Dead End Job (7 page)

BOOK: Dead End Job

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“I love the rugged quality of this paper, don't you?” I said and rubbed my hand along it, like it was just the thing I was looking for.

“Ah. Yeah,” he said. “It's great. So how do you want me to sit?”

He turned his head to the side. He stared off into the distance. He'd obviously seen lots of paintings of famous people.

“Is this okay?”

“That's perfect,” I said. “Now don't move.”

I opened my new box of charcoal pencils. I chose a 2B because it had the sharpest point. I looked at Devin. His features were actually pretty nice. A straight nose. Good cheekbones. Almond-shaped eyes. He could have been handsome if someone different had been behind that face.

I sketched an oval, roughed in a nose and eyes. I held the pencil upright in front of his face.

He flinched.

“Sorry. I'm just making sure I get the proportions right,” I said.

“Yeah, yeah. I know,” he said. He always had to act like he knew.

I drew the mouth, adjusted the nose. I looked at the drawing. Even at that early stage, I could see Devin in it. It's amazing what you can do when you concentrate.

I raised the pencil again. He thought I was just checking proportions. He didn't flinch.

Not until I rammed the pencil right up his left nostril.

He fell to the floor, screaming, blood spurting everywhere.

I ran past him, through the store, out the front door.

It was just before midnight.

And Leo was pulling into the parking lot.

Epilogue

Devin Orser's real name is Dwayne Parker. He doesn't play an instrument. He knows nothing about art. Or architecture. Or biology.

His father wasn't Tom Orser, but Donnie Parker did leave the family when Devin was eight. His mother thinks that's what happened to him.

Kyla was right. Devin is crazy, but he isn't stupid. She knew he was trouble. That's why she sent Leo for me as soon as she saw the
baby blue Fiesta parked behind the Highway Buyway.

Devin goes to court next Thursday for stalking, kidnapping and attempted murder. Of course he says it's all just a big misunderstanding. A lover's quarrel. Devin knows in his heart that we'll be together again soon.

That's why I wake up screaming every night.

I still want to go away to art college. And I will. I won't let Devin take that away from me.

But I have to admit, I'm scared. Maybe I should just stay in Lockeport for a while with Mom and Dad.

And Leo.

We'll see.

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