Cover

Back Cover Text

Some mistakes can never be forgotten—or forgiven.

Janie Klassyn was only fourteen years old when she made the blood pact with her friends. She could never imagine she was setting in motion the horrifying crime that would tear her peaceful prairie town apart.

Twenty years later in California, school counselor Emma Grant struggles to keep her past buried. But when she finds a note on her car threatening to reveal her secret, it becomes harder to keep up the deception. Even her teenage stepdaughter suspects that Emma is hiding something. Now, with her celebrated true-crime author husband digging into a decades-old murder case for his next book, and a suspicious accident involving someone who’s been following her, the perfect life Emma’s built is crumbling, forcing her to take desperate steps to save it…

Praise

Praise for the novels of Rick Mofina

“A blood pact, a horrific crime, and a lifetime of secrets and lies come back to haunt in this layered, engrossing thriller. Their Last Secret is Rick Mofina at his edge-of-your-seat, can’t-stop-turning-the-pages best as he dives deep into questions of truth, justice, and ultimately redemption. A riveting, moving read.”

—Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of The Stranger Inside

“Well-developed characters and an intense pace add to this gripping novel. This latest from a gifted storyteller should not be missing from your reading pile.”

—Library Journal (starred review) on Missing Daughter

“Rick Mofina’s books are edge-of-your seat thrilling. Page-turners that don’t let up.”

—Louise Penny, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A pulse-pounding nail-biter.”

—The Big Thrill on Last Seen

“Six Seconds should be Rick Mofina’s breakout thriller. It moves like a tornado.”

—James Patterson, New York Times bestselling author

“Six Seconds is a great read. Echoing Ludlum and Forsythe, author Mofina has penned a big, solid international thriller that grabs your gut—and your heart—in the opening scenes and never lets go.”

—Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author

“The Panic Zone is a headlong rush toward Armageddon. Its brisk pace and tight focus remind me of early Michael Crichton.”

—Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Rick Mofina’s tense, taut writing makes every thriller he writes an adrenaline-packed ride.”

—New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen

Booklist

Also by Rick Mofina

THE LYING HOUSE

MISSING DAUGHTER

LAST SEEN

FREE FALL

EVERY SECOND

FULL TILT

WHIRLWIND

INTO THE DARK

THEY DISAPPEARED

THE BURNING EDGE

IN DESPERATION

THE PANIC ZONE

VENGEANCE ROAD

SIX SECONDS

Other books by Rick Mofina

A PERFECT GRAVE

EVERY FEAR

THE DYING HOUR

BE MINE

NO WAY BACK

BLOOD OF OTHERS

COLD FEAR

IF ANGELS FALL

BEFORE SUNRISE

THE ONLY HUMAN

And look for Rick Mofina’s next thriller,
SEARCH FOR HER,
coming soon…

Dedication

This book is for
Ron Collins,
Helen Dolik
&
Mario Toneguzzi,
my partners in crime.
Those were the days, my friends.

Epigraph

“When you murder someone, they never die. You watch their life drain from their eyes, feel the last pulse of their heart, their last desperate gasp. But the dead never stay dead. They live in your nightmares, haunting you for the rest of your life, because of what you did and what you are.”

—From the confidential diary of a young killer, “Girl B”

Eternity: The Story of Homicide in a Small Town by Benjamin Grant

One

Eternity, Manitoba
2000

Waiting to die. Or dying to get out.

Those seemed like your only choices when fate had dumped you in a small, prairie town where nothing happened and your secret torment burned like a lit fuse.

That’s how it was for Janie, Nikki and Marie, best friends born in and, as Nikki said, condemned to, Eternity.

The rest of civilization was at least a two-hour drive east in the metropolis of Winnipeg. Saskatchewan was about an hour west. Nothing to see there but the sky and land so flat you’d think you were driving to the edge of the world.

Drive south for about an hour and you’d see rolling hills, or what some people called mountains, until you came to the North Dakota border. If you really wanted to push things, you could spend a day getting to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

If you were Janie, Nikki and Marie, growing up in Eternity, there was nowhere to go. You were a prisoner, yearning for something, anything, to happen.

They’d all just turned fourteen in the previous months. It was the summer that preceded high school. A fact they were pondering on another scorching day while they considered things to do as they walked through town.

The Windflower Mall was out because last month the clerks at the drug mart had suspected Nikki of shoplifting eyeliner. They couldn’t prove it because she’d deftly dropped the evidence in an old lady’s bag. Still, security called police. Nikki wasn’t charged but they took her fingerprints and her picture, and under some law or rule, banned her from the building for six months. Nikki took it as both a badge of honor and an affront that stoked the rage forever bubbling under her skin. For as long as Janie and Marie had known her, Nikki seemed to be at war with the world, carrying a deep, invisible wound.

