Page 26 of In Death, Love Survives
Pulling out my keys, I start to unlock my car before I reach it. That’s when a figure appears next to it.
I come to a halt immediately.
“Don’t be afraid,” the voice commands.
It’s raspy, but it sounds like it’s from years of smoking cigarettes and not a natural twang.
“Who are you? What do you want?” I ask while staying still.
A woman and a man pass by, looking concerned by my behavior. I give them a tight smile as they walk past.
“A friend of a friend.”
“Who?”
The man steps forward out of the shadows, and I can see him clearly now. He has tattoos covering his body, and he’s wearing a simple all-black outfit that screams trouble.
He’s much younger than I assumed, maybe a few years older than I am.
“I’m not going to ask you again,” I say, trying to sound strong.
Smoke surrounds us as the man laughs. He ashes his cigarette and takes another puff.
“Sweetheart, I promise you this.”
Another puff.
“This friend we share only wanted to ensure your safety tonight.”
“Well, I’m fine… outside of this.” I gesture between the two of us.
He laughs darkly.
“That guy in there. He didn’t harm you?”
I tilt my head back.
“Harm me? He’s my boss.”
The unknown man snickers.
“Looks like he wanted something else.”
I cross my arms over my chest.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I don’t really care what he wants outside of a professional relationship.”
The man nods as he takes another smoke.
“If that’s all, can you please back away from my car?”
The man approaches and is now mere feet away.
“The name’s Caleb. Take my number in case you need help.”
I throw my arms out in frustration.
“Help? Why are you speaking in riddles? I’m a psychiatrist. That’s all. I don’t get into situations where I need help.”
