Page 49 of Carnival Stalker

Fear courses through my veins as I realize the true extent of my predicament. My entire body is frozen stiff, completely immobilized by the drug. I try to wiggle my fingers, move my legs, and do anything to prove that I’m still in control, but it’s useless. I’m a prisoner in my skin, trapped and helpless.

Despite the paralysis, my mind is painfully aware of everything happening around me. I can feel the vibrations of the van’s engine, the hard metal floor pressing against my back, and the suffocating darkness that engulfs me. It’s like being buried alive, conscious but unable to scream or claw my way out.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but even they refuse to fall. I want to cry out, to beg for help, but my lips remain stubbornly sealed. The only sound is the thundering of my heartbeat in my ears, a mocking reminder that I’m still very much alive and aware of this waking nightmare.

Questions swirl in my mind, each one more terrifying than the last. Who are these men? And why did they target me specifically? I think back to the stranger’s words, how he knew my name and hinted at my “situation.” Does this have something to do with Phoenix faking my death and the reports he came across?

The van turns sharply, and my body rolls limply with the motion. I try to brace myself, but I’m completely at the mercy of the vehicle’s movements, being paralyzed by the drugs in my system. The voices up front grow louder momentarily, and I catch a snippet of their conversation.

“...boss wants her alive...”

“...gonna have some fun...”

Ice-cold dread seeps into my bones at the implications of their words. Whatever they have planned for me, it’s clear it’s sinister. I’m trapped, both physically and mentally, with no way to escape or even call for help.

As the van speeds into the unknown, I close my eyes and silently pray for a miracle. For Phoenix to somehow find me, for this to all be a terrible misunderstanding, for anything that could save me from the horror that awaits. But deep down, I know that I’m on my own now and can only try to survive whatever comes next.

28

PHOENIX

Aroutine has started to develop—Tilly’s routine. So when she doesn’t return by seven, my heart stops. Something’s wrong. I feel it in my bones.

I try to distract myself by diving into the depths of the dark web, seeking information on the recent breadcrumbs left by Veronica. But my mind keeps wandering, my eyes darting to the clock.

And then it happens. My screens flash with an unfamiliar IP address. A live feed. I freeze as I recognize Tilly, bound and helpless, with two men circling her like vultures. Rage consumes me, clouding my vision. I know this has to be Veronica’s doing.

I try to keep my breathing steady as I analyze the video. Every detail matters. Tilly’s eyes are wide, fear swirling in their depths. The men are dressed in black, their faces covered by ski masks.

One of the men makes a sound that makes my bloodrun cold. They think this is a game, but they have no idea who they’re dealing with or what I’m capable of.

I can’t lose her. Not now. Not after everything.

My fingers fly across the keyboard as I trace the signal from the nano-tracker I implanted under Tilly’s skin. While I expected to need to use it for possible escape attempts, I never expected her to get kidnapped. But thank fuck I put it in her, as I know where to find her.

She’s in a warehouse about fifty miles from the carnival. I should leave now. But there’s a problem. The only way to get there quickly is to borrow one of the guy’s vehicles. And that means asking Ty.

The thought fills me with dread. Tyson is my partner in crime, but he’s also unpredictable and volatile. Explaining my situation with Tilly and admitting that I need his help to save her feels like stepping into a minefield, but I have no choice.

Grabbing my jacket and keys, I head out. The night air is crisp as I walk to Tyson’s trailer. My heart hammers in my chest. I’m taking a risk, but I can’t lose Tilly. Not now. Not ever.

I knock sharply on his door, my palms sweating. After a moment, he answers, brow furrowing as I never come knocking on his door.

“Phoenix? What’s going on?”

I hesitate, choosing my words carefully. “I need your help.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “What? With what?”

“There’s someone I care about. They’ve been taken. I need to borrow your car to get to them.”

Tyson’s eyes narrow. “What the hell, Phoenix? Why are you just standing there? Spit it out. Who is it?”

I take a step forward, my voice low and urgent. Tyson believes I just met Tilly here. He has no idea about the kidnapping or faking her death. “It’s Tilly, Ty. She’s been kidnapped. I need to go now.”

His expression darkens, and he steps aside, motioning for me to enter. “Tell me everything. We’ll get her back.”

I take a deep breath, steadying myself for the truth that will come tumbling out.

---