Page 257 of Let Me In

I lift my head slowly.

“Are you in danger?”

His eyes meet mine.

“No.”

He doesn’t blink. Doesn’t hedge.

“But if I don’t deal with this,” he adds, “you could be.”

My stomach turns. But I nod. Quietly.

“When?”

“This evening,” he says. “Two nights. That’s all I need.”

I swallow. My throat aches.

He feels it—presses a kiss to my temple.

“I’m not leaving you unprotected,” he murmurs. “The same man I told you about before—The Watcher. He’s nearby again. Just like last time.”

A thin, sharp inhale breaks loose—small and sudden, like something inside me just tripped.

“I didn’t realize he’d still be close.” His jaw tips in a quiet confirmation, more breath than movement.

“Only when I need him to be. Tonight, he’ll come by. Drop something off." He pauses. "I want you to see him. That’s all. You don’t have to talk to him. But I want you to know his face. So you’re not afraid, if you catch a glimpse.”

I nod. It’s all I can do. My throat is too tight.

My voice is barely a breath.

“You’re really going.”

He exhales like that hit him in the chest. Lifts my hand to his heart.

“I’m coming back, Emmy.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I shake my head.

“I know. I just…”

“You don’t have to be brave,” he says gently.

“But I want to be,” I whisper.

And I do. More than anything.

“I’ll be back in two days,” he says again. “The Watcher will stay close. The dogs’ll be fine. You’ll have the car, just in case.”

I don’t ask what he’s taking with him. I don’t ask what he plans to do.

But when I finally speak, it’s just one thing.

“Keep the compass with you.”

His eyes soften. He nods once.

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