Chapter 6 · Mara's Last Bar Tab

I shoved the photo deeper into my pocket. My hand was shaking.

Ethan stood in the doorway, blocking the light from the hall. His eyes didn't glow anymore but I could still see them tracking me. Like he was counting my heartbeats.

"You said you know who killed her." My voice came out steadier than I expected. "So tell me."

"No."

"That's it? Just no?"

He stepped into the room. I backed up until my legs hit the bed. "You don't want that answer, Charlotte."

"The fuck I don't. She was my best friend. She disappeared three years ago and you're standing here telling me you know what happened and I'm just supposed to—"

"Yes."

I wanted to throw something at him. The lamp. The clock. Anything. "You're insane."

"Probably." He crossed his arms. Still watching me like I might bolt. "But you're going to drop this."

"Why would I do that?"

"Because I'm asking."

I laughed. It sounded wrong in the dark room. "You think I care what you ask for?"

Something shifted in his face. Not his expression. Something under it. "I think you care about staying alive."

The air went cold.

I swallowed. "Is that a threat?"