Chapter 48 #2
The cops aren’t sure how he managed to bypass the security system at Cara and Ethan’s place (and he isn’t talking), but the working theory is that he did something similar to what Fiona did and created another profile.
Ava had checked on their house in the past when they were on vacation so it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility that he stole the code from her.
Because while Fiona had turned off the cameras, he somehow turned off the security system and broke in through the garage to set the fire.
Hannah’s body had also been found by hikers. She was buried in a shallow grave along a desolate hiking trail. I guess he assumed coyotes or something would take care of her. So now an investigation into her murder has been opened and he is the prime suspect.
Hector’s expression shifts slightly as he nods. “Sort of. I think he’s going to take a plea instead of a trial. There’s enough evidence to get a guilty verdict. And after that recording of his confession was released on social media…” Hector shakes his head slightly.
“I didn’t release it. In case you were wondering.”
“I know. I’m pretty sure it was Marcus, though he’s denied it. He says someone must have hacked his phone.”
Yeah, right. Marcus recorded Ryan’s confession of killing Cara and Powell. He absolutely released it. And I’m glad for it. I’m also glad that Hannah’s body was found, to give the people in her life closure.
Knowing why Cara was killed doesn’t necessarily make the loss easier, but it gives me, the girls and Ethan answers. There will never be any wondering.
Ryan invested big in the next-gen self-driving air taxis, and when they couldn’t get the onboard system just right, he started changing the files on the back end.
It didn’t help that Ava had messed with a couple of the files originally, but then she stopped.
Ryan had kept going. It might have worked, but Cara figured out what was going on so he’d killed her.
Ava had figured it out too, eventually—after Cara’s murder.
I thought Ava’s reaction to me at her house was because of guilt, but she’d been torn up.
She’d just started to figure out what Ryan had done and was blaming herself for not seeing it earlier.
I still break out in a sweat thinking about what might have happened if I’d shown up with a loaded gun to her place.
That day could have played out so differently, and I’m grateful to Alex for being the friend I didn’t know I needed.
The entire project has been paused for now. And I don’t think Ava cares. She’s quit her job, and last I talked to her, she and Marcus are moving to places unknown.
Marcus saved my life, and for that I’ll always be thankful. But do I think he would have defended Ava if she had been involved in Cara’s murder? Yeah, because he loves her.
“It was a smart move,” Hector says. “Calculated, but smart. There’s no way Chatelain wants to risk a trial. Not after the recording went viral.”
“His lawyer might convince him to take it to trial,” I murmur. But I don’t even care. Because say he gets off? Somehow, say a jury finds him not guilty—which I can’t imagine. He won’t be walking around free for long.
And I’m okay with that brand of justice.
I’m glad I decided to hold off on telling Hector about what Cara hid.
He can hand it over to the prosecutor tomorrow.
We don’t have to talk about that today though.
“Merry Christmas,” I finally say. “I didn’t actually bring anything and I’m sort of embarrassed to walk in there without a gift. ”
“I promise you my family won’t care.” He takes a step closer, all up in my personal space.
I kinda like it.
“And I would like to ask you out now before you meet all of them. On a date, in case that isn’t clear.” His deep voice is intoxicating as it wraps around me.
“You’re intentionally asking me out before I meet your family?”
“Oh yeah.” He’s a little closer now and he smells like citrus and amber. I don’t know what the combination is, but it works on him. “They’re a lot to handle.”
“Hate to break it to you, but I’m a lot to handle.” My gaze is on his mouth now.
“I’m well aware of that.” There’s a hint of amusement in his voice, and oh, he’s so close now I want to bury my face in his ridiculous sweater. Or his neck. Or grab his face and kiss him like there’s no tomorrow. Can I do all three?
“Bring that poor girl in out of the cold!” A loud female voice breaks the spell between us.
Blinking, I look over and see his sister Bianca grinning at us. I also see at least four people watching us from a big window. They all scramble away when I make eye contact with one of them.
“I told you,” he murmurs. “And I’m going to pay her back for this.”
“I’ll help.”
He lets out a startled laugh, but slides an arm around my shoulder. “Come on. There’ll be time for this later.”
I certainly hope so. It’s weird to feel hopeful, especially after losing Cara. But there’s something new and wonderful blooming between us. Something I’ve never even considered for myself.
I’ve always lived vicariously through my sister, never imagining I could have what she had. But just maybe…there’s more to life than my work.
Thank you so much for reading Neighbor Liar Killer.