Page 42 of Hard Wired

“I have a long night ahead, just my laptop and me. You should probably head home.”

Ethan nodded. “Before I go—I found that letter Faith sent. The one you supposedly threw away?”

“I guess I should’ve been less obvious.”

He shrugged. “You know I like to borrow your stuff. Next time, don’t put it in the drawer where you keep your best pens. I was thinking, I know Faith hurt you. But maybe she’s looking for the same thing we were just talking about. Someone to see her and accept her for who she is. No matter how scary that might be.”

“Maybe. I could give that some thought. But not until I have more time.”

Ethan gave her a hug. “I hope you find your Luis.”

“I hope that, too.” Someday.

Later that night, as Sylvie was working, a text came in on her phone.

Sylvie, it’s Dominic. I hope you don’t mind I tracked down your number. I wanted to make sure you’re okay.

Her chest tightened at the thought of him. The memory of his hands on her, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered dirty things. Even with the terrible ordeal of that afternoon, arousal still rushed to her core.

She wanted to demand explanations. What had really happened? What was the truth? But she had no reason to expect it.

She typed back, I’m fine. Thank you. How about you and Maureen?

We’re in one piece, he wrote.

In a safe place?

Safe enough, he responded.

Sylvie tapped her fingers on her desk, contemplating her next reply.

What about the blood on the door? she asked. What was that from?

Just pig’s blood.

She made a sound of disgust. Had that been theater for her benefit?

Those men who’d smeared that blood, who’d shot at the house—they’d likely been Dominic’s allies just months ago. She could barely wrap her head around that fact.

If the attack had been real, it must’ve served as a warning to Dominic. But of what?

I’m so sorry you got caught up in my shit, he texted.

It happens.

What about your computer?

Her thumbs pause on her screen, and a cold thread of anger wound through her insides. Was he fishing for information? She had to be careful.

What about it?she wrote.

There was some kind of intrusion, right?Dominic asked. Did they cause any damage?

We haven’t determined yet.She thought that was a vague enough response.

Is there anything I can do to help?he asked.

How could you help? I thought you didn’t know anything about computers.

There was a pause. Three small dots appeared, then disappeared, several times before Dominic’s response came. But it was a complete change of subject.

You probably never want to see me again.

After debating another moment, she typed, Maybe it’s for the best if I don’t.

She waited for him to tell her she was wrong. But he didn’t respond, and Sylvie placed her phone facedown on the table.

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