I can tell by the look on her face that she thinks I’m being stupid. I mean, I do have a hand-chopping, possible murderer stalking me. But then what? I have some random guy following me around until my shadow is caught, and who knows if that’ Il ever happen. I grind my teeth, overwhelmed with frustration. I don’t want to live my life with an extra attachment—an extra limb. And in both scenarios, I have one. One is there to protect me, while the other is there to... I don’t know. Hurt me? Love me? Either way, I don’t want either of them. “Do you think Arch is dead?” I ask, failing to keep the tremble out of my voice. She twists her lips. “I don’t know. It’s definitely a possibility. But it’s also possible he chopped off his hands and let him go as a warning. We won’t know until Arch either shows up... or doesn’t.” I nod. “Pll let you know about the bodyguard thing. Let’s just see how this alarm system thing works out first.” “Okay, in the meantime, I’m going to dispose of these hands. Ill be back in an hour, and then we’re getting hammered.” My eyes widen. “Daya, you don’t have to do that. This is morbid enough, and I don’t want you to have to—" The severity of her expression stops me short, my words trailing off. “TI see worse every day, Addie. Go inside, Ill be back soon.” Swallowing, I nod and turn towards my door, shooting one last lingering look at my best friend’s retreating form, wondering what the hell she’s involved in if she sees worse than chopped up body parts every day.