by Mia Belle
“Hey,” I shout over the noise.
Aidan’s eyes land on mine and his expression shifts from happy to excited in less than a second. “Lia,” he says, patting the spot next to him on the bed. With a sheepish smile, he cleans up the snack wrappers, setting them down on his end table. “Sorry about the mess. The guys went a little overboard with the snacks. Zane said I should milk being the injured kid for as long as I can.”
I laugh as I sit down beside him. Aidan offers me some snacks. “How was school?” he asks.
I focus on the game on the TV. “Everyone was talking about what happened. Kids I didn’t even know asked if I’m okay.”
Aidan nods, his lips pressed together. “I hate what those assholes did to you.”
I place my hand on his chest. “It’s in the past. I really don’t want to talk about it.”
He bends close and pecks my lips. “Okay.”
“I’m so glad you’re okay. I keep thinking what could have happened if…”
He kisses me again. “Hey, no talking about it, remember? There’s nothing about that night I regret. I’d willingly give up my life if it meant protecting yours.”
“Aidan…”
He kisses me again. “I love you, Lia.”
I just stare at him. First Zane and now him? “I…I…”
Aidan presses his lips to mine again. “It’s okay if you’re not ready to say it. And it’s okay if you don’t feel the same. I just had to tell you.”
“I do. And I’ll say it one day,” I promise him.
He kisses me again. “That’s totally fine.” He draws back and smiles. “One good thing that came out of all this is that I’m pretty sure I found my calling in life.”
I lift a brow. “Your calling?”
“I know what I want to do with my life. When I was at the hospital, I saw all the sick kids and there was a nurse who made it his mission to give each kid his undivided attention, to make them laugh and have fun. He took care of every single patient as though they were the only ones in the entire hospital. It inspired me. I want to do that, Lia. I want to be a nurse and help people.”
I fling my arms around him. “That’s wonderful, Aidan. You’ll be the best nurse in the world, because you have such a big heart.” I kiss him deep and long.
“I’m so excited and hopeful for the future.” He locks his fingers through mine. “Thanks for being here for me, for encouraging me, for not letting me lose hope.”
We make out for a little while until we remember everyone’s home and Aidan’s door is unlocked. The guys enter the room a bit later and we decide on a movie. Zane picks another X-Men one.
Caleb lifts a brow at Zane. “What is it with you and X-Men anyway?”
Zane’s green eyes seem to leave this room as a memory washes over him. “Zack and I loved them when we were little. Both our favorite was Wolverine and we always fought who should play him when we acted out the movies and comic books.” He laughs. “Those are probably the only good memories I have of my childhood.”
I rest my head against his chest. “But you have amazing memories now, don’t you?”
He smiles crookedly. “With you in my life? Hell yes.”
Caleb and Aidan frown. “Thanks a lot, man.”
Zane chuckles. “Kidding, you guys have given me great memories, too. And a great life. Thanks for being my brothers.” He holds his fist up and both guys bump it.
We get comfy on Aidan’s bed and start the movie. Zane acts out Wolverine’s parts and we laugh at how funny he is.
I stare at the ceiling, shutting my eyes. It’s been a hard year for all of us, but we’ve grown stronger, grown closer. And I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.
Chapter Forty-Five
Caleb
After school the next day, I’m cooking up a storm. We’re having a celebratory dinner in Aidan’s honor. And of course we’ve invited Lia and her dad. I’ve got a few hours until they’re set to arrive, but I need to make sure everything is perfect.
A little while later, as I’m working on a soup I spent the past few days perfecting, my phone buzzes. When I peer at it, I notice there’s an alert flashing across my screen. Maxwell the Magnificent has struck again, this time killing an entire family in Illinois. A mom, dad, and their three kids. Man, he’s so close…
My throat gets tight. A whole family died because of me.
I can’t let this go on. I promised myself after my father killed those cops that I’d give myself up. I have to give my dad what he wants before he takes more lives.
