Page 54 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

"It's learning that sometimes doing everything right still isn't enough."

I didn't answer because I hated how true that fucking sounded.

"I've been doing this a long time, Elias."

"I know."

"I've buried deputies."

He looked toward the window.

"I've knocked on doors no parent should ever have opened."

His eyes returned to mine.

"And every single time..."

He took a slow breath.

"...I wondered if there was one thing I'd missed."

The words landed harder than I expected because I'd been asking myself that exact question every morning since arriving here. One thing, one conversation, one footprint, one receipt, one witness or one tiny mistake.

It had to be something. People didn't simply disappear, they were taken by someone. Which meant someone had seen something. Somewhere. I just haven’t fucking found it yet. Walker rested a hand briefly against my shoulder.

"Go home tonight."

"I will."

"I mean before midnight."

"I'll see."

"No."

He smiled again.

"I'm not asking."

I huffed a quiet laugh.

"Yes, Sheriff."

"Good."

He started toward the door before stopping.

"Oh..."

I looked up.

"Have you met your neighbour yet?"

I frowned slightly.

"The girl?"

"Seraphina."