Page 146 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

He frowned.

"...Waiting?"

"Mm."

I glanced at the neat stacks of cash.

"You always finish before midnight."

His fingers stopped moving.

"Do I know you?"

"Oh..."

I tilted my head.

"No."

A small laugh escaped me.

"But I know you."

His smile disappeared.

I wandered toward the desk as though I were simply admiring the room. My fingertips drifted over the scattered receipts until they found a cheap blue ballpoint pen lying near the edge. I picked it up, rolling it slowly between my fingers, watching the fluorescent light glide over the scratched plastic.

"You know..." I said softly, almost thoughtfully.

"I've never liked accomplices."

I looked up and smiled.

"People always think the one holding the weapon is the worst person in the room."

I turned the pen again.

"They're usually wrong."

My eyes settled on his.

"The monster is honest, in a strange sort of way. They know exactly what they are."

I took another slow step forward.

"But people like you..." I whispered.

"You watch."

My smile never faltered.

"You hear every scream."

Another step.

"You know exactly what's happening."

I stopped beside his chair.