seventy six

Lisa lay still while her chest rose and fell rhythmically with each breath as oxygen flowed through the mask placed gently on her face. Blake watched her peaceful slumber, with his heart heavy with guilt. He took her hand in his and pressed a tender kiss against her palm.

Blake’s mind raced as he replayed the events in his head. Lisa’s sudden nightmares, her near-drowning at the beach, her unusual behavior, and the bruises on her neck, all pointed to one person, one person who Aiden had claimed was dead: Taylor.

The pieces were beginning to fit together, and the picture they painted was a chilling one. If Taylor was indeed alive and the culprit behind all of this, then they were all in grave danger.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t get to you sooner,” he whispered as his gaze fell to the floor. “I’m so confused, Lisa. The only person I can think of is Taylor, but Aiden told us she was dead. How could she have done this to you?”

Blake stood up and paced the room, raking a hand through his hair.