4
It took my brain far too long to register what my eyes were seeing. I somehow managed to muffle a scream by shoving my fist into my mouth. Why would Vera be in the boot? My gaze moved from her face down to the length of something thick and green around her throat. I knew I should have paid more attention to what it was, but my brain was in overload. I could see the marks it had made on her skin. Part of me knew what I’d find if I pressed a finger to her neck, but I did it anyway. After all, there could be some chance she was still alive.
No pulse.
Her arms were tucked into the tight space, pressed awkwardly against her torso while her legs were crammed up against her ribs. I could see a dark rim of dampness on the bottom edge where the hood had been left open, allowing rain in. A shiv
