They'd talked until the gray morning light started creeping through the branches. Emmett dropped her off at home, and even though neither of them wanted to say goodbye, they knew Steve could walk in any second to check that she was still wrapped in her sheets.
Nell stood there staring at the path where he'd disappeared. Aware that everything that had happened wasn't a dream or some delusion. It was real. And for a second, she froze with anxiety over what she'd done. She'd actually kissed Emmett Cullen.
"Oh my God, Emmett... she thought. What have you done to me?"
As she came down the stairs, dazed by the thought, she ran into Steve. He was behind the kitchen island, scanning the newspaper and sipping coffee. For some reason, she sensed something was off. And she was right the second he said:
—I see you're setting trends, sneaking out the window like a criminal. And you're late.
Nell stared at him, confused.
—How did you...?—But she couldn't finish. Steve snapped the paper shut and threw it on the table.
—You broke my trust. —he cut her off—And whether you like it or not, now you deal with the consequences— He took another sip of coffee—You're grounded for a month.
Eleanor rolled her eyes.
—What?
—You heard me. No more after-school activities, no more midnight runs to God-knows-where.
—I didn't go anywhere dangerous, if that's what you're thinking.
—The only thing I'm thinking is that my sister spent all night outside without telling me a damn thing, when there's a serial killer running loose around town.
She hit him with a glare.
—Now you care about that?— she challenged—Don't be a hypocrite, Steve.
—I've always cared. That I didn't tell you is another thing.
She let out a choked laugh.
Suddenly, Steve pressed his finger on the newspaper, pointing at the front-page headline:
« VICTIM COUNT RISES: THIRD FORKS YOUNG WOMAN DISAPPEARS. »
—What? Trying to scare me?—she confronted him.
—No. Trying to knock some sense into you. —He pointed at the paper again—This was the first thing I saw right after I found your bed empty.—He set his coffee cup aside—I know you understand the dangers are real, but sometimes you act without thinking.
—I don't act without thinking—she snapped, defensive—I'm just trying to live my life like a normal person, Steve. I'm tired of hiding, of our life story being this shadow that follows us everywhere.
He sighed again.
—I know how you feel, trust me. But being impulsive is only going to bring you trouble. So stop looking for it.
The thing wasn't that what he was asking was unreasonable-it was that, frankly, she didn't know how to do it.
Nell scanned the headline again. She checked the headers and footer. Burned the date of disappearance into her brain: December 18th, then looked back at her brother.
—Anything else you want to tell me?
Steve leaned against the counter.
—Stop by the restaurant after school. I had Betty set aside dinner for tonight.
Even if she'd wanted to, Nell didn't argue. Instead, she went up to her room, and instantly, the temperature seemed to drop thirty degrees.
December 18th. Just like six years ago.
A knot formed in her throat. This was no longer a coincidence, nor an ordinary serial killer. They were definitely dealing with a copycat. And that could be Richard Harris.
Of course it was a lead—he was involved with Shelly's disappearance, but they didn't know if he was guilty of the others either. It wasn't enough to call the cops; no connection had been established, and there was no evidence the police would consider credible.
She ran her hands over her face. What was she supposed to do now?
●●●
Nell was sitting with Alice on the hood of her car. She'd decided to talk to her during bio. Jasper was on the other side of the parking lot, giving them space. Leaving an uncontrolled vampire alone in a classroom full of fresh blood wasn't an option, so he tagged along in his own way.
She told her everything. About the victims, the matching dates, her father. She wanted to pretend he'd never existed. But he'd always be there. One way or another.
Her distress was so obvious that Alice moved in to hug her. Several minutes passed before she calmed down and broke the embrace.
Sorry for dumping all this on you," Nell apologized, voice breaking.
—I'm glad you did. It means you trust me.—Alice reflected for a moment—But more importantly, it means the Forks and Seattle attacks aren't just Victoria's doing. And it's definitely not some angry drunk."
Nell furrowed her brow.
—Did you seriously consider 'angry drunk' as an option?
—Before you mentioned the dates? Yeah.—In the silence that followed, Alice studied her carefully. —I hope you're not thinking about putting yourself in danger or anything.
Nell scoffed.
—You're the second person to tell me that this morning.
—I can imagine who the first was.—Alice smiled and squeezed her shoulder—I told you before: whatever you're planning to do, you won't do it alone. —She raised a finger to emphasize—Oh, and remember I can see the future and show up at your house to kick your ass if you try.
She let out a sigh that turned into a laugh before looking at Alice and saying:
—Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. —Then her expression changed. Nell got more serious, more thoughtful, biting her lip as she looked down.
