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Last night, after he told me my debt was paid, we hadn’t had time to talk about us. If there even was an us.

I wanted… there to be an us. It was startling, but there it was. I wanted more. Last night, when he said it was over… my whole body went into fight mode.

To think of a life where Asher wouldn’t be a part of it was the shock I needed.

“Don’t go,” Asher said.

“Jonah will be there. I have to go.”

“I don’t want you to go.”

“Do you know you’re whining? I thought the debt was paid in full,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“I’m not whining,” he said, disgruntled.

“Oh, stop pouting. This is work. We’re so close.”

“We still don’t know if it’s Jonah,” Asher said, running his fingers through his hair.

“That’s why I’m going. We need proof before we jump in.”

“Just be careful,” Asher said, his fingers trailing the back of my hand for a second.

“I will.”

I met Vincent at his house.

“I’ll follow you,” I said when he walked out of his tiny house. He sighed before walking back to his car. By now, I was sure Vincent was regretting this invite, but I wasn’t going to be the bigger person.

The party was already in full swing when we walked in. Holland and Ellis lived in a fucking mansion.

Vincent and I walked around for a while, drinking wine, never saying a word to each other. If there hadn’t been any music, it would have been awkward.

Vincent sighed. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course. This looks fun.”

“Holland goes all out for his anniversary.”

The party was pure luxury. Everyone was dressed to impress. Men in tailored suits, their cuff-links flashing under the light, and women in gowns that shimmered with every movement, dripping in diamonds.

This was a gathering of the rich, the powerful, the ones who pulled the strings behind the scenes, the ones whose voices made a difference.

“Did you find anything?” I asked after a while. “Maria?”

“The autopsy is done. We are still investigating.” His voice was curt.

“Any leads?”

“Her BAC was above 0.20 percent.” His frown deepened. “Someone drugged her and then killed her. She wasn’t conscious when he stabbed her.”

“He could have killed her quietly,” I said, and Vincent looked away from me. “You know why he didn’t? Because it was a warning.”

Vincent took a deep breath, his eyes flitting around.

“If he had been doing what you suggested, it would mean Riley was not his first kill, nor was she the last.” He blinked. His shoulders slumped, eyes resigned when I nodded. “Are you saying there’s a serial killer in Hollow Heights? And it’s not Asher Maddox?”

I glared at him. He shrugged.