It Takes a Killer by Natalia Hale Read Free Book Online

people noticed the scene, Hannah knew it would be all over town within a few hours.  Hannah didn’t understand how Mariana could drop her so easily, but in a way she respected it.  It wasn’t personal, just Mariana’s way of furthering her own fortune.  Still, Hannah’s chin sunk towards her chest.
    “Hannah.”
    Hannah stopped beneath a cloudy sky.  A clap of thunder echoed above her and travelled through her feet, up her legs and torso, and into her hands.  How she had managed to make them stop shaking was a miracle in and of itself.  She hated that her anger was so easily shown.   Calming her features to a neutral expression Hannah turned towards the voice, a shadow in the small alley beside the hotel.  Her eyes darted to the ground a moment, imagining the pool of blood that had sat there two weeks ago and she shivered.
    “You’re shaking,” Dane said.  He stepped forward until he was right in front of her, directly beneath the streetlamp.  It created a perfect circle around them in the evening darkness.  “It really scared you, huh?”
    Dane was dressed in black slacks and a white button down shirt, a leather book bag slung over his shoulder.  It was a simple outfit but the shirt was just a little too tight and pulled across his chest.  Anyone would drool over his fit body, but Hannah found herself annoyed by it.  He was purposely choosing to wear ill-fitting clothes, and that had always been a pet peeve of hers.  She’d made Mariana dump four boyfriends in high school because they’re clothes were too loose; in her opinion too tight was just as bad.
    Hannah narrowed her eyes and kept her mouth firmly shut.  It felt wrong to admit she was scared, even though that was the logical reaction.  A man held a gun in her face, and to her friend’s head.  Even now she could remember how hard her heart had been beating—it threatened to break her ribs, she’d thought.  Afterwards her entire body felt pained, tiny aches crept out of seemingly nowhere. 
    Dane smiled at her, that same charming smile that made her warm.  She never thought she would be one of his select few, but now that she was she didn’t know why he hadn’t made a move sooner.  Hannah lifted her head and stared down her nose at Dane.
    He said, “I’ve heard not many people are talking to you—I’m sorry these small town people are so close-minded.”
    Hannah furrowed her brow.
    “I don’t mean you, of course,” Dane added quickly.  He smelled of cigarettes, his body only a half a foot away from Hannah.  She resisted wrinkling her nose at the unsavoury scent.  She hadn’t noticed it before because she was too distracted by the coffee he’d made for her, but now it was obvious.  Despite wanting to, she didn’t move.  She watched him, unblinking.  His unease became obvious in his slight step back, his right hand moving to rub the back of his neck.
    “Of course,” Hannah agreed, putting Dane more at ease.  “I have noticed that people aren’t…acting like themselves.  But that’s understandable considering nothing like this has happened here before.”
    “So I’m told,” Dane replied.  The charming smile never faltered, never failed.  His lips didn’t even twitch downwards.  There was a slight tremor in his hand as he lowered it to his side.  “I’m just heading out.”
    Hannah dragged her eyes up and down his body, enjoying the view just as much as she hated it.  “I can see that.”
    “Would you like to join me for a drink?” he asked.  The tremble in his voice crawled across Hannah’s skin.  Down the street something metallic clattered against the sidewalk and she turned her head to see the source.  A small red soda can rolled towards the street, pushed by the heavy breeze that swept over the lake.  Dane didn’t seem to notice, and when Hannah turned back to him he was still watching her.
    “Is a drink all you want?” Hannah asked, tired of this game.  She wanted him to admit he