The Other Side Of Fear[1]

Chapter 38

I'll begin with dedicating this chapter to KimberlyTanithMarie you have become a great friend who I feel like I've known forever and I love that I can come to you for advice on my writing anytime and you're always so supportive💕

Cal appeared to suddenly freeze and his grip on Archie's neck must have loosened as Archie quickly backed up, his wide eyes still gazing at Cal.

'I think you should leave now,' Cal almost whispered to him.

Archie nodded slowly and I could see the fear in his eyes as he walked backwards slowly before running off down the steps and away into the trees.

Cal casually picked up the spray can and studied it before tossing it aggressively out into the woods.

'Cal,' I breathed. 'Why would you say that?'

'Bethan,' he began to speak.

'No, no, answer me,' I tried to keep my voice steady. 'Why did you say he would end up like his brother?'

'Because I was angry, Bethan,' he said. 'That's what people tend to do when they find someone vandalising their home.'

'That's not what I meant,' I continued.

'What do you want me to say?' he asked as he lifted both arms questioningly.

'Do you even realise what you just said to him?' I asked. '"Strangled and dead in the ground."'

'What?' he muttered quickly, looking at me intensely.

'That's what you just said,' I continued as my heart raced. 'But how would you know that?'

I watched as clarity dawned on him and his whole body became tense. He glanced around as he searched for a response and every silent second that passed only answered the question more.

'Unless...' I continued slowly.

'No,' he shook his head. 'Don't even say it.'

'Did you see Archie's face?' I yelled. 'You just confirmed everything to him! Did you see the look in his eyes; he was scared shitless!'

'Why the fuck do you care?' he scowled.

'Do not try and turn this around right now,' I pointed. 'I can't believe what I've just heard. I need to leave.'

'You can't leave now,' he frowned. 'Not like this. That's all you ever do, leave when shit gets too much!'

'Do you realise Archie is going to run straight to the police with this?!' I yelled. 'He will tell them you more or less admitted to killing his brother! He will tell them I was here too and that I heard everything!'

'He won't say a thing,' Cal scoffed.

'Oh, really,' I raised my eyebrows. 'You going to pay the deputy off again! Pfft, I'm out of here!'

'No,' he grabbed my arm and I tried to break free.

'I'm going to have to lie for you now!' I cried.