"We are as responsible for Rosalind's death. So, don't you dare back out now. We all have our secrets which is making us feel guilty. Own up to it and help me find who killed her."
...
Valerie Hudson and Brianna Sawyer left their small town life and...
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My life had been perfect until the day Rosalind walked up to me and told me she was pregnant. I knew immediately it was not my child as we were spending most of our time talking and being there for each other. So, without uttering a single words, I walked away from the love of my life. My action and my silence was more painful for Rosalinf because she knew that this kid would bring problems in our relationship and for once she expected me to be there for her selflessly like she had in the past.
I failed reciprocating the same love and affection I received from her. When Valerie and Brianna attacked me for not being there for their friend, I defended myself giving pathetic excuses and blaming Rosalind for even expecting something in return because expectations did not define her. Had I really stooped that low? Every morning I woke up it was really difficult for me to look at myself in the mirror because Lenny Grande had turned into a monster.
Getting out of the car, I tossed the keys to the skinny man waiting to get my car in it's place. I never pegged Derek to have valet parking but there's a first for everything, right?
As the noises of chatter and gossip grew louder, I knew I was approaching the Town Hall. As much as us townies loved our peace and quite, we also loved a good occasion to get dressed up and share nonsensical information with each other.
For some reason, I felt a knot in my stomach when I stood by the door. This was my first event after a really long time to attend without Rosalind.
Upon entering the hall, I was immediate to spot Derek and his family. Everybody knew the pain they hid under the charming smiles, but Derek and I were the only ones who harboured a deeper secret. A secret that had the power to break them until they felt nothing.
I walked up to them and gave them a sympathetic smile. Roger was frustrated at how everybody at the event seemed to be looking at them with sorry eyes and when I gave him the same reaction, he took his wife's hand and walked away.
But how was I going to tell him that my eyes were sorry but not for the loss? They were full of pity because of the help I provided?
"You look different, Lenny," Derek pointed out. "I can't really put my finger on it, but is everything okay?"
"Actually, no. Everything of falling apart," I locked gaze with him and said.
"What do you mean?"
"They know."
"Know what?"
"They know you're the killer," I whispered. "Valerie figured it out after talking to Lola and then they made a big plan to get you into handcuffs during this gala."
"That explains why everybody maintained their distance from me and why Valerie insisted on knowing what happens to me after Brianna and her left," Derek sighed. "Well, since I'm the man of the hour, can you deal with it?"
"I told you a long time ago that I wanted out. I'm done with this. Buying the poison was a mistake itself. So, no. I am not dealing with it," I warned him. Derek had been increasing his demands lately and I had to put an end to this before he asked me to kill somebody for him.
