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He’s awake. I know he is. I could set my watch by his schedule, so when he instantly replies I don’t bat an eye.
Dickhead: Have you finally come to your senses?
Me: I really need to talk to you. Can you come over?
Then to lay it on thick, I beg a little.
Me: Please Lionel I really need to talk.
Dickhead: I’ll be there Alexis.
Now I need to get everything ready. I’m about to skin the conniving rabbit.
The rest of my morning goes by in a whirlwind as Taira and I place the cameras around the room, ensuring that each one has the best view of Lionel while still being hidden, so he doesn’t know he’s being recorded. Thank god for the age where parents feel the need to spy on their childcare providers.
Once we get everything done, she goes back to her apartment. Now I’m chopping onions to ensure I have the perfect cry face. I’m going to have him eating out of the palm of my hand, believing every single lie I tell him. All that’s left is for him to show up.
T-Minus thirty minutes until operation Catch the Rat begins.
Chapter thirty
Alexis
I just threw away the last of the onions. Mascara running and tears on point, I’m ready when there’s a knock on the door promptly at two. So predictable. I get some tissues and head for the door. I made sure to turn all the cameras on ten minutes ago so we are live and recording.
I’m going to need an Oscar after the performance I’m about to put on.
Stepping up to the door, I take a deep breath just as he knocks again. This time, louder and more persistent. Yep, the asshole doesn’t like to be kept waiting. Taking hold of the handle, I open it and rush into his arms.
“Lionel!” I cry, wrapping my arms tightly around him.
He stands there frozen for a moment before he places his arms around me and hugs me back.
“What’s wrong, Alexis? Why did you need to see me? You know I could get in trouble for being here thanks to that ridiculous restraining order you placed on me.” His voice is stern as he steps forward, into my apartment, causing me to move backward.
“You were so right about him. He is a criminal.” I gaze up at him, sobbing. Lionel’s once solemn face now is covered in a smug smile.
Yep, he’s buying it. But I need him to confess.
“Well, I’m glad you’ve come to your senses. Let’s sit down and you can tell me all about it.” He grips my hip tightly, and I wince at the pain.
“Okay,” I force out, not wanting him to know he’s hurting me. I’m not going to give him that satisfaction.
“I confronted Dimitri about his family. About what you told me and he admitted it was all true. He lied to me.”
And cue the waterworks. I let every tear in me fall and I put on the best show I can, right down to snot coming out of my nose. I can see the satisfaction wash over him.
Yeah, he’s eating this up.
“It’s why I told you not to trust him and to know you let him defile you is gut-wrenching. He took what was mine to take. What I waited for since the moment we started dating—your virginity. It was mine and mine alone. You’re used goods now, Alexis, all because you were a fucking prude. It’s your fault I was even with Courtney.”
Nope, negatory there, asshole. My virginity was never yours, it was mine. Not only that but you’re going in the wrong direction. This little meeting isn’t about Courtney, it's about you confessing you’re a killer.
“I know.” It’s what he wants to hear, so I’ll give him that. For now, anyway. “But there’s more. You know how I told you about the arson case that I suspected?”
I remember telling him about it and how I went to the Captain with my assumption. While I was proud that I was recognized for my astute observation, Lionel waved it off as being nothing. But I know it’s where he got the idea to do what he did. Whether he actually knew if he was the arsonist or not, I’m not sure. My guess is no, since Dimitri said he hadn’t started one since I returned from my trip with Taira.
“Yeah, I remember some vague mention of it.”
