Forever Watching

Chapter 10: No Escape (Final Chapter)

The morning light streamed through the windows of the cabin, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. Will Moore stood at the sink, staring out at the forest. The grave was out there, hidden beneath layers of dirt and leaves. Safe.

At least, that's what he told himself.

Elena moved behind him, her footsteps soft but steady. "You didn't sleep, did you?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Will forced a smile. "Just wanted to keep an eye on things."

She leaned against the counter, studying him. "You're always watching out for me."

"Always," he said, his voice low.

Elena smiled, but there was something behind it—something guarded. Will didn't like it.

---

They spent the morning hiking through the woods. Elena seemed lighter, almost happy, but Will couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Every noise in the trees made his muscles tense, every rustle of leaves felt like a whisper of danger.

When they returned to the cabin, Elena disappeared into the bathroom. Will used the time to double-check the locks, the windows, and his phone. No messages. No missed calls.

But his paranoia wouldn't fade.

He sat down at the table, running his hands through his hair. Maybe it was over. Maybe the man in the hoodie had been the only threat, and now that he was gone, Will could finally let his guard down.

Or maybe not.

A knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts.

Will's heart stopped. No one should've known they were there.

"Elena?" he called out.

"Yeah?" she replied from the bathroom.

"Stay there."

Will grabbed the knife from the kitchen counter and moved to the door. He opened it slowly, his pulse hammering.

A police officer stood on the porch.

"William Moore?"

Will froze. "Yes?"

"I'm Detective Harris. I need to ask you a few questions."

Will's grip tightened on the knife, hidden behind the door. "About what?"

"A missing person. Man by the name of Daniel Royce. He was last seen near your apartment building."

Will's stomach dropped. Royce—the man in the hoodie.

"I'm sorry, I don't know anyone by that name."

The detective didn't flinch. "Mind if I come in?"

Will hesitated. "Actually, my girlfriend's not feeling well. Maybe we could do this another time?"

"I won't take long," the detective said, stepping forward.

Will felt his body tense, every instinct screaming at him to stop this now. But Elena's voice called out from the bathroom.

"It's okay, Will."

He stepped aside, letting the detective in.

---

The questions started simply.

How long had they been there? When did they arrive? Had they seen anything suspicious?

Will answered carefully, keeping his voice calm. But the detective's eyes lingered on him too long, as if searching for cracks.

Then came the question Will had been dreading.

"Mind if I take a look around outside?"

Will's heart pounded. "Why?"

"Just routine," the detective said. "You understand."

Will forced a smile. "Of course."

---

Will watched from the window as the detective walked toward the woods. Every step felt like a countdown to disaster.

When the detective disappeared into the trees, Will's mind raced. He couldn't let this happen. If the grave was found—if the body was uncovered—it was all over.

"Elena," he said, grabbing her arm. "We need to go."

"What? Why?"

"No time to explain."

She pulled away, her eyes narrowing. "What's going on, Will? Why are you panicking?"

He froze. "I told you—I'm protecting you."

"Protecting me from what?"

Will opened his mouth to answer, but then the door burst open.

The detective stood there, his eyes sharp. "Stay where you are."

Elena gasped. "Will?"

Will backed away, his mind spinning. He had to act—he had to do something before it was too late.

But then Elena stepped between them.

"Wait," she said, her voice shaking. "What's going on?"

The detective looked at her. "Elena, we believe Will Moore is connected to the disappearance of a man named Daniel Royce. And possibly others."

Elena's eyes widened. "What?"

Will reached for her, but she stepped back.

"Is that true?" she asked, her voice breaking.

"No," Will said, his voice desperate. "I did this for you—for us!"

Her face twisted with horror. "You… you killed him?"

The room spun as Will saw the truth in her eyes—fear. The trust he had built was gone.

"Elena, I love you," he whispered.

"Stay back!"

The detective moved forward, gun drawn. "It's over, Will."

Will's mind raced, but there was no way out.

No escape.

---

The cuffs tightened around his wrists as the detective led him outside. The cabin disappeared behind him, and so did Elena's face—pale, broken.

Will's heart pounded as he was shoved into the back of the police car.

This wasn't the end. It couldn't be.

He would find a way back to her.

He always did.