I create a few fake social media accounts under the name David Copperfield. That was what my dad called me when I was a kid. He was Houdini. I post messages everywhere I can:
David Copperfield is searching for Houdini. Prompt response requested.
I’m pretty sure my dad will pick up on them. He has eyes all over.
I resume cooking. An hour later, the front door opens and Lia and her dad walk in. Mr. Kelly meets Craig and Julia in the living room, where they’re watching the news. I’m pretty sure my aunt and uncle have learned about the murders but are keeping quiet because we have guests.
Beads of sweat form on my forehead when I think about what I’m about to do. Offer myself up to my murdering dad.
A few minutes later, my phone pings with a private message.
Houdini: Who is this?
David Copperfield: Pretty sure you know who I am. We both know I’m the one you want. No one else has to get hurt.
Houdini: Prove you are who you say you are.
I tell him a story only my father and I would know—how he met my mother and wowed her with his magic.
Houdini: You giving yourself up, boy?
I shut my eyes for a second to regulate my breathing, then tap out a response.
David Copperfield: Yes. Just don’t hurt anyone else.
“Hey.”
I quickly slide my phone into my pocket. Lia leans against the kitchen doorway with a smile on her face. “It smells so good in here. Need help?”
“Thanks, but I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod, my fingers itching to check my phone for my father’s reply.
Lia pushes off the doorframe, eyes narrowed like she’s trying to read me. “Are you really sure?”
I nod curtly. “Lia, I appreciate the offer, but I need to be alone right now.”
She just stares at me. I know I’m being harsh, but I need to protect her. No one can know I reached out to my dad. The more distance I keep from my family and Lia, the safer it will be for them.
My heart feels heavy as I watch her turn around and leave confused. I don’t want our final moment together to be strained, but I need to protect her.
I wish I could call out to her, wrap her in my arms and tell her everything is going to be okay. But how can I do that when I’m basically giving myself up to my murdering dad?
When I’m sure she’s gone, I check Dad’s last message.
Houdini: You meet me alone. No cops. If I see a cop I’ll start killing.
David Copperfield: You have my word. No cops. I’ll come alone.
Houdini: Where you hiding?
I swallow before answering.
David Copperfield: Missouri.
Illinois is a few hours away by car, but knowing my dad, he’ll get here quicker.
I give him the address to an abandoned building on the other side of town. It should take me about twenty minutes to get there. But I have some time before I need to leave.
I climb up to my room, grab some paper and write private letters to each member of my family, and Lia and her dad. All these people have meant so much to me, have had a great impact on my life. My last words to each person is goodbye. To Lia, I add that I love her, and that she means the world to me. I also tell her I’m sorry we didn’t have a chance to embark on our life’s journey together. I also tell her I’m sorry.
I place the letters in my bottom drawer, then slip o
ut of my window a few hours later, after we’re done with a dinner that was supposed to be celebratory, but was a farewell event for me.
***
As I approach the warehouse, goosebumps pop up all over my arms. I feel like I’m being watched—no, I know I’m being watched. Dad definitely has men surrounding the area, in case I didn’t keep my word and brought the cops.
I take a few seconds to catch my breath, my chest heaving, before I make my way into the building. Five men stand there with their arms crossed and legs spread apart. My head whips around, but I don’t see Maxwell anywhere.
One of the guys lunges at me, grabbing me by the throat and slamming me against the wall. Another throws a sack over my head while a third ties my hands behind my back.
“Say one word, boy, and your girlfriend dies.”
My heart gallops in my chest and I nod quickly. The guys pull me out of the warehouse and dump me in a car.
The drive isn’t a long one, but I’m pretty sure we’re not in Willow Lake anymore. Maybe the next town.
The car door opens and I’m hauled into a building. The sack is still over my head as one of the guys shoves me down on a chair, binding my arms and legs to it.
I remain bound to this chair for a little while before the sack is lifted and Maxwell the Magnificent stands before me. His lips are curled into an evil smile, eyes thirsty for my blood.
