Page 188 of Serenity Falls

‘What the fuck?’

Milo’s face was ashen. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—’

‘—to fucking choke me?’

‘Serena?’

‘No. Jesus.’ I rubbed at my neck. ‘I guess Davey had a lucky escape in more ways than one.’

Milo grabbed my arm again. ‘Don’t say that.’

‘Let go!’

I yanked my arm away and my ankle twisted on the step of the pulpit. I felt it buckle under me. I screamed. My arms pinwheeled as I tried to save myself, but it was no good. I was falling backwards. I heard the crack of my skull as it struck the corner of a wooden pew and then everything greyed out as I crashed against the hard stone floor.

Distantly, I heard Milo cry: ‘Serena!’

My vision fogged. In and out of focus. I couldn’t move. My fingers tingled. Everything felt cold. I gasped, trying to draw in breath.

Milo knelt down next to me. His hands reached for my head. When he pulled them back, they were dark with blood.

‘Mi-lo,’ I groaned. ‘Get … get help.’

He stared at me. ‘Oh, Serena.’

But he didn’t move.

‘Milo. Please.’

He stroked my forehead, smearing it with my own blood.

‘Just tell me where he is and I’ll fetch help.’

Tears pricked at my eyes. ‘Milo.’

‘Shhh. Don’t cry. It’s okay. Just tell me.’

I wanted to shake my head, to scream at him, but I couldn’t. And now Milo was drawing away from me, like he was at the end of a tunnel that was growing longer and longer, until he disappeared completely and all I could see was a tiny pinpoint of light.

Something about the light was comforting. Warm.

‘Where is he?’

I smiled.

‘Safe.’

The light blinked out into darkness.

58

‘I gave her the crucifix, and I never saw her again.’ Miller smiles, sadly. ‘I suppose I hoped that she’d got away, made a new life with Davey Junior.’

He’s lying. I’m sure. But I can’t prove it. And whatever the truth, is it fair to burden Davey with it?

I stand. ‘Thanks for your time.’

I’ve left the crucifix lying on the pew. He picks it up.