Page 127 of Stalker

And truthfully? Wilder might be a cold-blooded killer, but he was completely in control of his brilliant brain.

Maybe that’s why he was so damn good at what he did and why I’d been instantly attracted to him.

What I had in mind would take a miracle to succeed, but what choice did I have? It was either remain a prisoner or fight to free Wilder’s soul. I dialed the number, staying right where I was. If I dared turn around, he would know I was planning something. As it was, his eyes were flashing, yet he remained completely poised. The man was in control at all times.

“Cash, hey, it’s Cassie.”

“Cassie? You never go by Cassie on purpose,” Cash said, laughing.

“Yeah, I’m working out of the office on the case I mentioned. I’ll miss the staff meeting.”

“What staff meeting? We haven’t had one of those in a long time. Are you okay?”

“No, I doubt I can make our lunch either. But listen. That girl who was found murdered. Have you checked with the detective on the videos found at the scene?”

“I don’t know since forensics are still involved. I haven’t heard anything else from the detective at this point, but there’s significant pressure to release Drew on bail since there are mitigating circumstances in how the man was found.”

“Shit. You can’t allow that to happen. Why not put a trace on him when he’s released?” I tried my best to act as nonchalant as possible. Two years before when another monster had threatened me, we’d joked about one protecting the other through the use of code words. Only the man holding me captive was too clever. He’d figure out I was concocting an out easier than anyone else I knew.

“Are you listening to what I’m saying, girl? What in the hell is going on with you? I’m filing an injunction so Mr. Monahan can’t be released. I don’t know how long it will last, but it’ll buy me some time to get in front of a judge.”

“The trace will at least let you know where he is the moment he goes free.”

“Whoa,” Cash finally said. “Oh, shit. Now I get it. You’re asking me to trace your phone. Something happened.”

“Yep. Just like that. It shouldn’t be too tough.”

“You’re not at your house. Are you?”

I laughed. “I know you’re good at what you do, buddy. Take a drive and refresh your mind. That might help. Besides, the office could do without you for a few hours.”

It was code meaning don’t bother trying to find me for a few hours. I either had to find a way to escape without Wilder knowing, knock him out cold, or wait until he was asleep.

“Okay, so you’re out of the city and I won’t be able to get to you for a few hours. Wow. Does this have anything to do with Wilder Blackwell?”

“As always. Anyway, I need to get back to work. I’ll try and call you later.” I only prayed I’d given him enough information.

“Jesus, are you in danger?”

“No, it’s fine. I’m just trying to get a handle on if there’s any correlation with Cain Demarco escaping from the Red Onion State Prison in Virginia.”

“O-kay. I’ll see what I can do. Just sit tight.”

“I’m going to try. Just do your best; that’s all you can do.” I could tell Wilder was paying attention to every word, never blinking as he studied me.

“I’m calling the police.”

“No, I don’t need anything else. You’ve got your hands full.”

Cash whistled. “I don’t like this, but I’ll find you. His home?”

“No. I’m just a little overwhelmed, dreaming of the perfect house at the shore. One day.” With Wilder’s house being off the grid, the only possibility I had of getting away from the man was if Cash picked through my words.

Even that was risky as hell.

“Sit tight. I’ll find you. Somehow.”

“I know you will. Talk later.” I ended the call, half laughing as if annoyed by something Cash had said.

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