“They can ban me for all my life—I don’t care,” Nikki said. “We see the same people at the food court, nothing to do there but laugh at seniors, Hutterites and cripples.”

Besides, Nikki boasted, she’d stolen enough makeup from that place to last years and she piled it on to create the mask she hid behind. With her quickly maturing body, she looked older than Janie and Marie, who believed her claim that she was no longer a virgin.

After Nikki’s father died when she was younger, her mother, who was a cashier at Eternity Market Mart, began drinking and gambling, running up massive debts until she couldn’t pay the bills. She met a man named Telforde, a contract painter at the bar, and they moved in with him. That was her family. Nikki smoked, drank her mother’s alcohol, read dark books and listened to bands like Exact a Toll and Kill Me Now.

As for Marie, she had beautiful skin and soft brown eyes. She was a smart-dumb girl, a genius at math and science but always missing the obvious in real life. She was self-conscious about being a little heavy. A few years ago, her little brother, Pike, had choked on a piece of apple when the family was having a picnic by the creek. He died right in front of her. Marie felt safest with Janie and Nikki. They allowed her to love NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys and maintain her crush on one of the Hanson brothers. She was always humming “MMMBop,” because Pike had loved it.

Janie’s battle with zits didn’t detract from her almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones. Of the three girls, Janie’s personality was the sweetest. She loved French fries, Coke, ice cream and Elton John. She liked all kinds of music, even—to Nikki’s horror—country. But the weird thing was all three of them loved one particular song, an old one, “Ring of Fire.” They sang it together, belting out the chorus because for each of them something was burning inside.

The girls had known each other all their lives and while Janie was not sure what she wanted to do with hers, she was resolute in her desire to one day get as far away from Eternity as possible. To move someplace like New York, London or Paris. She was already working on her dream by saving her babysitting money.

Janie and her friends were determined to leave this town for their own painful reasons. But today, they just wanted to escape boredom.

“We haven’t been to the cemetery in a while,” Nikki suggested, once more forgetting about Marie, not seeing the hurt in her eyes.

Nikki liked counting the graves, guessing how people had died. Once she jumped into a freshly dug grave and lay in it for a while. “It’s cold in here.” Janie and Marie had to help her climb out.

It was during the last time they’d gone to the cemetery and Nikki was doing her Empress of the Dark thing when Marie couldn’t take it anymore.

“I hate it when you do this crap. I don’t like coming here like this.”

Nikki smirked and shrugged. Fighting tears, Marie ran across the cemetery. Janie and Nikki let her go, then sat under the shade of the tall poplar trees, listening to the birdsong. In the distance they saw Marie kneeling at her brother’s grave, which they always avoided when they came here, the breezes carrying her voice as she sang Pike’s favorite song.

Some days Marie got so sad about Pike. Other days it was like she was almost glad he was dead. It was a little disturbing.

Now, after digesting Nikki’s suggestion, Marie said: “I do not want to go to the cemetery today.”

Nikki took stock of Marie’s face, reconsidered. “What about the railroad tracks or down to the creek?”

“We’ve done all those places to death,” Janie said.

“What about the restaurant at the golf course?” Marie said.

Nikki rolled her eyes and Janie gave Marie a sharp glance, correcting Marie’s memory lapse as to why the Eternity Country Club was off-limits.

Janie’s mother was a waitress at the club’s restaurant, a job she was still clinging to after the incident that happened the first and only time the girls had gone there.

It was in the spring and Nikki had dared them to go. “We’re just as good as those rich snobs,” Nikki had said. “I bet they’ve got the best desserts and I’ve got money from the creep.” She waved cash she’d stolen from her mom’s boyfriend.

Janie had been uneasy about going to the restaurant because of her mother’s caution. “I know you and your friends wander all over town but you are never to go there,” her mother had said. “It’s not for us. It’s not the mall—it’s where I work. Do you understand?”

Janie had never set foot in the place.

A few times in the past she, Marie and Nikki had walked up to the gate of the forbidden kingdom, marveling at its vast and perfect green lawns, the trees, the waterfall, people gliding around in the little carts and the clubhouse, a low-standing stone building that beckoned them.

They were curious about what it would be like to go inside.

Maybe it was Nikki’s bold defiance of authority that drove her to break rules. The way she saw it, the world owed her a better life than the one she was living, and maybe it was because she seemed older, more experienced, but these forces shaped her persona, never failing to pull Janie and Marie into her orbit.

“Are you little girls afraid to walk in there? Because I’m not.” Nikki had challenged them that day.

Marie turned to Janie—it was up to her.

