The Only One Left

by Riley Sager

She’s capable of so little yet accused of so much, and I remain torn between wanting to protect her and the urge to suspect her.

But I knew that looks could be deceiving. And that even prisons could appear lovely if lit the right way.

But that’s not what you’re most curious about, is it? You want to know if I’m as evil as everyone says I am. The answer is no. And yes.

Mr. Gurlain chose me because Lenora Hope is the one patient nobody—not even the police—will mind if I kill.

“You’re never alone when there’s a book nearby,” she used to say. “Never ever.”

It might have only been sex, and it might have only been Kenny, but at least it was something and he was someone. Now there’s nothing and no one.

“Those of us at Hope’s End aren’t like most people.” Mrs. Baker turns toward the row of windows and the terrace railing just beyond them.

“Here, we give young women accused of terrible deeds the benefit of the doubt.”

It doesn’t matter that I lied to Mrs. Baker. Not just about my previous patient. But about Lenora Hope, my opinion of whom hasn’t changed. I still think she’s a killer.

“That’s the biggest thing we have in common,” I finally say. “That everyone thinks I also killed my mother.”