Page 54 of Stalk Me

"Who's 'us'?" David asks, cutting to the heart of it.

Erik hesitates, then puts the phone on speaker. "My friend Luna. She's the one who discovered everything. Her parents are at the center of it."

"Luna Queen?" David asks, and the recognition in his voice makes my blood run cold.

"You know who I am?" I whisper.

"I know your family," he says, voice hardening. "Everyone in my office does. We've been trying to build a case against your father for years, but witnesses keep disappearing or recanting."

"I have evidence," I say, leaning closer to the phone. "Emails, photos, documents—enough to bring them down for good."

"How did you get these?"

I glance at Erik, who gives me a slight nod. "Let's just say I have access to their private communications. I can prove they're operating a blackmail ring that targets politicians, judges, CEOs—anyone with influence. They organize parties and record said people in compromising situations, then use the footage for leverage."

There's a long silence on the other end. "And you're willing to testify to this?"

"Yes," I say, ignoring the fear that claws at my throat. "But we need to move fast. They know I'm on to them, and they're planning to take Erik somewhere called Munich for 'recalibration.'"

"That doesn't sound good," David says, voice grim.

"It's not," I confirm. "Trust me."

"We need you to meet with someone," Erik says. "Professor Peter Austin. He'll give you the USB with the evidence."

I listen as David and Erik confirm the details of the exchange, the words washing over me. There are no more doubts, no hesitations. Erik put his faith in me, and now we're both putting our faith in his brother.

"David… thank you," Erik says finally. "I know this is a lot to ask?—"

"You're my brother," David replies, voice softening. "Of course I'll help. Just keep your head down and stay safe until the handoff. I will make sure to keep it all quiet until you guys are safe. But don't thank me yet, little brother. This is just the beginning."

As we end the call, Erik's hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining. The simple contact centers me and anchors me to this moment of fragile hope.

"We're really doing this," he murmurs, and I'm not sure if it's a question or a statement.

"We are," I confirm. "Are you scared?"

A small smile touches his lips. "Terrified. You?"

"Beyond terrified," I admit. "But also…"

"What?"

I search for the word, surprised when I find it. "Free. For the first time, I feel like maybe there's a way out."

His thumb traces circles on my palm, the touch sending warmth through me. "There is a way out, Luna. I promise."

We stay there on the bathroom floor until the water runs cold, planning our next steps and mapping our escape route. When we finally part ways, slipping through the connecting bathroom, I feel stronger than I have in years. We have a plan. We have help. We have each other.

Maybe that will be enough.

Midnight Nightmare

Darkness envelops me as I drift in and out of consciousness. Sleep has been elusive since I hacked my father's emails, but exhaustion finally pulled me under around 2 a.m. One of the USB drives is hidden safely in a small pocket I'd sewn into my pillowcase—a precaution I'd taken after returning from that horrific party at my parents' house. Professor Austin should already be halfway to Boston by now, carrying another copy to DA David Stone. Our plan is in motion. In three days, when David reviews the evidence, he’ll send people for us, helping us escape Shark Bay and my parents' reach forever.

A noise pulls me from the edge of sleep—subtle, almost imperceptible. The soft click of my door unlocking. I freeze, instantly alert despite my fatigue. Belle has her own key, but she's been sleeping at Jessica's more or less since I came here. Campus security always knocks. No one else should have access to my room, especially in the middle of the night.

I remain perfectly still, controlling my breathing to maintain the illusion of sleep. Through barely-open eyes, I see three shadows slip into my room—two large men and a third figure. I instantly recognize from his distinctive silhouette and the scent of expensive cologne that reaches me even across the room.

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