Page 118 of X Marks the Stalker
“Let’s reconvene tomorrow to finalize timing,” Thorne says. “Xander, continue monitoring security protocols. Make sure he stays on route.”
This is happening. After twelve years of nightmares, after discovering my parents’ bodies, after watching the system fail, justice is finally within reach.
“Snack, anyone?” I ask, pulling a package of cookies from my jacket pocket. “I find plotting murder works up an appetite.”
Lazlo accepts with a warm smile. “Chocolate chip. Excellent choice. Did you know these have the exact same circumference as a human aortic valve?”
“That’s disturbing,” I say, offering the package to the others. “Also, strangely fascinating.”
“Welcome to the Hemlock Society,” Xander whispers in my ear.
I’m arrangingammo boxes on the cabin’s kitchen table when my phone buzzes. I check the screen, my heart lurching at Zara’s name.
“It’s Zara.”
Xander raises his eyebrows. “Your very persistent best friend?”
“I should answer before she thinks I’ve been murdered.” I take a deep breath and answer. “Hey, Z.”
“Acorn! You’re alive!” Zara’s voice explodes through the speaker. “Girl, I have the most amazing news.”
I move away from the table of weapons, giving Xander an apologetic look. “What’s up? Everything okay?”
“Better than okay. Miracle territory.” Her excitement buzzes through the phone. “You know how my parents’ restaurant has been struggling? With the rent increase and that fancy fusion place stealing customers?”
“Yeah, of course.” I step onto the cabin’s small porch, the cool mountain air a stark contrast to the warmth inside. “Did something change?”
“Change? Try complete transformation! This fancy hotel chain contacted them yesterday—out of nowhere—offering an exclusive catering contract for all their Boston locations.”
“Wait, seriously? That’s incredible!” I lean against the railing, genuinely happy for her despite the surreal contrast with my current situation.
“Three years guaranteed, with option to renew. They want authentic Jamaican dishes and breakfast items for their executive lounges. Plus, catering for events.” Zara’s voice cracks with emotion. “Mama was crying, Oak. Good tears. First time in months.”
“That’s amazing, Z. Your parents deserve this. Their food is incredible.”
“The advance payment alone covers the equipment upgrades and three months of rent. And get this—they want to feature my parents in their promotional materials! My dad is practicing his ‘media smile’ already.” Zara laughs. “It’s like the universe finally noticed how hard they’ve been working.”
“Which hotel chain is it?” I ask, sudden suspicion prickling at the back of my neck.
“Honestly, I was too excited to even remember the name when Mama told me. Some big corporate one. Does it matter? We’re saved!”
“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “I’m just so happy for you all.”
“We’re celebrating this weekend. You absolutely have to come. No excuses this time.”
I glance through the window at Xander, who’s now loading magazines. “Actually, I’m out of town right now. But we’ll definitely celebrate when I’m back.”
“Out of town? Where? Wait—” Zara gasps dramatically. “Are you with someone? Is this a romantic getaway?”
I bite my lip, watching Xander through the window. “Sort of.”
“Oakley Novak. Details immediately!”
“I’m...with my new boyfriend.”
Her squeal is so loud I have to pull the phone from my ear. “Your newwhat? Since when do you have a boyfriend? Who is he? How did I not know this?”
“It’s official as of...recently.”
