her nod, we both smile at Deputy Kelley—not at all oddly—and make for the stairs.

  They always say “no cops”.

  Nobody should ever do that.

  Taryn steps in so close I can feel the heat leaching from her body.

  Are you willing to risk Viv’s

  life by going against their

  demands?

  Because I’m not.

  My throat closes as my tongue goes dry. There’s no argument I can make against that. I’m not willing to do anything that hurts Viv. Slowly, I shake my head.

  Taryn’s peacoat-clad arm brushes against mine. She tilts her head toward her room. Leaning into the hallway, she calls to where our keeper is standing at the foot of the stairs. “We’re going to get ready for bed before we watch. You up for a couple episodes of Dating in Detention?”

  I stifle a chuckle, knowing the deputy will not be interested in the trashy reality show that debuted this winter. I don’t even like it that much. Except for this one couple who are so ridiculous it’s like watching an energetic puppy trying to make friends with a sloth.

  Deputy Kelley declines from below.

  Taryn’s jaw sets determinedly as she goes into her room. I try to walk casually and end up shuffling like a freak. I am so not good at this. It’s a wonder I pulled off sneaking out even once, much less multiple times.

  Pinching the bridge of her nose, Taryn pulls me inside and shuts the door. Whirling away, she opens her dresser and tosses a beanie and an extra pair of socks at me. “Here, put these on. I’m going to grab extra boots from Karen’s closet.”

  Outside it’s nothing but raven black. I pull my sister’s hat onto my head underneath the hood of my jacket, tucking the hair behind my neck. The thick pair of socks go on next.

  Taryn’s back in a second, holding out two pairs of broken-in, black boots.

  “At least she’s consistent,” I mutter.

  On the nightstand, the lamp flickers. Our power goes out with a snap. The buzzing of appliances and lights gone with a hush, leaving the grumbling of an angry storm in its wake.

  “You girls okay?” Deputy Kelley calls. Footsteps start climbing the stairs.

  “Yeah, we’re good,” Taryn yells back. “My laptop has a full battery.” My twin’s eyes glow in the dark. “Hurry,” she mouths, shoving her feet into Karen’s boots. Leaping onto her desk, she peels the security sensor off the window frame and sticks it next to the one on the wall so the system won’t register it when the window opens.

  The storm is so loud it covers the window’s squeal as she shoves it up. A flash of lightning illuminates the rain-slicked roof as we scramble onto the shingles. Taryn pulls the window almost shut to keep it from making any more noise. Inside, the deputy’s flashlight shines under Taryn’s door.

  I hold my breath, willing the deputy to pass by without opening it.

  “Come on!” Taryn whispers in my ear as rain pelts our coats with slaps I can feel through the thick fabric. We’re going to be soaked through in minutes, but there was no way we could have gotten our raincoats out of the hall closet right in front of the deputy without making her alarm bells go off. Taryn pulls on my arm with both hands. “We have to go!”

  “I know. I’m coming. Taryn. TARYN.” The worn soles of my boots lose traction and fly out from underneath me. The back of my head smacks against the sodden wood shingles as my body slides down the roof, carried on a tide of rainwater.

  “Audrey!” Taryn screams, grabbing for my hand and missing.

  My scream rips from my throat as I fly over the edge and plummet toward the—

  Chapter 29

  Taryn

  I watch in horror as Audrey flies off the roof and hits the ground. She doesn’t move. Oh, shit. My fingers cut into the metal edge of the overflowing rain gutter as I propel myself off the shingles toward the water-logged grass. Karen’s boots, which are a size too big, hit the ground and slide in opposite directions. My arms windmill through the thick, wet air, and I just manage to catch myself.

  Relief floods my veins when my sister blinks and pushes up on her elbows. “I’m okay, but did I just fall off the roof?”

  “Answer this: which designer is Cher wearing when she is mugged in the movie Clueless?”

  “Alaïa.”

  “An a-what-a?” I grin. Audrey’s okay, but my tongue still feels cemented to the roof of my mouth. “That could have been really bad. Come on, let’s get you up before Deputy Kelley busts us. We have to get out of here, for Viv.”

  Audrey wraps her hands around mine.

  We stack ourselves upright and make a run for it. Visibility is terrible in the tempest that batters us. The power outage leaves the road in impenetrable darkness. Wind howls, flinging my coat’s hood back. In a second, my hair is a sodden mess against my scalp. A chill works its way through my body.

 

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