KILLER

Chapter Thirty Four

"To tell you the truth, I can't believe I've made it this far."

The radio played loudly as I sped down the back road, my head pounding and entire body aching from all the shit I've put it through.

Also, climbing out a window with a backpack isn't as easy as it may seem, especially when your trying to sneak away from a building full of criminals.

I managed to eat out before V came back, thankful I had my spare car key in my pocket.

Parking outside of the house, I jump out and storm up to the front door, pushing it open while searching around.

Knowing I had to disappear for a few days, get out of Chicago to clear my mind.

I wasn't technically running from my problems, because I would be returning to them, just after a few days so I could collect my thoughts and make up a plan.

Needing to get away from everyone.

"Hayley?" A voice tumbled outside my bedroom door, causing my heart to leap in my chest.

I grabbed my gun and watched as my door was pushed open, revealing Thomas standing there with a small black box in his hands, a look of confusion on his face.

"Don't worry, you don't have to shoot me," He drawls out lightly, shooting me a smile while I put my gun away.

Sitting down on my bed, he walked over and sat down next to me before passing my the black box, "Found this in some of Derek's things." He whispered out, meeting my eyes.

My heart stopped in my chest, chills running down my spine as I stared down at it, my name engraved into the wood.

"I love you." Thomas whispered, kissing the side of my head before leaving, closing my door behind him.

I sat there quietly, staring at the box as a wave of emotions swept over me, my hands shaking as I reached forward.

Moving the lid, and peaking inside. My eyes landing on a stack of photos, along with our Wedding Invitation card.

I start pulling everything out, the tears streaming down my face.

Gemma's ultrasound pictures, pictures of her first birthday and every birthday following. Her first day at school, the first family camping trip we took together.

A small sob escaped me when my fingers curled around the gold chain, a Mom pendant hanging from the chain.

It was the necklace Derek gave to me after I gave birth to Gemma, I thought I had lost it.

My eyebrows furrowed forward when I find a recorder inside, I grab it and hit play.

The tape staticky in the beginning before his voice appeared clearly, "Hey Baby," his words sent my heart into a frenzy.

Something I thought I'd never hear again, the recording continues to play out as I sat there crying in my spot.

"If you're listening to this, it means I never had the chance to tell you myself, there's a few things I want to cover but first we'll start with you."