Epilogue
Silas
J esus Christ, Sterling has called at least twenty times in the last fifteen minutes.
I'm standing in the shadows behind Campbell's house, my back pressed against the cold brick, breathing as steady as possible despite my irritation.
I don't need any distractions right now.
This has to be clean, precise, in and out.
No witnesses, no evidence, just the last name crossed off my list of monsters who covered up my mother's murder.
With gloved fingers, I reach into my pocket, retrieving my phone to turn it off.
When the screen lights up, I notice several texts from Sterling as well, the notification banner filled with his name.
What the hell is so urgent that he needs to blow up my phone?
The preview of the last message catches my attention immediately, the bold text practically screaming at me, making my blood run cold.
DO NOT GO TO CAMPBELL'S
How in the hell does he know what I'm about to do? My fingers tighten around the phone, mind racing with possibilities. Has Sterling been following me? I unlock the phone, scrolling through his frantic messages.
GET OUT NOW! IT'S AN AMBUSH. THEY ARE WAITING FOR YOU!
My heart beats faster, adrenaline flooding my system.
I flatten myself further against the wall, eyes darting across the darkened yard, scanning for movement, for anything I may have missed.
This doesn't make sense. I've been watching the house for days.
I know Campbell's routine better than he does.
There's been no indication of a trap. And who the fuck are 'they'?
Then the final message hits me like a physical blow knocking the air from my lungs.
FUCK! THEY HAVE HER! THEY HAVE YOUR GIRL!
My world narrows to those eight words glowing on the screen. Charlotte. They have Charlotte. A primal, visceral rage surges through me, mixed with something I rarely feel. Pure fear.
The End.
For now, Book 2 in the Ruthless Monsters Series is coming in 2026.