Page 100 of A Wild Darkness

Smiling, I keep my hands around hers. “I’m going to drug them. I brought liquid Midazolam to inject them with. It’s a fast-acting benzo. It should knock them out for a few hours at least. And Pete will get a taste of his own medicine by getting a healthy dose of GHB.”

Stevie’s face slowly grows pale. “Where did you get a medication like that? I know it isn’t hard to get access to roofie-type drugs, but the benzo?”

I find it interesting that she’s more shocked by access to a powerful sedative like that, rather than a gun. “We have a family doctor. He’s been with River and me since we were kids and is well aware of what we do,” I state. “And besides, when you have enough money, resources are endless.”

“Clearly.” She exhales. “Okay, well, how are you going to drug them, and then how do we kill Pete?”

Coming up with most of the details on the fly, I explain the major points as I trust the holes will be filled in as the night goes on. “Silas mentioned last night that he would arrange a quick cocktail hour before sending everyone off for the night. I’ll go to everyone’s room and inject them with it, but not Pete. Then we’ll follow him out into the night and see where he goes. At that point, Christian will book us an hourly room at a nearby motel. That’s when we’ll take care of him.”

Stevie and I spend the rest of the afternoon going through the details of the plan. She offered her thoughts, and we’re able to talk it out, which feels good because normally I have River and Christian to do this with.

When it’s time to go, we’re ready.

“Hi.” Wendy answers the door in a plush white hotel robe tied loosely around her waist.

I lean against the frame, shoving one hand into my pocket. The syringe twirling between my thumb and index finger.

“Hello, Wendy,” I say.

“What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering if you had a few minutes to talk about some ideas I have for our free night tonight.” I smile, trying to look less threatening. But who am I kidding? She’s a serial killer, too. I doubt she has any fear left in her at all.

Her eyes narrow. “I work alone.”

“I know. But what if we worked as a team for the night?”

She scoffs at me. “No, thank you,” she says and shuts the door.

I palm the wood, keeping it open. “Would you at least hear me out?”

“Where’s your girlfriend?” Wendy bites her bottom lip, her voice dripping with seduction. Not going to happen.

“She went for a walk.”

“And you took that time to come to my room?”

I smile. “I did.”

She gives me a once-over, then pushes the heavy wooden door open wider. “Come in.”

I knew she’d give in eventually, if not for curiosity alone. Slipping inside her room, I take a quick scan of the place. There are clothes piled everywhere, and it smells like a brothel.

I stop halfway down the short hallway before I get to the large living space. “After you.” I stand to the side, gesturing for her to take the lead. I’ll need to come at her from behind.

Wendy closes the door behind us and turns to face me, then walks past, letting the tips of her fingers glide across my front. The action is off-putting, and I want to bat her away.

“So, what⁠—”

In one swift motion, I pop the cap off the syringe and quickly jab it into the back of her neck. Wendy’s legs give out, sending her to the ground. She’s mostly out of it but still semi-conscious and won’t remember anything.

Her limp body and mumbled sounds are all I get from her as I lift her up. It would be so easy to kill her right here. Poisoning them all would be a piece of fucking cake, but I can’t. I have to be a patient and strategic killer, and that’s not something I’m used to. I prefer to act on impulse.

The four-post bed slams into the wall as I toss Wendy onto the mattress. She’ll be out for hours after the dose I gave her.

“Did she flirt with you?” Stevie’s voice is tight in my ear, and I sort of like it.

“Jealous much?”