A serial killer targets members of Conrad Holiday’s senior class, starting with one of his friends, Bobby. Initially, Conrad has no idea what the link is. But eventually, he realizes it's out senior gay and bisexual males who are being murdered.

While the bodies pile up, Conrad finds himself in a situationship with the local pastor's son (and fellow classmate), River McNamara. There's only one problem, though. River is closeted. But Conrad can't just ignore River. Attraction isn't always logical...

And ultimately, the police don't have any leads with who the serial killer might be. If Conrad wants to uncover the killer, he must investigate and get answers himself. Even if the truth might jeopardize his relationship with River. Because Conrad’s life is quite literally on the line…if he doesn’t unmask the killer, Conrad could be next.

14+ due to sexuality and adult situations

 

Excerpt:

Music pulses from inside the house while I stand in front of the hedge maze on River’s property. As much as I want to try something different by venturing outside of my comfort zone, I’m only human. Like how I still need occasional moments to pull myself together. As much as I don’t want to constantly dwell on Dad’s death, socializing still feels weird. I meant what I said about needing to live my life again. However, something overwhelmed me when I entered the kitchen with my friends a few minutes earlier. So, I don’t need to think twice about excusing myself for a few minutes.

Someone taps my back.

I spin around, almost shrieking.

River gives me an apologetic look. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay,” I mumble.

He raises his eyebrows. “You aren’t gonna give me a hard time for startling you, are you?”

I shrug. “There wouldn’t be a point … everyone makes mistakes.”

He nods. “True.”

“Is there something you need from me?” I ask, voice slightly soft. Getting an answer from River doesn’t mean I need to be confrontational.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay.” He sighs. “I wasn’t spying on you or anything. I just happened to see you through one of the windows.”

It doesn’t take long for his concern to overwhelm me. Obviously, people are more than a possible stereotype. However, outside of Tatum, I never realized jocks could be so kind. And for a fleeting moment, I wonder what else I might possibly be wrong about.

I gape. “Oh…”

“It’s okay if you wanna go.”

“Thanks.”

He stares me down. “I won’t judge you.”

“I do wanna stay,” I finally say. “I just wanted a moment to myself.”

“No problem.” He twitches a smile. “If you want me to go back inside, I will.”

“You can stay.”

Yeah, I’m being serious. While I did want time to gather my thoughts, I won’t have a fit from River’s presence. Nothing good will come from overreacting. Besides, I also need to be honest with myself. Having company is nice. Having one other person standing next to me isn’t terrible. As much as I care about my friends, there’s a certain novelty to chatting with River. Like I get something from him that I can’t get from the others.

He chuckles. “We won the game.”

“That’s great … congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

“Was it a difficult game?” I ask.

“Kinda,” he says. “But the important thing was we survived.”

“Good point.”

River beams. “I got caught up the first time I saw the hedge when my parents and I moved into the house.”

“It just seems like something out of a Tim Burton movie.”

He laughs louder. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. If you want, we could go exploring inside the maze.”

Goosebumps form on my body. Admiring the hedge maze is one thing. But I don’t know if I’m ready to explore. Especially at night. Something eerie exists from the idea of going into a hedge maze … I’ve never been inside one before.

River winks. “It could be fun.”

“True…”

“But if you don’t wanna enter, that’s fine.” A small smile tugs at his lips. “Making you uncomfortable is the last thing I want.”

“Good to know.”

“Everyone deserves to have their boundaries respected.” River rubs his neck.

I contemplate the hedge maze for another beat. As terrifying as exploring it might be, I won’t be alone if River comes. So, I’ll give in to temptation just this once.

“Yeah, I’d like to see the inside of the hedge maze,” I say.

“Cool.”

I follow River into the maze. Somehow, the maze seems even bigger once I’m inside. But that’s okay. I focus on the fact that I’m not alone. River is here too. So, that’s enough.

“What do you think?” he asks.

“It’s impressive.”

“If we aren’t careful, we might get lost.”

I frown. “Seriously?”

“I was only teasing.” The softness in his voice lingers in the air. I never knew another person could make my heart flutter. But I like it. These days, I need to find the joy where I can. Even if it’s with a classmate I barely know.

“Okay.”

“You don’t mind that, do you?” he asks.

“Not at all.”

“Great. Because friends should be able to joke around with each other.”

I give him a cursory nod. “True.”

His jaw quakes. “We’re friends, right?”

“Absolutely.”

I don’t agree with River to humor him. While I don’t expect to become Mr. Popular, the world won’t end if I have one new friend. River is more than some preconceived jock stereotype … he’s a person. And I don’t mind chatting with him. There were worse ways to spend my time.

He grins again. “Cool.”

River and I stroll through the maze some more. An owl hoots in the distance, yet I don’t wince. As much as the sound disrupts the quiet, worse noises exist. So, I’ll be fine. That is, until I trip.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “I can be so clumsy.”

“Don’t worry about it.” River offers his hand, and I take it. No point in being stubborn and refusing help. Even I’m not that proud.

Unfortunately, I accidentally lean into River after he pulls me up. For a moment, I think we’re about to kiss. But then screams pierce the air. Judging by the noise, the person is most likely inside the maze.

River and I start running. It isn’t long until we halt. My gaze follows River’s to the body on the ground.