Infected

Chapter 16

In the sea of strangers is a head of dirty blonde hair, standing taller than most around it and bowed from sight. No one pays attention to the man, they're too engrossed in the dunk tank to care, but I can't take my eyes off him. The coil in my stomach forces me to keep him in my sight, to never let my gaze stray, because he'll disappear the moment I do. The head lifts and a pair of dark brown eyes, surrounded by purple sunken skin look back at me with a challenge.

I've ingrained that face into my brain and planned out this scenario for weeks. It was stupid of me to think he wouldn't show up in a public setting. To have one moment of happiness was idiotic, I should have never let my guard down.

My heart restarts at a painful speed as the adrenaline kicks in. I stalk towards the figure, accepting his silent dare. The game between us starts as shouts ensue behind me. They call my name, trying to see what's gotten me into this frenzy. The voices shouldn't be concerned, there's nothing he can do to harm me. The sheriff is here along with plenty of police officers and a handful of individuals who would be more than happy to beat him to a pulp for ruining the town's image.

He deliberately turns his back to me and heads for a patch of old trees.

I shout for him to stop but he doesn't react, doesn't change his pace. His ghostly speed makes me break out into a jog. A few onlookers turn their heads to follow my pursuit but never question the man I'm after.

Why aren't they doing anything? I wonder. Can't they see that the murderer who's sent their town into a frenzy is right in front of them?

He leads me into the grove and stops by a maple that's large from old age, taking his time to watch the leaves that tumble down to the ground.

Good to know he's so carefree about this.

He looks back at me with a dark smirk on his pale lips. His features are diseased and unkempt like he hasn't showered or eaten in weeks. Has he been hiding here this entire time? Have people been spotting him at night because he's been creeping out of the shadows to survey the area?

I can practically taste his capture, now just a few yards from him.

"Elle!" Quin's commanding voice breaks my concentration and I snap out of my trance. Rucker disappears like he was never at the base of the tree. I search for any remains of his appearance, any possible path he could have taken to escape.

Quin takes me by the shoulders and spins me, slightly shaking me into sensibility, "Who are you looking for Elle?"

The words are barely coherent as they tumble out of me, "I saw Rucker. He's here Quin. He's been hiding in the woods all along."

"Why would he even think to be here?"

Because he's a complete idiot with a god complex.

"I know what I fucking saw! He was right here." I point to the trunk of the tree. The leaves littering the ground are undisturbed, showing no sign of his existence. This can't be happening, not when I was so close to ending this sick game.

I clutch my shirt, gasping for air that won't come in, the excitement of the chase fading.

People are taking notice of my rambling. They shamelessly watch me, whispering to each other about the mad woman they see unraveling before them.

I'm cold now, no longer ignited with the intense flames of vengeance. Goosebumps cover my body as if the late September weather has reached subzero temperatures. I hide my face from the stares in my trembling hands and sit on the wet ground.

"Don't you people have something better to do with your day?" Quin angrily shouts at the stragglers.

Some grumble apologies while others give groans of annoyance. They wanted to stick around and see the freakshow.