The years haven’t been good to him. His long hair is white and looks like it hasn’t been washed in ages, his skin sunken in, the wrinkles on his face pronounced.
“Look, boys,” he says to his minions. “My son decided to stop by and pay us a visit.”
The guys chuckle, a wicked sound that stems from deep within their stomachs.
“Please,” I say. “I did what you asked. I came alone and didn’t tell anyone. Now keep your end of the deal and don’t hurt anyone else.”
Dad tilts his head from side to side. “I don’t think you’re in a position to demand anything.” As if he has super speed, he zooms over to me, grabbing me by the chin. “When I last saw you, you were ten years old. You’re all grown up now.” He laughs evilly, then his lips twist downward. “Had a good life with my perfect brother?” His blue eyes burn holes in mine. “It’s not fair that you get to live a good life while I’m on the run.”
“You shouldn’t have stolen from all those people,” I say. “You shouldn’t have killed anyone.”
His fingers squeeze my chin, eyes searing with rage. I grit my teeth to hold back from crying out in pain. “You little shit! The only reason we had a good life was because of those people’s money. You think I could have afforded to give you all those nice things on a magician’s salary?”
“I thought you were a good dad,” I say. “You made me think you were a spectacular person. I looked up to you.” I narrow my eyes. “After mom died, you made sure I was happy. You made sure I had everything I needed.”
He laughs so loud it vibrates against the wall. “Died? You think your mother died?”
The others laugh along with him. I gape at him, my heart rate picking up. “What are you talking about? She died in a car accident.”
He chortles again, the others following suit. “Oh stupid, stupid innocent boy. Yes she died in a car crash, but that was no accident. I had one of my guys screw with her brakes.”
My hands curl into fists. “Untie these ropes so I can beat the living hell out of you. How could you kill your own wife? My mom?”
His face twists like he ate something sour. He drops his fingers from my chin and circles me. “You and your mom were spending too much time together while I was off performing. I knew she’d take you away from me one day. So I killed her before it happened.”
I just gape at him. “Take me away? She’d never leave you. Mom loved you.”
He laughs an empty laugh. “Maybe, but I sure as hell didn’t love her. The only good thing about her was that she brought you into this world.”
I grit my teeth. “If I mean that much to you, why do you want to kill me?”
His eyes grow crazy as he sweeps over to me, once again grabbing me by the chin. “I know you were the one who tattled to the FBI about my stealing. The day I landed in jail, I promised myself I would kill you. No one crosses Maxwell the Magnificent. Not even his own son.”
“It wasn’t me!” I tell him. “I had no idea what you were doing until you were arrested.”
But he’s not listening to me. He’s already decided my fate and I doubt there’s anything I could do.
He releases my chin and circles me again. “Do you know what prison is like? No, because you’ve been living the good life with my perfect twin brother. All my life he’s taken everything from me. Our parents’ love and attention. Attention from all the girls. But I’ll be damned if I let him take my son from me.” His eyes widen like he’s losing his mind. “If I can’t have you, no one can. You’ll pay, David Copperfield, for taking my freedom away from me.” His lip curls up. “Killing you for my revenge and taking you away from my brother will be so very satisfying.”
The others’ lips curl up, too, as they wait for my crazy dad’s next move.
Sweat gathers on my chest and forehead and my breathing is heavy as my dad lifts a gun from his pocket and points it right at my head. I shut my eyes tight, ready for him to pull the trigger.
Chapter Forty-Six
Lia
Dinner goes by well and we have a great time, but I can’t take my eyes off Caleb. Something’s bothering him, which is why he’s been acting so cold toward me all throughout the evening. And he’s so quiet. It’s not like him. But not everything is my business. He’s allowed to have his secrets, though I wish he’d tell me.
He cleans up on his own, reassuring us that he doesn’t need help. Clearly, he wants to be left alone. I sit in front of the TV with Aidan and Zane.
