Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter) novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43 

When Melody had first mentioned that a killer was on her tail, she had no qualms about sending me in her stead to lure the murderer out. 

Melody was selfish, and it was clear as day to everyone. Everyone, that is, except Dexter.. 

Robin gave Dexter a meaningful look. Was he really that naive? Or was there something her wasn’t sharing? 

“Sorry… I, I don’t have a red dress anymore,” Melody stammered, her reluctance to help obvious. She just didn’t want to give the cops anything to go on. 

Dexter paused, confused. “But I thought…” 

He remembered the red dress he had bought for her, one that she had claimed to adore. 

“That one… it got ruined in the wash. The colors bled so I threw it out,” Melody faltered. 

Dexter didn’t press further. 

Stella’s eyes were rimmed with red, anger boiling within her as she confronted Dexter. “Tell me the brand and style of the dress, and I’ll go buy it myself.” 

After a long silence, Dexter finally spoke. “It’s from L&Y’s fall collection, the only long red dress they had.” 

Hearing Dexter’s words, my heart ached anew. When I was eighteen, I had asked him for a dress as a gift, admitting my fondness for L&Y’s design aesthetic. 

He had agreed, but year after year, the dresses he bought were never for me. 

Stella glanced at Dexter, too exasperated to argue. 

Following Stella out, Robin frowned. “There’s something off about this Melody.” 

“Officer Robin, can we please hurry?” Stella barely held herself together as she entered the 

elevator. 

“Please, I need to try. I can’t bear to think what Phoebe might be going through. Please.” 

Robin took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright, I’ll go with you to get the dress, then you’ll leave this hotel pretending to be Melody. You can trust me; I’ll keep you safe.” 

Stella nodded, her hands clenched tight. “We have to catch this bastard. 

“Robin, you have to protect her,” I muttered incessantly, knowing full well Robin couldn’t hear me but unable to stop myself. “You just have to keep her safe.” 

That evening, Stella put on the same model of dress as Melody, straightened her hair, and left the hotel wearing a face mask. 

I followed, anxious and vigilant. 

Chapter 43 

I was terrified she’d encounter danger. 

Stella first stopped at a bar, drinking until she was visibly intoxicated, her hair a disheveled. 

mess. 

To avoid detection and for the sake of authenticity, she really drank. 

I sat by her, my eyes red with worry. “Stella, don’t be afraid, I’m always here.” 

I wanted to be her guardian angel, to protect her, but I was helpless. 

The police had taken every precaution to ensure Stella’s safety. 

Stumbling out alone. Stella made her way down Tangle Lane, just outside the Nocturne Club. 

Click. 

Suddenly, a faint sound came from behind. I nervously looked back at the dark corner, trembling with fear.