Page 110 of My Turn

She sent a crazy amount of emojis that I assumed meant she was happy about it. I was excited too. There was so much lost time to make up for. It might help Alana think about something else if Alicia came over. Even though there was still a bit of trepidation because of the situation itself, they really liked each other. I knew their relationship would grow and everything would fall into place.

First, I had to fix this Ben situation. Since Alicia was coming over on Wednesday, I really needed to get the body out of my house. Kids were curious creatures and she might go wandering when I wasn’t looking. Knowing her, she’d love to explore the basement.

I grabbed Ben’s phone from his desk where I’d placed it after his death. After letting it charge enough, I turned it on. Texts started coming in quickly, most likely clients that he’d ghosted. Navigating to Alana’s messages, I read through them.

Lana:Hey, I tried calling you, but you’re probably busy. I just wanted to check in. How are you?

Hey. It’s been a couple days. Hope you’re okay.

Ben, I’m kinda worried. I know we don’t talk anymore, but I want to fix that. That’s why I’ve been trying to call.

Remember my 11thbirthday? Mom threw a party together the same day because she forgot. Nobody came and she gotdrunk to deal with the guilt of being a shit parent. You stole money from dad’s wallet and took me ice skating. That’s still my favorite birthday. It meant everything. Anyway, I just want to talk to you. Please, Ben. I love you.

“Damnit, baby,” I muttered. Why did she have to get sentimental now, of all times?

I couldn’t blame her. This one was on me. Killing Ben had been impulsive because I thought he was going to fuck everything up. He knew too much about what I’d done and if he felt like it, he could’ve told her about Jake, the stalking, the tracker on her car. He was a liability, one that I thought she’d never miss.

Hindsight and all that.

Ben’s phone went off and my brow furrowed when I saw a new text from Alana.

Lana:It’s my fault. I know that. I wish we could have a relationship. Ben, I’m sorry for shutting you out after they went to prison. I’m sorry for putting Jake above you. I’m sorry for everything. I love you.

She was giving up. That was good, but there was still a chance she’d go to the police.

Fuck me. I scrolled through his texts to get a feel for his voice, then went back to the messages.

Ben:Lana… Tbh, idk what you expect. You’re my sister and I’ll always love you, but it’s too late. You know what they say about water and bridges. I want the best for you. I just think things should stay the way they’ve been all these years. Maybe that’ll change later but right now, that’s where I’m at. Be happy, kid.

I read over it a dozen times before I sent it. It showed as read immediately, but she didn’t respond. After ten minutes, I disconnected the phone from the charger and put it back on the desk. Whenever someone did look into his disappearance, everything would look like he’d just walked away. Maybe the text to Alana would make them think he wanted to start over or something.

It didn’t matter. I left no trace of my involvement. Anything that mentioned me in his records was gone. All they’d have was a cold trail and, in the end, they probably wouldn’t put much effort into it. Benjamin Monroe was now a ghost, literally and in the eyes of the world. Gone and mostly forgotten.

Except for his body, of course. I needed to get rid of that while Alana was at work this week. Something had solidified in my mind since I won Alana and it became even more clear today.

She could never find out about Ben or Jake. She knew I’d killed and if she asked, I’d be honest about my victims. Not those two. It could break her and, worse, it could drive her away from me. That was something I’d sworn would never happen.

*****

My rotorcraft was finally complete and it was magnificent. Hector had pulled through just before the deadline. It was enough to make me wrap him in a bear hug, which might have terrified him, but I was in a good mood today.

I was going to tell Alana that Alicia was coming, but the kid wanted to surprise her. She loved dropping surprises. Who was I to take that away from her? She’d even made her a Christmas ornament, which was freaking adorable. I loved the hell out of this kid.

“Go put your stuff in the spare room,” I instructed, pointing to the one at the beginning of the hall.

She took off and I followed. Going past her room, I looked at my closed door. Alana hadn’t been in the living room or kitchenwhen we walked in, so she must be there. It was only seven, but maybe she’d needed a nap after work. She hadn’t texted me back when I told her I was leaving the job site.

Inching the door open, I peered inside. She was lying on her stomach in bed and I couldn’t help but smile. Seeing her there was something I’d dreamed of for what felt like an eternity. We’d earned this beautiful life.

I closed the door behind me and crawled over her. Moving her hair away from her neck, I kissed the back of it.

“Baby,” I murmured.

She made a little sound and covered her face with her arm. I pried it away, then started kissing her cheek, down to her jaw.

“Someone’s here to see you,” I said.

“No.”