Chapter 27

Rachel's cup shattered on the floor. She stood up abruptly. Her lips were pale. "What... Whose nails were those?" she asked. Rachel seemed to have lost control after the question. She threw off her jacket and ran outside frantically. She was terrified for me, fearing I was dead. Or worse, still alive and suffering. I cried out with my arms wide and tried to stop her. She was all I had left. "Don't go, Rach. Please don't go." Zion reacted quickly and grabbed Rachel's wrist. "Calm down. Maybe, just maybe, this is one of the killer's tricks. She might still be alive. Don't be rash." Rachel collapsed to her knees. She sobbed and clutched Zion's leg. "Please, I beg you, find Stephie quickly. Please," she pleaded. Rachel's cries to the police were desperate. She urged them to find me quickly. The thought of any further delay was unbearable. She couldn't imagine the pain I might be enduring. I crouched and covered my head as I shook with fear. I couldn't bear to think about what th