Her Instinct: His Game

Chapter 20 - Curiosity Killed the Cat

This chapter was inspired by the song "Mad World"by Jasmine Thompson. Feel free to listen as you read!

Even though it had been thirteen days since I saw him, he haunted my mind. Every blink was a flash of his perfect face and every breath a reminder of the horrendous act he committed two weeks ago. It was stupid to follow him that day...The mere thought of him provoked the jarring memory of the blonde's...ugh, I can't even think about it. Not now.

Buzz, buzz!

I jumped, startled by the sudden noise. I turned my attention to my phone on the edge of my desk and grabbed it with uncertainty. I scrolled past the missed call and text notifications from Mr. Leto. There were about 31 and counting. My eyes landed on the notification I wanted.

New Message From Allegra Leto:

Kerri, this is my last text to you this time. You've been MIA all week, ignored me in class and now you won't answer any of my texts. What's wrong?! Look, I don't care if you call my dad Jared, I just want my best friend back. Please call me! WE HAVE TO TALK.

Shame washed over me as her text reminded me of why she could never know this secret.

I squeezed my eyes shut; shutting the world out and trying to shut my thoughts off. But it was futile, the scene replayed over and over in my mind. They were both out in front of the house, once I arrived, taking a picture of her in front of it. She seemed so relaxed as they entered, a little too relaxed for a business meeting, and walked arm in arm through the door.

I slid out of the car and darted for the bushes lining the driveway. Peering through the window, I found them in an embrace, but something was different about this. I got a better look to see him gripping her so tightly against his body as she lay limp in his arms. It wasn't until he slowly removed the crimson-coated knife from her side that it dawned on me. She was dead. His face remained calm throughout, almost detached. Like he'd done this before.

There was a rattle of bangs at the door.

"I know you're in there, Kerri. Please, open the door." The voice was muffled, but I knew it anywhere. It was him: Mr. Leto.

My heart quickened as excitement and fear trickled about my body, overtaking my bones. If I didn't answer, he would get suspicious. If I did answer, it'd be my first time staring into the eyes of a killer.

Stick to the sick story, Kerri. You've just been sick with a stomach bug.

Anticipation trembled through my veins as I grasped the doorknob. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

Of course, he was breathtaking as always. He cocked his head up at me, "Kerri." He breathed.

"Hi, Mr. Leto." I said, evading his eyes.

"You're alive! How have you been feeling? Can I come in?" Concern laced his voice. There it was, his Best Father of the Year act, right on queue. How pathetic. I was right the whole time, this man was one of the best liars in town.

I nodded slowly and invited him in the living room. "I just came to check up on you," he said as he turned his head every which way, scoping the house before we entered the living room. "I assume your Mom's at work and your brother's at school? " He asked.

Every one of my instincts screamed at me to lie, but it was always so hard to lie to him.

I nodded.