Page 88 of Unholy Bonds

“I was never here.”

He gave me a nod. “Just leave.”

“Good boy. Please, don’t make me angry. When I get angry, I do bad things. You understand?”

“I understand. Leave me the fuck alone.”

With a satisfied smile, I drove home, knowing very well I had just crossed another fucking line. Did I care about it?

Hell, no.

35

TWISTED GAMES

YARA

Islept so much better last night, all thanks to Ryden and our little rendezvous in the elevator. The next morning, I was humming when I entered Hot Cuppa. “Here’s your usual, Doc.” Smiling, Miranda slid my cup of coffee to me as soon as I reached her. “Want anything else?”

“That scone looks delicious. I’ll take two,” I said, rubbing my hands together.

“Want dark chocolate to go on top of it?” she asked, knowing very well how much I liked dark chocolate with everything I ate.

I nodded, sliding my card to her. “Thanks, Miranda. You’re a godsend. Make it to go,” I said, and she giggled as she placed my scones in a box, before squeezing dark chocolate on top of the already delicious dessert.

“There’s nothing like too many books or too much chocolate, Doc,” she said with a contagious laugh.

“You know it.”

“Have a nice day. You already look like you’re having one.” Her smile was knowing.

“Maybe,” I said with a wink. “Have a great day, Miranda. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I walked to my car and opened the door, still whistling. My whistle stopped when my phone vibrated with a new message.

TS: I enjoyed our little chat the other day. I will be sending you gifts for your birthday. I hope you’ll enjoy them, Yara.

My smile died.

Me: Tell me who you are.

TS: Do you think I am an idiot, Yara?

Me: You’re the one who wanted to play a game. It’s no fun when you’re hiding like a coward.

There was no reply.

“Did you find anything, Chen, on the number I sent you?” I asked as I walked into the computer lab filled with beeping monitors and massive CPUs. Senior Digital Forensic Analyst Anna Chen was one of the best in the field.

Chen shook her head. “The number is a burner phone, Doctor West,” she said, giving me an apologetic smile. I already knew it was.

“I did find something. I triangulated the signal when the message was sent and found the location,” Chen slid a paper toward me. “It’s Palmer Hills, Doctor West. You live there, don’t you?” She looked worried.

Sighing, I nodded. “Yes.”

“Are you going to the cops with this?”

I only told her that I received an anonymous threatening text. I didn’t say anything more about it. “Not yet. I think it’s just a prank.”

---