It was a Saturday and Janie’s mom was not working at the golf course. When Janie had left that morning, she was still in bed. Janie had figured by the empty bottle on the kitchen table from the night before that she’d be sleeping much of the day. Ever since Janie’s dad had walked out on them two years ago, leaving them nothing but bills, her mother had become what Janie had later learned was a functioning alcoholic.

“Come on,” Nikki said.

“But we’re not members,” Janie said. “We won’t get in.”

“We’ll get in. I’ll do all the talking,” Nikki said. “Let’s do it. It’ll be fun.”

Janie saw sparks in Nikki’s eyes, felt herself being pulled, felt her resistance crumble. Nikki was their leader and always would be. So they went, setting in motion events that would change Eternity forever.

Two

Eternity, Manitoba
2000

When the girls got to the host station, Nikki was prepared.

“My dad’s finishing his game. He said that me and my friends were supposed to wait for him in the restaurant. His name’s William Carruthers.”

The host guy gave them a quick, guarded appraisal before he started looking in his book. The air was appetizing, inviting and carried the sound of conversations, cutlery clinking. “I’m afraid he doesn’t appear to be listed.”

Janie tugged at Nikki’s wrist, a signal to abandon the plan. Nikki shrugged it off.

“We’re from Winnipeg,” Nikki said. “He’s discussing business with people here, big business.”

“Do you know who he’s with, the member’s name, perhaps?”

“I don’t. But if it’s a problem I’ll just tell my dad you couldn’t let us in.”

Weighing her subtle threat and the ramifications, the host smiled. “No. Not a problem. For three?”

“Four. For when my dad comes,” Nikki said. “He likes to be by the window.”

“Of course. Right this way.”

He led them to a corner with floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out to a sea of green. Their table was dark wood with rolled white linen napkins, ornate glass goblets and high-backed white leather chairs. Soft music was playing as their server, a woman Janie did not know, brought them menus. They each ordered sodas and apple pie with ice cream.

“This pie is so good,” Marie said. “I feel like royalty.”

“Look at them over there showing off their money.” Nikki glanced at the other tables, eyeing men as some paid, signing and leaving cash tips. “We’re just as good as those rich people, right, Janie?”

Janie had stopped in midchew, emotions swirling as, across the dining room, she saw her mother taking an order. Believing she was home, Janie was shocked. At the same time, witnessing her mother in a servile situation, displaying an artificial smile, one Janie had never seen before, filled her with embarrassment, sadness. And fear.

For upon finishing, her mother turned, recognition flashing like lightning on her face as she moved directly toward their table.

“Oh God,” Janie said.

Her friends’ attention shifted to Janie’s mother.

“What’re you doing here, Janie?”

“I thought you were home.”

“I took an extra shift. How did you get in?”

No one responded. Her mother’s eyes swept over the table.

Nikki grinned and said: “Just relax, Marlene.”

Janie’s mother’s eyebrows arched at Nikki’s insolent use of her first name.

Nikki sipped her Coke. “We’re not hurting anybody.”

“I don’t need any lip from you.” Janie’s mother’s face reddened. “Just the pies and drinks?”

Janie nodded.

“Finish and leave. I’ll take care of the bill,” Janie’s mother said.

“I’ve got money,” Nikki said.

Janie assessed Nikki. “I just bet you do.” Then, before she left, her gaze drilled into her daughter. “We’re not members. None of you are. There are rules. I don’t know what you did to get in but don’t you ever pull a stunt like this again. Do you understand?”

Janie’s mother left and a long moment passed with Janie staring at the eternal green lawn. Nikki and Marie worked on their pie.

“I don’t know what she’s all lathered up about.” Nikki chewed slowly. “We’re not hurting anyone.” Her focus then went to the vacated tables nearby that still had cash on them.

When they left, Nikki moved toward the tables with unwatched cash.

“Don’t,” Janie said.

Nikki ignored her, quickly plucking small bills and coins just as someone called out: “Watch it!”

Heads snapped.

Several tables away, Janie’s mom, carrying a tray loaded with food, had glanced at the girls, not seeing the man who’d left his table and had stepped into her path. The collision caused a ceramic explosion, launching a starburst of food that splattered on tables, the floor and the man.

“I’m so sorry, sir!” Janie’s mother quickly seized a napkin, brushing at the tomato, lettuce, fries and toast that had stuck to his designer golf shirt, unable to remove the mayo splotched on his chest and shoulder. “Sir, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” the man said. “Just an accident.”

Janie’s mom got down on her knees, brushing lettuce and chicken from his pants, bacon, tomato and mayo from his shoes. Her hands shook as she gathered the broken plates and food onto her tray while other men applauded and snickered.

“Looks like lunch is on you, Roy,” one man said.

The joke brought on roars of laughter.

