Page 145 of Ash and Poison

I opened the door when they arrived moments later.

“Dead?” Layne winced. “We didn’t kill him, did we?”

Asher shook his head with a frown. “Must be that bastard.”

I closed the door to Jimmy’s room, moving toward the yard.

“Jonah’s not here now,” I said, looking around.

“I’ll find him,” Asher said, jogging toward the men who were moving more boxes.

Vincent strode toward me with a smile, which died when he saw my face. “Something wrong?”

I hesitated. “It’s Jimmy. He’s dead, Vincent. Killed the same way Mercy was.”

Vincent’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Your serial killer?”

Layne crossed her arms with a glare. “You’re a fool, Sheriff. Where’s Jonah? He came in with you, didn’t he?”

Vincent’s frown deepened. “Jonah? What do you mean?”

Layne shrugged.

“Listen, this has to be kept quiet for now. Doctor T… and now this… everyone would panic,” I said, looking at Vincent.

“I’ll be as discreet as I can be,” Vincent said when I motioned to the nurse nearby.

“Shelly, can you take Sheriff Bricks to Jimmy’s room?”

As he walked away, Asher came back, panting.

“He’s not here.”

The mayor waved when he caught my eyes. He was busy arranging food and sweets on the table with his wife.

My frown deepened when I noticed Nurse Becca running toward us.

“Dr. Sharma! Asher.” She stopped in front of us, her breath was ragged. “It’s Millie—”

My stomach coiled. “What?”

Becca swallowed hard. “She’s not in her room.”

“Did you check the—” I started, but the answer was already clear.

Becca shook her head, her hands trembling. “I searched everywhere. The rooms, the yard. She never comes out when there are people around. But when I went to give her medication, the door was ajar, and she was… gone.” Becca’s voice trembled. She looked between Asher and me, then stepped closer, lowering her voice. “I-I think it’s him.”

“Who?” I asked, but I already knew the answer.

She knew.

“The one who killed Riley,” she said, looking at Asher.

Asher went rigid.

“How do you—” His voice faltered. “What are you saying?"

“You think I didn’t know, Asher? I knew why you came here. I…” She hesitated for a second. “I protected your secrets.”