An hour later, there’s a knock on the door as well as the ringing of the doorbell. Craig asks who it is and as soon as we hear “FBI” we rush to the door.
Two agents stand there, and I notice many more surrounding the house. One of them, a tall guy, flashes his badge, and Craig widens the door for him.
The man scans us. “Which one of you is Caleb Armstrong?”
“Caleb’s in the kitchen,” Julia says. “What’s this about?”
The men storm toward the kitchen. “We have reason to believe Maxwell Bowman is headed to this town.”
My heart thumps in my chest. His dad…? Here?
We follow the agents to the kitchen, only to find it empty.
“He must be in his room,” Craig says. “Caleb?” he calls.
There’s no response.
“Can you guys get him?” Julia asks us.
Zane, Aidan, and I climb up to Caleb’s room, an agent following us. Caleb’s not there. The agent lifts his wrist to his lips. “The boy doesn’t seem to be on the premises.”
A few more agents swarm Caleb’s room, ushering us out and telling us to stick together in the kitchen. Oh my god. Did Caleb’s dad sneak into his room and grab him? Tears flash in my eyes. Zane and Aidan look beyond worried.
“Kids, please go downstairs,” the tall agent says as he reaches for Caleb’s phone and laptop.
I notice something odd on the computer screen. “Wait a second,” I say. “Do you see that?”
It’s a map of Missouri, and there’s a flashing red light between Willow Lake and another city.
I’ve seen that light before. Caleb showed it to me once when he… “It’s a tracking device,” I tell them. “Caleb told me about it a few days ago. Could it be he put a tracking device on himself?”
The agents rush out of the room, shouting orders at the others. They study the map and the flashing light very carefully. “Send a SWAT team to that location,” the tall man instructs.
The guys and I go downstairs and join our parents in the kitchen. I wrap my arms around myself, finally letting the tears fall. “You think we’re too late?” I ask, my voice above a
whisper.
Aidan holds me close to his chest while Zane rubs my arm. “It’ll be okay,” Aidan whispers. “Caleb’s strong and smart. He’s a fighter.”
He murmurs the words repeatedly as he presses his cheek to mine. Zane squeezes my hand, also giving me—and himself and the others—encouraging words. I’m not sure he believes them. I’m trying to be positive, but his dad is a murderer. He wants him dead. What if the cops are too late?
Chapter Forty-Seven
Caleb
I shut my eyes, waiting for the bullet to strike. I can feel the hatred emanating from my dad. I want to beg for my life, but I know it’ll only fall on deaf ears.
Before my eyes, I see my aunt and uncle being there for me when no one else was. I see Aidan and Zane inviting me to play with them when we were ten and treating me like their brother. I see Lia’s smiling face, her love for me shining in her eyes. I see my mother telling me it’s going to be okay. Will I see her again? Will we be reunited?
The door is kicked open and a SWAT team storms the place.
“You called the cops!” Dad growls. He’s about to pull the trigger, but someone shoots a bullet through his chest. His shirt drenches with blood. He staggers to the floor, the gun sliding out of his hand, his angry eyes locked on mine. Then he slumps over.
Dad’s minions drop one by one.
One of SWAT team men reaches down to untie me. “You okay, kid?”
I nod, too shocked to talk. I stare down at my dad, at the blood pooling around him. “Is he..?”
“He’s dead.”
A breath I didn’t know I was holding escapes my lips. The guy helps me to my feet and into an ambulance.
“We need to take you to the hospital,” he says. I feel fine, but I’m not going to argue with him. My hands and knees shake and I still haven’t gotten hold of my breathing. “Your parents will meet you there.” He shuts the door and bangs on the side of the ambulance. I lie down and stare at the ceiling.
I’m alive.
I’m alive.
***
My aunt and uncle are asked to stay outside as the doctors run different tests on me. They say I’m fine, just in shock. Once they get the clear, Julia, Craig, Aidan, Zane, and Lia rush into my room. Lia’s dad waves and smiles at me from outside, probably figuring there’s too much of a crowd in here.