The incident also brought on the host and a well-dressed unsmiling woman, no doubt a manager. Both of them hovered over Janie’s mom, still on her knees cleaning up, as she wiped her face with the back of her hand. She lifted her head, tears in her eyes as they locked onto her daughter and her friends, looking down on her.

Janie avoided going home until around eleven that night when she was dropped off from babysitting at the Landers.

Janie and her mother lived in a rented duplex that was not far from the railyards and the slaughterhouse. On hot days the stench was terrible, like the smell of defeat.

Her mother was waiting in the kitchen, bills fanned over the table next to a glass with ice and a bottle that she was deep into. Her hair was mussed, her face puffy, eyes bloodshot. Janie knew the look and steeled herself.

“Do you know who that man was today?” Her mother poured a drink. “The guy I dumped my tray on?”

Janie shook her head.

“Royston J. Tullock. He owns the Prairie Winds Farm Equipment Center, a big deal in his church, donates barrels of money, one of the richest people around. Oh, and he’s on the board of the Eternity Country Club.” Janie’s mom raised her glass in salute. “Know what happens when your daughter and her friends sneak into the club and you dump food on Royston J. Tullock?”

Janie shook her head.

“You get fired.”

Janie’s hands flew to her face.

“Here’s my day,” her mother said. “I overslept and was late for work, then you show up with that slut Nikki and that idiot Marie, then I dump food on Tullock and, ta-da, I’m out of a job.”

Janie’s voice squeaked as she managed: “I’m sorry.”

“It was a good paying job and this year they were going to keep the restaurant open in the winter, but now—” she snatched a fistful of bills “—how am I going to pay these? Credit cards, rent, phone, electricity, groceries? How? With your babysitting money?”

Her mother slammed the table.

“I’m sorry,” Janie said again.

“Sorry doesn’t put food on the table! I told you never to go there! But you never listen to me. Why?”

Janie was silent.

“You won’t listen to me but you listen to that slut Nikki!”

“Don’t call her that. You of all people shouldn’t call her that.”

Her mother’s chair scraped and fell as she rose from the table and slapped Janie’s face.

“Don’t you ever talk like that to me!” Nostrils flaring, eyes brimming, her mother glared at her. “I can’t stand looking at you. Get out of my sight!”

Her face stinging, Janie ran to her bedroom, slammed her door, locked it, then climbed out of her window.

Fighting tears, she ran through the night to the apartment building where Nikki lived with her mother and Telforde. It was at times like this that Janie wished she and her friends had cellular phones, but they were so expensive and only a few rich kids at school had them. So she threw pebbles way up at Nikki’s bedroom window until she appeared.

In whispered tones Janie related what had happened. Nikki joined her and they walked several blocks to the tumbledown house where Marie lived and did what they always did when one of them was hurting. They summoned Marie to her window and she slipped out the back door with the key to her family’s dilapidated RV, resting on cinder blocks at the side of the house.

The girls climbed in, got into sleeping bags and through the night as crickets chirped, they talked about how much they hated Eternity.

“One day we’ll show them all,” Nikki said from behind the red glow of her cigarette.

“How will we do that?” Marie asked.

“We’ll do something big. Something they’ll never forget.”

On the first Tuesday after she was fired, Janie’s mother was circling job ads in the Eternity Bulletin, when she was called to the country club.

Thinking it was to collect her termination letter and final pay she was surprised to find Roy Tullock in the office with her former manager, Lila Skripchuck.

At Tullock’s request, Marlene recounted what had happened the previous Saturday, carefully withholding any mention of being hungover. “I was not feeling well, I was distracted.” Tullock then asked Marlene about her personal situation, and she told him she was raising a teenage daughter alone after her husband had abandoned them. Tullock nodded, possibly reflecting on his own teenage daughter, Torrie, whom, according to local gossip Marlene had heard, was in an institution in Winnipeg.

Marlene finished and Tullock rubbed his chin.

“When I learned of your dismissal and your situation as a single mom, I was concerned,” he said. “Having a better understanding of the circumstances, young girls being a handful, we believe we rushed to judgment and that you should be reinstated. Right, Lila?”

“That’s right, Mr. Tullock.” Lila forced a smile.

“It was an accident. I should’ve been looking, too,” Tullock said. “I believe in forgiveness and second chances.”

Marlene’s gaze flicked from Lila to Tullock, realization dawning.

“Thank you, thank you both.” Marlene shook their hands.

“Yes,” Lila said. “Just be more careful. We’ll see you at the usual time tomorrow.”

“Oh,” Tullock said, “Marlene, you’d mentioned that your daughter was fourteen and babysits for Marv Lander, one of my senior managers at the center?”

“Yes, she sits for Mr. Lander.”

“Has she taken first aid and CPR courses?”

“She has.”

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