Alice frowned, studying her with curiosity.
—You were planning to do something alone, weren't you?
—Yeah—she admitted, wary—. But it was a bad idea anyway.
—What was it about?
—Going to the church. Finding some kind of clue or sign about where Shelly is. Or whoever.
Her answer left Alice speechless.
—That's a terrible idea—she scolded—What if Pastor Harris caught you?
—I wasn't going to do it with him inside, I'm not that suicidal.
Alice sighed to calm herself.
—I hope you're not considering it.
—Relax. I already said it was a bad idea. Though I don't think I can just sit around with my arms crossed for much longer.
—Nell...—There was no way that sentence was ending well. She got off the car and faced her head-on.
—Every serial killer has a signature, Alice. Like artists who scribble their names on a painting to be recognized. But my father didn't leave any bodies to mark, no fingerprints to lift or analyze. And this made the whole state wonder: how do you leave a signature when there's no canvas? The answer is that you can. My father did it, and nobody suspected him. Who would, knowing how well he got along with everyone?—She revealed this with a bitter laugh—. Six people missing, presumed dead, and no suspect. In the end, I was the only one with the answer. A twelve-year-old girl with a particular gift that her father knew about, and silenced in the only way he knew how.—She showed her gloved hands—These disappearances might not have my father's signature, but they definitely have a copycat's. I don't know if Pastor Harris is involved in this or not, but I won't know unless I start moving and looking for clues.
For a minute, Alice kept staring at her without blinking, then stepped closer.
—I understand you take this personally, but this isn't something we can handle lightly. We're talking about someone who kidnaps humans, and you're human. I'm not telling you to sit around with your arms crossed because I know you won't, but I am asking that whatever you decide to do, you don't do it alone, okay?
Nell held her gaze until, finally, she nodded.
—I'm grounded anyway.
Alice smiled and hooked her arm through hers.
—I imagine Emmett had something to do with that. —She signaled Jasper, and in less than a second, he was by their side— And speaking of him... he's worried.
—I figured. I'm not good at lying.
—It's not what you think. —she assured her with a sly smile—He thinks you're avoiding him because you kissed.
—Oh.—She suddenly flushed red—How do you know that?
—Edward reads minds and I predict the future. What do you think?
Nell shook her head with a small smile.
—It'd be a good excuse, but he definitely won't believe it.
Alice tugged her to start walking toward the building.
—So what are you going to tell him?
She made a face. She wished she didn't have to craft careful half-truths.
—Just enough. I don't want to worry him more than necessary. I know the Victoria thing has them all on edge. I'd like to help...
Alice stopped her, rolling her eyes.
—Not that!—She let go of her arm and stepped in front of her—. You already have too much on your plate, Nell. I'm not letting you get involved in this too.—For a second, her scolding expression transformed into an enigmatic smile—Everything in due time.—Nell, confused, opened her mouth to speak, but Alice was faster, hooking her arm again—. And we've already missed more than one class. I'm sure you don't want to miss lunch too.
Of course, Alice knew something, and she seemed unwilling to say it under any circumstances. Nell decided that was probably for the best.
●●●
Later, after school, she wondered if Emmett would be waiting for her. Maybe not. She'd been ignoring him all day. She didn't want to face him yet, to tell him the reason for her unease, especially since she was a terrible liar. And if she had to walk home without even glancing at the parking lot, she would. But all her plans fell apart when their eyes suddenly collided. He was leaning casually against the car door. She watched his calm face for a moment before mustering the courage to approach him.
—Hey. —Nell murmured.
He answered with a smile: —How are you feeling?
Her face went a little cold. The moment of truth had arrived.
—Not great. Though, just so you know, it has nothing to do with last night.
—Want to talk?
She took a deep breath and glanced away. Several groups of students were climbing into their cars, ready to roll.
—Not today. I just want to go home.
—Let's go, then.
During the ride, they talked easily. They didn't discuss vampires or trauma. Just themselves. And the more they talked, the more they confirmed their impressions of each other. Maybe, just maybe, they wanted to enjoy a moment without their dark sides hanging over them.
—Oh, right—Her eyes suddenly lit up—Drop me at Betty's restaurant. I have to pick up dinner.
—You mean the one next to the Police station?
Nell nodded.
—The same.—She couldn't help smiling—I only went there once and they treated me like a queen.
Emmett gave her a condescending smirk.
—Now I see why you want to go.
For a moment, she just stared at him, processing this new information.
—Ooh. Looks like someone's jealous.
