I banished the sadness and pressed the kitchen knife against his throat, my hands shaking but my resolve solid. I inhaled a draft of courage and lifted the knife. The blade glinted against the bathroom nightlight, which was casting my shadow across the floor. I closed my eyes, turned my head, and dashed the blade across his throat, using my weight to press the blade in deep. I couldn’t watch myself do it, so I let the pressure guide me. Initially his skin resisted, then I felt the pop of his flesh slicing open. Another push and the cartilage and soft tissue of his larynx gave way. I waited for something to happen, for him to scream in pain, for him to fight back . . . but nothing happened. He peacefully drifted off, and I was almost glad for him.

Then he was gone.

Chapter 34

Mackenzie

SUNDAY MORNING

It took me eight minutes to properly wipe off my fingerprints following instructions gleaned from a Google search, then dispose of the knife. A simple drop-off in the neighbor’s garbage can several streets away, far enough that the police wouldn’t likely search it and deep enough that the owners wouldn’t notice it. As the moon hid behind a veil of clouds, I speed-walked home, avoiding streetlights as best I could. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I called Lily, desperate for the favor of a lifetime.

“Why are you calling me at the butt crack of dawn?” Lily said after picking up on the first ring. Lily always had a way with words.

“Sorry for waking you, but it’s urgent. I need a favor.” I didn’t know how much to say. All I knew was that my phone records would show this call when the police started investigating me, as they most surely would.

“Never mind, I was already awake. What kind of favor?”

“If anyone asks, I spent the night at your house last night. Okay? We had drinks at your place and I slept over. Then I left this morning—right around now. Then I called you to let you know I got home safely. Got it?”

“No, I don’t got it. I can’t be your alibi tonight. Wait until tomorrow.”

“It’s too late for that. Please.”

“Mac, what’s going on? Are you okay?” Uh-oh. I had triggered Lily’s worried voice. And she wouldn’t drop it until I answered to her satisfaction.

“I can’t tell you yet. But you’ll find out soon.” I didn’t want to drag her into it or make her an accomplice, so the less she knew, the better. I had already destroyed one friendship; I didn’t need to lose the other.

“Ohhhh . . .” I heard the wheels turning. “Did you leave Owen?” Her voice lit up with pride. “Good girl!”

“It’s a little more complicated than that, Lil. I need you to vouch for me . . . to the police.”