28 | Mike
Mike
LIAM IS TALKING ABOUT a movie or a TV show, and I am not listening to a single word.
My focus is entirely on the sneaky man who just left my side and walked down to the basement.
I’m not sure what he’s doing, but he would’ve said something if he were just going to check on her.
I’m not too worried—he’s not the murdery type unless it’s part of the game, and he knows this is my kill.
But still, it’s unusual for Nate to do something without letting the rest of us know.
My brother and I often keep secrets from the group.
Nothing too serious, but we value keeping parts of our lives to ourselves.
Nathan, on the other hand, is the type who can’t keep a secret to save his life.
The man simply cannot lie. Which is honestly the only reason it's a good thing we've never been caught; one hour in an interrogation room with Nate and the police would have everything—from burial grounds to victims' names, right down to how the whole thing started.
“You know, it’s a really good movie,” Liam tells me, and I nod. Sure it is, buddy. I have no idea what we’re talking about, but if you say so, I’m sure it’s great.
“This actor is amazing. He’s done so many good films that it’s ridiculous he isn’t famous yet,” he continues. Yes, Liam, I’m sure he’s super talented. Now shut the fuck up—I need to figure out what Nate is doing.
I don’t actually say that, though. I just nod along. “Yeah, I’m sure he’ll have his big break soon. We should watch one of his films.”
He brightens up. “Yeah! Let me grab my laptop.”
As he gets up, I take the opportunity to check on my man. I hate when things are out of my control. I peek through the basement door, lucky enough to remain unnoticed.
They’re just talking, but before I can fully process the sight, I hear Liam’s footsteps returning from the other side of the house.
I dart back and flop onto the couch, breathless, trying to steady myself just as he comes over and sits on the floor by my feet.
He doesn’t notice a thing. He’s so excited about his movie that he doesn’t even see me fighting for air.
He hasn’t even realized Nathan is missing from my side.
I wonder how my usually detail-obsessed brother is being so careless today, but he seems to be in an exceptionally good mood.
He turns on the film, and we spend the next hour and a half watching a ridiculously bad horror movie.
It’s low-budget trash, in my opinion, but my brother acts like it’s the best thing he’s seen in years.
He’s always loved terrible horror flicks, and I’ve always despised them, but I do love seeing him smile and laugh.
So, I sit there watching it with him, even while my mind stays locked on the sneaky guy in our basement, chatting up a woman he shouldn't be.
When Nate finally comes back over an hour later, he sits next to me and drapes an arm over my shoulder, pulling me against his chest. He acts as if he were never gone.
I’m not sure if he’s delusional enough to think I didn’t notice, or if he’s just hoping I won’t ask.
If it’s the latter, he’s right. I won’t ask.
I lean back against him and pretend everything is fine, refusing to ruin the first normal evening we’ve had in what feels like forever.
It doesn’t matter anyway. The woman will soon be dead.