Chapter 1

CHAPTER

ONE

You shouldn't have walked into a place you weren't supposed to be.

When you did and you realized your mistake, you should have looked away.

But you didn't.

Instead, you became suspicious and hostile.

You confronted me.

Then you made a threat.

I've put entirely too much into this to let someone like you ruin it.

This isn't my fault. It's yours . It's all because you didn't mind your own business.

I saw it in your eyes. Saw how you were going to wreck everything.

Now it's come down to this. I never planned on taking such drastic measures. But you've left me no choice.

I shrug my shoulders and continue down the path to the beach as darkness hangs overhead, making me feel as if I'm tucked under the black cloak of an evil, ominous deity.

At least the nighttime disguises my face and what I'm about to do.

You're waiting by the water, just as I told you to.

But do you think I asked you to meet so we could make a deal?

I regret to inform you that isn't the case.

I can't pay you off. No amount of money would be enough for your silence.

No, I have other ways of handling things.

As I approach, you turn toward me. Something flickers in your brown eyes—greed.

You're slimy, that much is obvious.

But I hadn't anticipated you being this much of a problem.

"You wanted to meet?" you begin, the start of a smirk on your face.

You're in your mid-twenties and only five foot four. Your build is hefty but not muscular. You're too much of a desk jockey. Your brown hair is dark and thick, always perfectly styled with a side part.

You think you're smarter than you really are.

You think you're smarter than I am.

I'm going to prove you wrong. I'm going to prove a lot of people wrong.

"Yes, I wanted to meet," I tell you, grateful for the darkness and that no one else is around. But I have to act quickly because in the blink of an eye that can change. "I want to explain myself."

"There's no explaining what I saw." You definitely smirk now, your double chin emphasizing your cocky expression—but in a repulsive way. "You and I both know it. You'll do anything to get ahead. So why don't you just get to the point?"

You're clearly hoping for a payout here.

You greedy little idiot.

I need to set you straight.

Before I can second-guess myself, I pull the gun from the pocket of my dark sweatshirt. Too bad I can't use it. Shooting you would be easy. But then your death won't look like an accident. Plus, someone might hear the bullet firing through the air. Even though the roar of the waves is loud, I fear the gunshot would be louder.

Still, it's a good scare tactic to ensure I get what I want.

Your eyes widen as your cockiness disappears. Your hands shoot into the air, palms facing me as fear dawns on your face. "No, please don't! I'll keep your secret."

Like I'd believe that one . . . "Secrets come at a price."

"I was being stupid. I'm sorry!" You back up, the edges of your sweatpants doused by the water.

I follow you as you back farther into the ocean, not caring about the fact that my own pants are getting wet.

I'll think of an excuse for that later. I'm good at making excuses. Coming up with stories. Making people believe me.

You have the power to stop me from getting what I deserve. And I can not let that happen.

As I continue toward you, you take several more steps into the waves.

You're panicking.

Good.

The next instant, you turn and begin to run into the ocean.

You dive beneath the surface, desperate to get away.

If you really want to do things this way . . .

I stuff the gun into my waistband.

Then I easily catch up with you as you surface.

I grab your shoulders and pounce on you.

Your head goes under the water.

A wave hits us. We tumble and roll, but I hold on.

When I surface again, I slam your body down.

Your head hits one of the rocks barely visible above the waterline.

Even in the dark, I see blood trickling from your temple.

Your body goes limp, and you stop fighting.

Which is just what I want.

I shove your body farther out into the water, face down.

I don't have to do anything else. The ocean will take care of this problem for me.

I watch your body floating in the moonlight.

Then I begin to walk back to shore.

I glance at the resort where I'm staying this week.

The place is pure paradise.

I can't wait to enact everything I have planned. I've been meticulous in my preparations.

Now you can't get in my way.

My first obstacle has been taken care of and checked off my list.

But I have many other tasks to complete in order to reach my goal.

I turn around once more and see your body floating in the water, the soft moonlight hitting your white shirt as waves toss you around.

"Farewell, Jared," I whisper. "I'm sorry things had to end this way."

But I'm not really.

I smile at the thought.

Then I slither through some brush until I reach the resort.

It's time to enact the rest of my plan.

The next step is for me to look like I have no idea what just happened.