Two for Joy - Louise Collins Page 0,39

emotions show in Chad’s eyes. I feel alive when I look at him.”

“Maybe in that farmhouse you rubbed off on him more than you knew.”

“This isn’t him.”

“Then who is it?”

“This is someone empty, just like me. Someone with their own monster to satisfy.”

Romeo listened as footsteps came down the corridor. Then Paul and Fred appeared on the other side of the bars. Paul looking furious, and Fred twitchy as hell.

“Back up and put your arms through.” Paul said.

“Why?”

“Because I told you to.”

Romeo puffed air from his nose like an angry bull, then did as he was told. Paul tightened the cuffs until his wrists stung, but he didn’t let it show. He didn’t give Paul the satisfaction of knowing it hurt.

“Where am I going?”

“Visiting room.”

“Come on.” Fred said. “We can’t keep the detective waiting.”

Paul backed up from the bars, leaving Fred to unlock them. He couldn’t look Romeo in the eye, but kept his head low, and pointed in the direction he needed to march. The news was on every TV set he passed, the prisoners didn’t even wink or wolf whistle, too engrossed with the idea of a copycat. Another countdown killer searching for his fourth victim, his number 2.

The only person not watching the news was Justin Steel, he was doing press-ups on his cell floor, but when Romeo passed, he jumped to his feet, and hurled abuse. For once, Romeo didn’t antagonize him. He kept walking, gaze locked on the next security door.

When Paul opened the door to the visiting room, Romeo paused at the sight of Zac sitting on the other side of the barrier. Zac, wearing a shirt, smart jacket, straight tie, and air of seriousness. His blond hair was combed back, and even though he was young, he was trying his best to look older, professional.

Romeo took his seat, but Zac didn’t look at him, his eyes were darting between Paul and Fred.

“I need you to wait outside.”

“No,” Paul started. “We’ve got to stay with—”

Zac flashed his badge, then slipped it inside his jacket pocket. “I’m not asking, I’m telling. We’re going to be discussing sensitive material in regard to an ongoing case.”

“I still don’t think…”

Zac sighed, and looked as if he was about to stand up. “I’ll talk to the governor, but he didn’t look in the best of moods this morning. I doubt it’d make him very happy knowing two of his officers are slowing down an important case.”

“Okay,” Fred said. “There’s no need. We’ll wait outside.”

“Thank you.” Zac said, settling back in his chair.

Romeo listened to Fred and Paul shuffling, then the door closed behind them. He looked up at Zac, who took a long exhale, then sagged forward.

“Can’t believe that worked…”

“There’s a camera over there, at least keep up the pretense.”

Zac didn’t look towards the camera, but he did straighten in his seat, then presented Romeo with a folder. Romeo narrowed his eyes, studying the typed text.

“Are they song lyrics?”

“Yeah. I wanted it to look authentic.”

“Because most detectives present suspects with love songs…”

Zac looked back over his shoulder. “They think I’m part of the homicide team, but it was the only way I could speak to you. I’m gonna lose my job because of this. I flashed them my reception badge for fuck sake.”

“Keep your head.” Romeo growled. “Even if you lose your job, it would be worth it to clear Chad’s name.”

“Yeah,” Zac sighed. “You’re right.”

Romeo closed his eyes. “You have no idea how good it is to hear you say that.”

“What?”

“Just to know someone out there is on Chad’s side.”

Zac looked away. “So we’re clear. I’m here for Chad. Not for you. I hate you. I find you repulsive, evil.”

“I would be disappointed if you felt anything less.”

“I think about when I saw you in the city. I apologized to you, said I hadn’t had time to look into the graffiti on your barn and you told me—”

“Not to worry. You had more pressing matters. You thanked me for understanding, then I asked about Chad.”

“You were right in front of me, right there, and I didn’t suspect a thing. You had Chad. He was hurt.”

“I looked after him.”

“I could’ve saved him if I only opened my eyes.”

“I went into the station and complained about the graffiti. I passed many officers, looked many in the eyes, even Chad, and he didn’t know I was the killer.”

“Still… I’m always gonna feel shit about it.”

“But that is why you’re gonna help him now.”

Zac let out another long breath, then nodded. “Holly