Page 56 of Wicked Nightmare

"Time to get back to business?"

His lips curved into that dangerous smile. "You read my mind, sweetheart. Let's go see if our friend is feeling more talkative today."

We moved in perfect sync, discarding our cleaning rags and heading for the bathroom. With each step, there was a shift in my bones, from carefree birthday girl to the ruthless killer I truly was. Cam's energy changed too, back to protector.

"Think he pissed himself again?"

Cam snorted. "Probably. Guys got a weak bladder. Among other things."

As we approached the bathroom door, I thought about how I could torture information out of him without actually killing him.

"After you, birthday girl," Cam said, gesturing to the door with mock chivalry.

I grinned, my hand on the knob. "Let's make some music, shall we?"

I pushed open the door, letting a singsong lilt creep into my voice. "Oh, Skeeter! Did you miss us?"

The pathetic lump chained to the bathtub whimpered. His fear was beautiful, like the sweetest perfume. His face was covered in burnt crumbs, the crusts flung to the side. Guess he used to have mommy cut the crusts off his sandwiches, how cute.

"Aw, don't be shy," I cooed, crouching down to his level. "We just want to have a little chat. You remember our chats, don't you? I just want you to know that it’s my birthday today. I turned 25. As such, I expect you to be an obedient little pet and give me something we can use."

I reached out, letting my fingertips graze his cheek. He flinched like I'd burned him, and I had to bite back a laugh. The piece of skin Cam cut off was crusted and turning black, and Skeeter had definitely shit himself given the stench that rolled off of him in waves. Pulling my finger back, I frowned. Fuck, I hope I don’t get some disease now. Gritting my teeth to refocus, I leaned back.

"Now, Skeeter," I continued, "we were having such a lovely conversation the other day. Why don't we pick up where we left off?"

Skeeter's eyes darted between Cam and me, wide with terror. I could practically hear his heart racing. It was adorable, really, how he thought silence would save him.

I glanced back at Cam, catching his eye as I shrugged. He gave an almost imperceptible nod, and a surge of affection hit me. My partner in crime, my twisted other half. His permission was hypnotic, and I lived for it. I thrived on it.

Turning back to Skeeter, I let my smile widen, showing too many teeth. "Come on, darling. Don't make me ask twice. You wouldn't want to ruin my birthday, would you?"

"Let's talk about those nuns, shall we? I'm dying to know what's been going on in that cozy little lab of theirs."

Skeeter's breath came in ragged gasps. "I—I don't know anything else. I told you where they were, that’s all I know, I swear!" he stammered, his voice rose a few octaves before breaking.

I clicked my tongue, shaking my head in mock disappointment. "Now, now. Lying isn't very nice. Especially on this sacred day of my birth." I leaned in close. "Tell me about the lab underneath the building."

His eyes widened, and I'd struck gold.

"Please," he whimpered. "They'll kill me if I talk."

I laughed, the sound echoing off the bathroom tiles. "Oh, sweetie. I think you should be more worried about what we'll do if you don't."

Behind me, I heard Cam shift his weight, clicking his tongue. I didn't need to look to know his dark eyes were boring into Skeeter.

The man in front of me swallowed hard, his resolve crumbling. "I—I don't know much. Just... there's more of them. More than you think. They’re all over. The… the foster system is a feeder for it."

Finally, a lead. What were they doing and why? Why were they experimenting on these girls? On me?

Cam cleared his throat before he spoke. "More of them, you say. How intriguing." He stepped closer, his massive body cast a shadow over Skeeter. "I bet you know exactly how many, don't you?"

I suppressed a grin, admiring how effortlessly Cam could make a simple question sound like a death threat.

Skeeter's eyes darted between us, sweat beading on his forehead. "I—I'm not sure... maybe a dozen? Two dozen? Please, I really don't know specifics."

"Oh, come on now," I bounced on my tip toes eagerly. We were so close to having a more complete picture. "A smart boy like you must have overheard something. A name, perhaps? Or a location?" My voice was gentle, but my eyes promised violence.

Cam leaned against the wall on the left of me, flicking his butterfly knife in and out. "You know, Skeeter, Lakey here has quite the imagination when it comes to extracting information. And since it's her birthday, I'm inclined to let her indulge. Unless, of course, you'd like to spare yourself the trouble and just tell us what we want to know."