Bad Blood

30.

I'd never been so scared. My mind was racing with scenarios. What if Dan knew that I knew and he killed me too? I couldn't even move. I was rooted to the spot, silently sobbing, my breathing fast and shallow and my heart thudding. I didn't even dare reach into my pocket for my phone to ring the police.

I heard a crash in the kitchen, like the sound of cups smashing, and I did my best to remain silent. I needed to get out of the house. I picked up the nearest thing to me, a massive heavy figurine of a lady and gripped it tightly. I could already feel it slipping through my hand because of the sweat collecting on my palms.

I trod silently down the stairs, holding my breath. Every single step took every ounce of courage I had. I felt a breeze against the wetness of my cheeks. The front door was open and rain was lashing in. The lightning flashed and I saw a silhouette in the door way. I screamed, unable to hold it in anymore. In my rush to clamber back up the stairs, my foot caught on a step and I fell down, twisting as I went and landed awkwardly on my leg. I heard it crack before I felt the pain, but it didn't stop me forcing myself to crawl away.

'GRACEY!' I heard a yell. 'What the hell?! Are you ok?'

'Get away! Please get away from me!' I sobbed in pain and fear.

'Its me! It's Dan!'

'I know! Get the fuck away from me or I will kill you.'

'Whats...? Gracey, what's going on?'

'Ive already rang the police and they'll be here in a minute!' I lied. I was trying in vain to climb up the stairs. He was right behind me.

'The police? Why?'

'Because I know what you did! You killed them! And you're here to kill me too.'

He began to chuckle. Not the maniacal laugh that the murderers and psychos in films did. But a soft, almost unbelievable laugh.

'Ok. Right I see what's happening here. Is this why you've been acting odd?'

'Yes! I know what you did.' I cried and gave up trying to get away. He had me. I couldn't escape.

'Are you going to let me explain?' He asked softly.

'No!' I finally looked at him, just visible in the dark. He looked upset.

'Come on, at least let me help you, you've hurt yourself.'

'I'm fine, don't touch me.' I tried to pick myself up from the floor but the pain was unbearable.

'Gracey...' He came towards me. I waved the figurine at him.

'Get away.' I warned.

'I'm not going to hurt you. Let me get you to the sofa and let me explain.' He put his hands under my arms and lifted me up as if I were a feather. I didn't fight. I'd already given in. I didn't have the fear left in me anymore. I was exhausted and in agony.

He sat me down gently on the sofa and put my leg up on a cushion.

'Wheres the electric box?' He asked.

'In the kitchen.' I said through clenched teeth. My leg must've been broken. He disapered, leaving me with my thoughts. He was going to kill me, I knew it. Why else would he be so nice and calm? Within moments the lights flicked back on and he returned and perched on the coffee table in front of me.

'What did you find out then?' He asked.

'You killed them all...' I began and the tears flowed once more. I wiped them away. I didn't want him to know I was afraid.

'Technically two of them, one was an accident.' Any breath I had left was knocked out of me.

'So, you did it?' He nodded slowly, but looked me in the eye. 'You killed Martin?'