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"No," I quickly say. "It's fine, really."
"It's not fucking fine," Theo growls. "And another thing—why are you avoiding me?"
My stomach drops. "I'm not avoiding you," I lie.
"Bullshit."
"I'm not," I argue weakly, still swaying.
Theo repositions his hands to my waist, picking me up slightly and sitting me back on the ground before I can protest. "Sit. Down."
He takes a seat in front of me, blocking my path in case I try to stand again.
"Theo, I'm just tired. That's all."
"You're a terrible liar, Avery. What's going on? What happened with the police?"
I give him a sympathetic look, knowing he probably wants answers. Besides the awkward breakfast, the last time he saw me I was being ripped away from him in handcuffs. At the thought, guilt returns, but also, a little bit of suspicion.
I still don't know what happened to Sam. And Theo told me he had killed before and would do it again without hesitation. I was still willing to go down for him, but I had to know…
"Nothing happened with the police," I start. "They took me in for questioning and then I was released."
I purposely avoid mentioning Alexander, or the conversation I had with Margie. Some things are better left unsaid, especially if I need to protect him again. I've also been warned not to speak about things, to go with the flow. Apparently, Sam's death has been ruled as a suicide, but in my gut, I know that's not true. He was ruthless, an asshole—but despite everything, he wouldn't have killed himself.
Sam's apology still plays in my mind. It was so rehearsed, forced. But he didn't have a death wish—did he?
"They just released you?" Theo repeats, unconvinced. "Why would they arrest you for murder and then deem it a suicide? It's likely the autopsy hasn't even finished yet."
I shrug. "That's just what they told me." Pausing, I give him a non-judgmental, sad smile. "Theo, I need to know… what did you do to Sam?"
Theo raises an eyebrow at me. "I didn't do shit to him. I merely told him he had to apologize."
Staring at him in silence, I watch as his face changes—realization dawning.
"Do you think I killed him, Avery?"
"Did you?" I ask, barely above a whisper.
He breaks out in a laugh, the sinister sound almost confirming my suspicions.
"No, I didn't," he answers confidently. "Though, I wish I had."
"Oh…" I'm confused—and equally guilty for assuming it. "I thought—"
"You thought I killed him?"
I nod slowly. "It just seemed like it. He looked so terrified when he said sorry. Then when the police arrived, I thought they were coming for you."
Theo smiles, huffing into a laugh. "I would have killed him. I would have gutted him without hesitation. But that would have meant leaving you. And I'm not prepared to do that. Besides, if I was going to do that, I wouldn't be masquerading it as suicide. I would proudly wear his blood. I'd wear it like a medal."
"I don't think honorable killings are a thing," I mumble.
"There's nothing honorable about me," he replies coolly. "But no, I didn't kill him, Avery. But I'm flattered you thought so."
I stare at him bewildered, trying to decipher if he's being sarcastic. A genuine smile lingers on his face as he appears unfazed at my accusation.
That would have meant leaving you…
