She bent her head close to mine, whispering with fierce intensity. “I don’t get caught. I’ve never been caught. If Brady had been able to control himself for a few goddamn days—”

“You really were going to your aunt’s house?” I croaked. I could hear the noise of the street, but I couldn’t see more than a sliver of the parking lot. If only one of the catering crew would come out now, they would see us, they would call for help.

“Of course I was. I was there when I heard the news that my dumbfuck husband had blown everything. I’m so sorry he dragged Michael into this. I didn’t mean for you to get involved.”

I could almost believe she was sorry, that she’d tried to shield me from her own heinous crimes. She’d been watching us on those cameras, she’d been destroying innocent people, and I couldn’t hold my tongue, not even with my life at stake. “Why? Why did you do it?”

“I’m trying to make it up to you. Just quit freaking out.” She gave me a little shake, almost playful.

“What are you talking about? You killed people.”

“Oh, that.” And I could have sworn I saw something moving in her eyes, something dark and hungry, but what she said was, “It was Brady. He was obsessed. God, I love that asshole.”

She was lying, I knew it. “But he’s not here now.”

“No,” she said slowly, “he’s not, is he?” I tried to withdraw my arm gently, but her grip tightened. “I can’t fool you, Kacy, can I? But it’s true, I did try to protect you.”

“Let me protect you. Just go. They won’t find you.” I’d sprint to the street and call the police.

“I can’t.” She looked almost sad. “This is who I am, and you know I always finish my jobs.”

Then she raised her hand, and I felt a sharp sting, an injection in my shoulder. As my vision narrowed to a pinprick, she whispered, “Sorry, sweetie. I just need a head start.”

C2C TRANSCRIPT

14

Helen: Okay, so there’s a lot to unpack here at the end.

Julia: Like, fifty suitcases’ worth.

Helen: But we’re going to keep it tight on logistics. First, that woman on the security footage? Lena’s aunt. She muddied up the timeline, lied her ass off about seeing Lena, and generally caused havoc.

Julia: I would do that for you, totally.

Helen: You cause havoc recreationally.

Julia: Truth.

Helen: But the FBI is not taken in by all these Texas shenanigans. They’re following up with Lena’s extended family in Louisiana and Arkansas and they’re keeping tabs on Kacy and her family too.

Julia: As victims, witnesses, or suspects?