Jordan rubbed her hands over her thighs. “Of course they do. Every cop on the force said a prayer of thanks that they weren’t the one that lost their sight. I know how it goes. Everyone visits at first. They cut grass, bring meals, help out where they can. But then life goes back to normal for them, and they stop coming as much and then not at all. In a month, they’ll be back to their lives, and I’ll be here. It won’t be long before we’ll be lucky to exchange cards at Christmas.”

“It’s not going to be like that.”

“When you were struggling with the drugs, a few folks offered words of encouragement after the first emergency room trip. But by the third, it was just you and me.”

Avery was quiet for an instant. “I’m sorry I put you through that.”

“I’m not trying to make you feel bad. I’m just pointing out that I’m alone here.”

“You aren’t alone. You have me.”

“You have a life to live.”

“And you had one to live when I was using. And you gave it up for me. I’m going to do the same for you.”

“What if I don’t want you to?”

“Like I didn’t want your help that last time I overdosed? Remember that day how we fought? And then I got into trouble. I was sure I was going to die. And then there you were holding me as I sucked in air.”

“I keep thinking about that night. Your circumstance was very similar to the women who were murdered.”

“Don’t say that. Don’t. You’ve had too much time on your hands to think the last week.”

“Maybe, but it’s getting harder and harder to ignore the similarities. You all were users, got clean, and slipped thanks to Walker. I found you with your hands and feet tied and plastic shoved down your throat. These women had the same experience, only this time he put a bag over their heads and wrapped them in plastic.”

Rising, Avery took several steps away. “Why are you telling me this? I know you’re scared, but you don’t have to freak me out, too.”

“I’m not trying to,” she said. “Killers like this usually start somewhere.”

“And you think he started with me?”

“Maybe you were the first. Predators like that often need to amp up the violence to get the same sense of satisfaction.”

Avery stood silent, and Jordan could feel her staring. “Practice with your phone. I need to step outside.”

“Where are you going?” Jordan asked.

“Just out in the front yard. I need air.”

“I’ll let it go now, but you need to think about that night and what happened. Whatever you can remember will be important.”