Chapter 8 The Headless Horseman
THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN
Her reaction to the memory had been surprising.
He had expected her to beg for forgiveness when faced with her treachery. The moment she stared down at the corpse of the one she betrayed, she would understand that’s why she was here. To atone for the sins she levied against him with her lies.
The Headless Horseman had not expected her to wail like that.
Nor had he expected Scarlett to push herself so hard against the bars that she nearly shredded herself to get to the body.
If she had recoiled at the sight, that would’ve been understandable.
Instead, she reached towards it as if her life demanded it. Tried to follow it into the darkness.
Even he had felt her deep anguish. It had threatened his resolve. He had not lied to her; this was only the beginning. What was to come next would be much worse. He would lay her lies before her and demand answers.
Had she admitted to everything during this first viewing, he would’ve killed her and ended this cruel game. Even now, as he thinks it, he calls himself a liar. Ending her won’t be easy, and after tonight, there is a voice nagging at him.
It urges him to reconsider his plan. What if he has been wrong about her? What if she is blameless in all of this—an innocent victim just like him? Could she have been ignorant of her father’s plot?
Thinking back to that night is difficult, but he remembers it all with stark clarity.
Her father had said she wished to be free of him.
That he was keeping her from the advantageous marriage she hoped for.
Earl Richard Crest had handed him the letter as proof, and indeed, that is what her words entailed.
At the time, it had seemed out of character for her, but there was no mistaking her penmanship. After all, he had received dozens of her love letters over the years. Her script was as familiar as his own.
That infernal note burned in his pocket. He should reread it. Memorize her words again so there is no wavering on what he has to do. It will burn away whatever misplaced sympathy he is feeling towards her.
She just needs to be pushed harder—tormented further. Then she will buckle and admit to her hand in the plot. He will have her confession before he takes her life. He vows this to himself. The only contrition she feels is guilt-based. She is just as responsible as the rest of them.
She has to be.