I’ve obtained this, I say again and again in my head.

We make it to the gates, and I see the vultures look over at us. I’ve Caleb on one arm and my mom on the opposite, with Clay in entrance of me and Spencer behind me. It’s like they’re guarding me with out even realizing it.

I can hear the whispers round me, however I attempt to block them out. We get by means of the gates with little or no trouble. Possibly the press is simply right here to see who reveals up, or to see if there’s any bother. Both means, it’s not very good of them to be right here as we speak. It’s disrespectful to Sophia and her household. There needs to be legal guidelines or guidelines about this sort of conduct from the press.

The hairs on the again of my neck rise. I search for round me, however nothing appears to be like out of the peculiar.

“You okay?” asks Caleb.

I nod. There’s nothing else I can do or say. I do know there’s a chance that my kidnapper could possibly be right here watching me as we speak. That’s why I’m sporting a protracted black jacket that hides my bump effectively. Amber picked it out for me on Saturday, and it’s one thing I might have picked for myself.

“Can we sit on the again?”

“Certain.”

There are rows of chairs set out across the open grave. Sophia’s coffin sits underneath the gazebo all prepared for as we speak’s service to happen.

I simply can’t cease considering how unfair it’s that we’re burying such a teenager. She ought to have had her full life forward of her. But, right here we’re as we speak, surrounded by her household and associates as they pay their final respects.

Goosebumps unfold up my arms and I shiver. I tighten my grip round Caleb’s arm and maintain on like my life relies on it. I look over my shoulder and spot Al and his companion standing a number of toes away from us. Al nods in my path. I don’t know if I take consolation that he’s right here or not.

Once I flip again to the entrance, a motion from my left facet catches my eye. Over within the distance beside a big tree is a determine wearing all black. The bizarre factor that caught my eye is the black hat and glasses. The hat is out of the peculiar for a funeral. My blood runs chilly and I swallow a lump in my throat.

“Are you okay?” Caleb whispers.

“No. Tree to my left.” I attempt to breathe. I really feel sick.

Caleb whispers into his sleeve and Clay stands as much as depart his seat. I can really feel motion from behind me, however I daren’t look. I hope it’s Al catching onto one thing being improper. I don’t need a scene at Sophia’s funeral, but when that’s the monster that did this then he must be caught.

Caleb holds his ear. It’s at that second that I notice he’s sporting an earpiece. He speaks into his sleeve. “Simply go for it, Clay. Be as discreet as attainable.”

I look out of the nook of my eye and see Clay, Al, and two different males strolling throughout the cemetery. Clay appears to be like like he’s on a mission, however the officers are holding their distance. It’s at that time that the person wearing all black notices he has gained consideration and he runs as quick as he can. He sprints over the graves, leaping the headstones, stumbling however righting himself till I can’t see the place he goes. I maintain my hand over my mouth and let the tears fall. If that was him, he was so near me.

If that was him. After all it was. Why would he run if he had nothing to cover?

“I have to get out of right here, Caleb. I really feel sick.”

The service hasn’t even began and already it’s a shambles. I wreck all the pieces I contact or encounter currently. Nothing ever goes to plan. Not solely did I assist kill Sophia, however I’ve disrupted her service. Why couldn’t I simply maintain my mouth shut and let him watch?

Caleb stands up with me and wraps his arm round my shoulders. My mother and Spencer observe behind us. I maintain my hand over my mouth, as a result of I’ve by no means felt as sick as this in my life.

“Fuck! Clay has the keys,” says Caleb as we get outdoors of the gates.

“Caleb, do you want a experience?” A automotive pulls up alongside us.

“Armand,” Caleb says. He appears to be like behind us and I hear him hiss. “Sure. Are you able to get us out of right here? Clay has the keys to the truck.”

“Certain.”

We get into the smaller car and I bury myself into Caleb’s chest. Spencer climbs within the entrance passenger seat and my mother joins me and Caleb within the again. Proper now, I want I might disappear.

“Are you able to get us far sufficient away from right here, however to a spot we will cease, as a result of Aria isn’t feeling effectively.”

A silent settlement is spoken between Caleb and Armand. Not one other phrase is spoken for what looks like hours. The texture of Caleb’s massive hand rubbing up and down my again is soothing. I can’t say it relaxes me, as a result of each nerve ending is on excessive alert, my thoughts is working additional time, and my ideas are in all places.

“I shot a textual content to Pop on our means right here. His diner is now closed for so long as you want it,” says Armand.

“Thanks, buddy, I owe you one.” Caleb reaches ahead and squeezes his shoulder.

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