A love to die for.

Chapter 24: The message.

My eyes scan the message once more. A frown grows on my face as I try to zoom in on the photo. I nudge Nick carefully, making sure that I dont know wake Lorenzo up. I turn my phone over in my hand showing him the message. His eyes widen as they read the message.

Youre kidding. He says. Ssh. Dont wake him up. I whisper, pointing behind me towards Lorenzo. But seriously, Sybil. This is creepy. Like I dont know that. Youre a cop, please tell me youve experienced this before and know how to handle this. I beg him. Im sorry Sybil. But thankfully, no. Ive never experienced such a murderer before. So? So, what? He asks confused. What do we do now? We cant just let him get away with threatening me. I know, I know. He sighs. I know it! I exclaim. Shit. That was a bit too

loud.

I turn around to look if Lorenzos still asleep. He is. Thank God.

Sorry. I apologize to Nick. Okay. So, you said you had an idea. Oh, yes. I almost forgot about that. So, what if we would check to see who has been absent from the lessons and school today. If we list all those people together with their bank accounts, we might find him. First of all; great idea. He compliments me. Why, thank you. But- But? I ask confused. But, arent there like tens of students constantly skipping school? Nick, this is a private boarding school, which costs a fortune. Students never skip, ever. They go to LCBS, because its one of the best private schools in the world and it can get them into the best colleges. Like, easily. So, trust me. This can work. I explain to him. A wrinkle forms on his forehead while he takes a moment to think about my plan.

I have to talk to Detective Jefferson if this would actually be legal and possible. But I think its the best plan to perform right now. Yes! Thank you. I hug him in full excitement. We still dont know if it will work. He warns me. I know, I know. But it feels great to have a plan again. Otherwise I feel useless, like the murderer just can get away with this. Nick tries to take my hand, but his hand keeps lingering above it. Then he pulls back and coughs in his hand. His face turns back to the window leaving me alone with my thoughts again.

Finally. Back in England again. We have a late flight so luckily there arent many people in the plane. Because of that we can get out of the plane quite quickly which I great, because

Im devastated by this all. Okay, weve all got our luggage? Lorenzo and I nod. Great. So, I called us a cab and if Im right he should be here any minute, so I suggest we could wait outside? Please let me get coffee first. Im so tired. Lorenzo tells us and rubs his eyes.

Yeah, sure. Theres a Starbucks that way. Nick laughs and leads us the way.

This is crazy. Lorenzo and I are walking side by side, following Nick. What is? I ask. All of this. Austin getting murdered suddenly. His murderer still on the loose. Probably will be. Its not fair. Austin was the greatest guy I have ever met and probably ever will meet.

Why murder him? I feel a wave of guilt washing over me when I remember that the murderer might be in love with me and that this is indirectly my fault.

I know. I whisper. But well get over this, Lorenzo. We really will. I got over

Jacksons death, eventually. And I think once we lock up Austins murderer, well be able to process Austins death too. I keep forgetting that you have lost Jackson too. Jesus, I cant imagine how strong you are. Thank you. Trust me, it took lots of therapy and tears. But you did process it. And thats really admirable. Lorenzo looks down at me and our eyes meet.

Ah yes. Theres no queue. Nick turns around to meet us again and I notice that were already arrived at the Starbucks.

In that case, I am also getting a drink. Let me guess chocolate milk? Nick smiles. Oh, no. I get really nauseous if I drink chocolate milk before I get in a car. Im getting a strawberry cream blend. The barista takes my order and within a few minutes were all slurping from our freshly made drinks.

Delicious. I sigh happily. This is seriously the only good thing today. The two guys stay silent and I look up from my cup. Its okay. Im fine. Giving the circumstances, of course. I tell them. So, I think our cab should be here by now? I continue, changing the subject.

Yes. Youre probably right, so lets go. Nick smiles and we all take our luggage and drinks with us as we continue to walk to the exit.

I dump my empty cup in the bin before we get outside.

I breathe in the fresh cold night air. There he is. Nick points to a blond man, whos standing next to a black Tesla. Big spenders those police officers. Lorenzo frowns. Well, we have one of the most dangerous jobs of the country, so some comfort once in a while isnt an unnecessary luxury. Nick grumbles. Oof, you got burned, buddy. With a laugh, I pat Lorenzos shoulder and make my way over to our driver.

Good evening, Ms. Erins. Hi! Dont mind those two. They had a bit of a discussion. I laugh, pointing towards Nick and Lorenzo who are making their way to the car. I see. Our driver laughs. Oh, you dont have any luggage? he points out. I shake my head. We were only one day in France. Well, Lorenzo has luggage since he was there a few days earlier. Lorenzo went earlier than us, because Austins family asked him to. They had known each other for years. I would have just felt awkward, so I only went for the funeral with Nick.

Ah, okay. Well, there you go. He opens the door for me with a genuine smile and I

enter the car. Ooff, thats comfortable. Much better than those airplane seats.

Another door opens and Nick and Lorenzo step in. So, were done fighting as two years old? I cross my arms and raise one eyebrow amused. Yes, mom. Were done. And we werent even fighting, we just had a minor disagreement. Nick clarifies. Our driver laughs and I cant help but join him. As if. But, okay. As long as you will be acting normal now.

Of course. They promise me. Thank you. I smile.

It takes a long drive before we finally reach the school again. I let out a yawn.

Someones tired. Lorenzo comments. Oh, and youre not? Its 1 am. Knackered. I cant wait to go to sleep. He says. Thought so. I get out of the car and wait for Nick the finish his conversation with our driver. Goodnight, Lorenzo. Goodnight, Sybil. He hugs me tight.

Goodnight. He leaves us behind as the car drives away.

Another yawn slips from my mouth. Lets get back to bed. I suggest. Greatest idea you have ever had. Lorenzo compliments. Oh, shut up. I tell him off. He shrugs it off with a laugh and we fall in step as we enter the school.

Its weird to wander around here during the night when its all quiet. I need to go that way. I need to go to the left. I tell him. Well, goodnight then. Lorenzo smiles tired. Goodnight. We go our own way to our rooms. When Ive reached mine, I let myself fall on the bed. I dont even bother to change into my pyjamas and fall asleep before I know it.

Only 5 more chapters plus the epilogue!!!!

-Xoxo.