Stillhouse Lake (Stillhouse Lake #1)(97)

I don’t want to say his name, either. It’s almost like saying the name of the devil. I’m afraid he will appear.

Prester’s expression has turned darker now, and I don’t like the way he keeps watching me, tentative and thoughtful. Like he’s trying to decide if I’m strong enough to stand what he’s got in mind.

So I say, “You have something to tell me.” I’m not afraid of anything anymore. My children are with me. Safe. Lancel Graham isn’t going anywhere. It’s possible his sons can be saved, unless his particular psychopathy is inherited.

Prester gestures me off to the side. I don’t want to let go of Lanny and Connor, but I do take a few steps away and position myself to watch them. I know this is something he doesn’t want them to hear.

But I’m still not afraid.

“There was a well-coordinated breakout from El Dorado. Seventeen prisoners. Nine of them are already in custody. But—”

He doesn’t even have to say it. I know, with the sick inevitability of fate, what he’s going to tell me. “But Melvin Royal is loose,” I say.

He looks away. I don’t know what I’m feeling, or what he’s seeing in me. But I do know one thing.

I’m not afraid of Mel anymore.

I’m going to kill him. One way or the other, it ends the way it began so long ago: with the two of us.

The Royals.