Still Waters Run Deep

Chapter 19: Hidden Dangers

Chapter 19:

Hidden Dangers

The kid with the knife watched Eli's movements through the peephole. His hand was curled around the handle of the weapon. His other hand was on the doorknob, waiting for Eli to knock or ring the bell. Both of the boy's hands were shaking. He'd gotten his hands dirty before. He'd hurt people. But he'd never killed anyone. And killing a kid his age wasn't exactly part of the plan, especially not a cop's kid. But he had to improvise.

The boy's adrenaline was pumping. Part of him was invigorated by the idea of doing this. The other part of him was terrified. He peered through the peephole again, taking note of the fact that he'd have to get rid of Eli's bike once it was done. Of course, he'd have help. Del Toro's guys specialized in clean ups. Plus, he'd helped in a few clean ups. He was starting to get the hang of it, not that it was something he was going to get used to doing. Because once he did what the Pit Vipers wanted they would let him go.

Eli paused at the front door and looked at his surroundings. The nearby houses were quiet, which was strange considering that school was out. He would have expected to see at least a few kids outside playing or adults gardening. Then again, it was a really upscale neighborhood, even more upscale than his place. More than likely everyone had gathered at a clubhouse or some other fancy hangout.

"Just give me a reason, kid," the boy whispered quietly, clutching the knife.

Eli raised his hand to the bell, his finger extended. He was getting ready to press the buzzer when he heard a slamming noise behind him.

"Eli!" A voice called out to him. He froze in place, because he recognized the voice instantly.

He turned around and saw Emily standing at the edge of the driveway. Her car was across the street. Eli dropped his hands to his side. His face felt hot. He knew he wasn't supposed to be there.

Though Emily had known this was where he was heading, she was still a little surprised to actually see him here. Of all the kids that could have gone rogue, she never dreamed it would be Spencer's easy-going first-born. She had expected it to be Hanna's impulsive daughter. Iris had a track record of going in full-force just like her mother. And if not Iris, her second guess would have been Harper or Levi. Because Harper had Spencer's ambition and drive and Toby's sense of justice. And Levi didn't hold anything back. He was the protective sort like Caleb and the "dive in without a plan" person like Hanna.

She could see that her presence startled Eli. She quickly made her way up the driveway. He turned away from the door – away from the danger, and walked towards Emily. His shoulders were slumped. His eyes were on the ground. He dragged his feet. They met at the edge of the porch.

The boy watched their interaction from inside the house curiously, slowly putting the weapon down. He certainly couldn't kill the kid and Emily. He wasn't that experienced. Maybe he'd get lucky and Emily would shoo the cop's kid away and then he could just concentrate on Emily.

"How...how did you know I was here?" Eli blurted out nervously.

"Because you're a smart kid. And I know you saw me and Ali at the station that morning. I know you saw him." She nodded her head towards the house.

"Is it true?" Eli asked, pretty uncertain he was going to get an answer. He couldn't get a straight answer about it from anyone. "Is he the one who killed Grace?"

"That's for the court to determine," Emily said.

"You sound like my mom and dad." He rolled his eyes.