"Very good," Keller said condescendingly."The second option is one where you still die, but no one else has to.You see, when I make my escape, everyone will know what I’ve done.I don't need to kill the detective to protect that, and I don't need to kill anyone else.Only you need to die, Alison, and through your sacrifice, you can save people."
"You make it sound like I’ll be a martyr."
Keller pointed the knife at her.Alison was sure Moore’s finger just twitched.
"You will be a martyr," Keller said, waving the knife."When your body is found in my office, and they realize the length I’ve gone to get my message out there, people will have to stand up and listen.You are one of our modern-day heroes here in Oakland, Alison.You protect the city in a way most of us can only dream of, and by killing you, I will protect the city more than you ever could."
Alison scoffed again, this time, not involuntarily.She could see Keller bristle at her response.He was the one supposed to be in control of the situation, the one who was supposed to be intimidating, and while Alison was afraid she would lose her life, she didn't find him intimidating.He was pathetic, and the only thing giving him any form of control was the knife in his hand and the fact that he was physically stronger.
"You’ve always been weak," Keller spat."You live in the past because you can't let go of your sister.You’re the fool."
Alison gritted her teeth at the barb from Keller.She knew why he had said it, and it was not for the same reason as in the reports she had found the previous day.With that, he wanted to throw her off her game and call into question her decision-making and emotional tendencies.Now, facing her in his office, he mentioned Emma because he wanted to hurt her.He wanted to wrestle back some of the control that he had given away.
There was a lot that Alison wanted to say, so she gritted her teeth more to stop herself from saying any of it.Reacting emotionally to that would be to give in to him, and she had no intention of doing so.
She had emotions—she was only human.She would never stop looking for her sister’s killer.
"I understand what this is really about," Alison countered, taking that hurt and pain and using it against him."You’re jealous of me."
It was Keller’s turn to scoff, but he couldn’t hide the flicker of rage that flashed in his eyes, and Alison hoped she hadn’t pushed him too far.
"You haven’t listened to a word I’ve said to you, have you?"Keller snarled."Did you even study the reports I sent you?I’ve tried to show you the truth, Alison, but you can't see what is right in front of you."
"I can see it just fine," Alison countered."It’s why you chose me, isn’t it?"
"I chose you because you were an easy target with how wrong you have been over yourillustriouscareer."
"Yes, my illustrious career," she stated."People respect me, and they listen to what I have to say.You might be against early release, and I can see that you are, but I’m just as much a part of this, intertwined with how the system works.Then, you watch me consult with the FBI and help people, and it eats you up inside, doesn’t it?"
"We could all do what you do," Keller said."It just so happened that you were available to consult on a case, and that detective took a liking to you.Don't forget, I’ve studied your cases, and mistakes have been made."
"You couldn’t have done what I’ve done," Alison said, hoping to get a rise out of him and succeeding.
"I would have done far better than you could ever imagine!"he boomed."You really think you’re special, don't you?You are nothing, Alison.You are less than nothing, and soon the world will know it.They will find your body, and they won't ever find me, and you won't be around to talk your way out of it.They will know I am superior to you, as they always should have."
"We’ll never know, will we?"Alison challenged, unable to bite her tongue now that she had started.The more she angered him, the more dangerous he would become, but it would also help distract him from Detective Moore, who was slowly stirring.If Keller noticed that, he might put an end to her.
"Youwon't ever know," he snarled.His lips turned up into a smile."Your little tricks won't fool me."
Alison’s heart skipped a beat when she thought he had her figured out.
"You want me to rant and rave to draw attention to us," Keller continued."Don't worry, people have heard me shouting in here many times.It’s become completely normal, and they know better than to come knocking.These tricks might have worked on other killers, but not this time, Alison.It’s the end of the road."
"Wait!"Alison yelped, getting to her feet and knocking her chair forward as Keller stood up before her.
"No more waiting," he said."I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and I’m going to relish every second of it.Any last words?"
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
"There’s a flaw!"Alison gasped."You don't see it, do you?"
Keller had been about to advance on her, but the words stopped him in his tracks.He shifted the knife in his grip to hold it so he could stab it down into her chest, but the corner of his mouth twitched angrily.
"No more delays," Keller snorted, taking a step forward.
"No, wait, wait, wait," Alison begged."I want to discuss this with you, I really do, and if you just listen to what I have to say, you’ll realize that you need to stop.Once you see the flaw, you…"
Keller hesitated again, his lips twitching like a snarling dog."I’ll what?"