—Oh, you think so?
Nell didn't have time to answer. Emmett killed the engine after parking in front of the place. She turned, surprised—they'd arrived way faster than she'd expected. It was easier riding with Emmett when she just watched him until the trip ended. When she looked back at him, his eyes gleamed with mischief, wreaking havoc on her heartbeat. In her attempt to calm down, she opened the passenger door. She felt the arctic air tangle in her hair. Then she leaned on the Jeep window.
—Thanks for the ride.—She smiled at him.
—I'm driving you home.
—There's no need—
He didn't let her finish.
—Like I said before: that's how I was raised.
Nell sighed, being honest again.
—I'm grounded.
—So?
—That means no guys.
—I think you already broke that rule, don't you?
Nell rolled her eyes.
—Which is exactly why I think a Jeep parked right at my front door will make my grounding worse.
His face tightened as he flashed that perfect smile.
—I doubt that's going to happen. —he replied.—But if you're that worried, I'll drop you off down the street.
She made a face. She wasn't convinced at all. But he insisted again, dazzling her with his gaze.
—You're doing it again—she criticized—. It's really rude, you know that?
—Doing what?—He seemed confused.
—Oh, come on.—She pushed off the window—You know the effect you have on people. You dazzle everyone.
A nearly mischievous curiosity crossed Emmett's face.
—Do I dazzle you?—he asked.
Nell stayed quiet for a moment.
—Maybe. —she finally admitted.
—Then I'm satisfied.
Nell shook her head and turned to walk toward the restaurant. Before she went inside, she couldn't suppress a smile. When she started crossing the dining area, she suddenly stopped and focused on the corner table.
—Officer Swan?—she said, surprised.
He looked up and glanced in her direction.
—Ah. Hey, Eleanor.—He smiled slightly—How have you been? Settled into school okay?
She nodded.
—Sort of.—Unable to help herself, her eyes searched for his hands. She must have looked confused because he asked:
—Is everything okay?
Instead of answering directly, she pointed at his hands.
—I see your hand healed fast.
Charlie frowned.
—My hand?
For some reason, her skin was crawling.
—Steve told me you cut yourself with a bottle opener by accident.
The Sheriff went silent for a moment, staring at her from across the table, until finally he answered:
—I never cut myself with a bottle opener. —he assured her, looking confused.
She couldn't answer. Not immediately. Her heart sped up as she remembered the conversation with Steven days before. The burgundy stain she'd seen on his coat; the feeling that he was hiding something. He'd never been in any trouble, and the possibility that he might be involved in something, with a serial killer running around, unsettled her. Especially because he'd do anything to avoid alarming her.
—He probably mixed me up with someone else. —Swan commented casually.
She knew he was right, but still, it was hard to let it go. Somewhat shaken, she said goodbye and picked up the order before leaving the restaurant.
A symphony of thunder rumbled softly outside. She didn't know if it was from reacting to the lightning or from what she'd just discovered, but an unexpected chill ran through her body. She walked quickly to the car and got in.
—You went pale.
Nell locked eyes with Emmett's amber ones. They seemed to be searching for an answer to her sudden change in expression. But she just rested her head on the seat and gave him one of her half-truths:
—I'm tired. That's all.—She buckled her seatbelt—Can we go?
Emmett studied her in silence for a second, deciding whether he should say something or not. Finally, he started the car, and they drove away.
●●●
Eleanor leaned against the counter, crossing one leg over the other. Steven was uncorking a bottle of white wine with a series of quick motions. He grabbed two glasses from the cabinet and set them on the table. Nell noticed.
—Why didn't you tell me we were having company? I would've worn something more presentable.— she chided, trying not to let the restaurant incident get to her.
Steve raised an eyebrow.
—Because dinner would go from warm to ice-cold.—he quipped. He poured the wine, and immediately they heard a car door slam outside—Can you get the door? I want to finish setting the table.
—Coming, coming.—She hopped down from the counter and headed for the entrance.
Just then, her phone started buzzing. Nell picked it up and saw an unknown number on the screen. She answered anyway.
—Hello?
—Don't open the door!—Nell froze. It was Alice.
—Alice?—she called out—What's going on? Why—
—You have to get out of there!
But the warning came too late. Her hand had already turned the knob.
Frozen, eyes impossibly wide, she stared at the man standing before her. Dark, neatly combed hair; clean shirt buttoned all the way to the collar. She let her hand drop to her side, feeling Alice's voice fade into a distant whisper.
Suddenly, she couldn't breathe.
Richard Harris stood in the doorway.