Page 38 of XO Karma

“If you continue this”—my stomach twists in knots I don’t think will ever untangle—“there’s no going back.”

There’s no going back to a time before the Kodak Killer ruined my life either. “I understand the risks.”

“Do you?” they ask so calmly, it almost has me second-guessing myself.

I run a hand through my hair, gathering my non-existent thoughts. “I mean, what’s the worst that can happen?”

“You could be the one who ends up dead.”

The call drops, and a chill runs down my spine. I blink at the phone in my hand, unable to formulate a single word. Is Aster hoping I’ll take a break from stalking since I injured him? He wants time to heal before we start our little game again?

Swallowing hard, another possibility pops into my head. Is it someone else?

How do they know I’m looking into the Kodak Killer?

Is it Kodak himself?

Does he want me to stop?

Am I getting close?

A million questions fly through my mind before my head hits the pillow.

And a million more by the time the sun comes up.

13

ASTER

“You ever gonna take that off?” Diego asks, reaching toward the large bandage covering my neck. I knew people would have questions and figured a barber gouging me doing a straight-razor shave would be easier to explain than the letters carved into my skin. It’s been three weeks since Lily marked me, and it’s finally almost healed. Once it’s just a scar, I can say it’s a white ink tattoo.

After the little “fight” we had, I’ve been giving her space, and I may or may not have distracted myself by ridding Cleosville of an entire meth operation. Killed the three bosses and scared the workers enough that one of them pissed himself and swore to leave town.

Due to that, the crime section was also keeping me busy, so the distraction worked beautifully.

Dark liquid fills my favorite mug at the office as I ignore his question. “Don’t you have more important investigative work to do?”

“Tomorrow’s article’s already on Sabrina’s desk.”

“Then go talk to Meagan or Eric and leave me be.”

“They’re on assignment.” He mock pouts, leaning against the counter. “Trust me, you’re my last resort.”

“Wow, now I’m really honored.”

“Diego,” Sabrina, Head Editor of Solarium News, says, coming our way. “I’m putting you on the art gala at the Westerford mansion tonight.”

“I thought Laura was handling it,” he says. “She all but wrestled me for the piece.”

“Well, she’s sick now, so it’s all yours,” Sabrina replies.

“Anything for me?” I ask, and her brown eyes meet mine.

“Have there been any murders I’m not yet aware of?”

“No.” None that I’d like you to be, at least.

“Then enjoy your rare night off, Mr. Blake.”