Page 60 of I’ll Find You

Something about it doesn't sit right with me, but the screen goes dark before I can think much more about it. Why is Maxwell going to be there? I don't get it. After the hospital, I picked Rose up, and she told me everything about how Lucinda apologized and how she couldn't be friends with them anymore. So why is Chelsea so set on bringing them all together? She needs to stop trying to fix things. It's too much, and I don't want Rose anywhere near Maxwell's father. Not after everything my dad warned us about him and how dangerous he is. Still, one text lingers in the back of my mind. Glad you took my advice about the woods. I can't explain why it bothers me, only that it does. Maybe it's because the race cuts through an isolated stretch of trail. Maybe it's because my father spent the last week warning us about monsters who hide in plain sight.

I glance toward the hallway, but Denver asks me a question, and I get distracted. Another few minutes pass, and Rose still isn’t back yet. I move in my seat, restlessness overcoming my legs, and I stand abruptly.

“I’ll be right back,” I mutter, startling Callie and Denver, and walking away before either of them can ask. The hallway is quieter, the noise of the restaurant fading behind me. This section is usually reserved for private parties and events. As I head down the stairs, I spot Rose almost immediately. She’s not alone.

Dr. Somersworth stands in front of her, too close for a casual conversation. His posture is relaxed, but there’s something in the way he’s angled toward her that blocks her from view. He’s not touching her, but stands there close enough that she can’t easily move past him without making it obvious. Rose's shoulders tighten, and her hands clasp together in front of her. She holds herself perfectly still, as though moving would only make things worse.

I slow, instinct taking over, pulling me back into the shadows before either of them can see me. He’s speaking low and in a controlled, predatory voice. I can’t make out every word, but I catch enough that it makes the blood shoot to my head, making it throb with anger.

“You’ve been doing well,” he’s saying.

Rose nods. “I’m trying.”

“I know.” His gaze lingers on her as he leans forward, inhaling slowly. There’s a pause before he leans back again, studying her, head tilting slightly. “There’s something about you,” he says. “You stand out,” he continues, “even when you don’t mean to.”

My breathing picks up.

Rose lets out a small, uncertain laugh as his beady eyes roam over her body. His gaze drifts slowly and deliberately.

“Some people are just that way. They move through spaces thinking they blend in…” Another pause. “But they don’t.”

Rose tries to move away, but it’s a feeble attempt. “I just try to focus on my work,” she says.

“I’m sure you do.” His voice softens, but it isn’t kind. “It’s interesting, though,” he adds. “How quickly people can disappear from these same spaces.”

He allows the words to hang in the suffocating air between us as I try to still the rising panic.

Rose stills. “I’m sorry?”

“Transfer. Drop out. Step away,” he says smoothly, like he’s correcting himself. “It happens all the time and more often than you think.”

The words steal the air from my lungs. He’s threatening her, and if I had any doubt about my father’s warnings over winter break, it vanishes with the next words out of his mouth.

“They’re there one moment,” he continues with a lower, vicious voice meant to scare, “and then, they’re not.” The silence stretches.

Rose’s voice is smaller when she speaks. “I hadn’t noticed that.” But the meaning is the exact opposite, and I think it startles him. His eyes widen in surprise, but Rose refuses to back down.

“Given the right circumstances,” he continues, his voice harsher with each pronunciation of the threat.

Rose swallows, but she continues the brave act. “I don’t really know what you’re trying to say. You should be a little clearer, Dr. Somersworth.” Her eyes burn with hatred, and in that moment, she’s never looked more fierce.

“I’m saying,” he replies, “that you should be careful assuming you understand the situation you’re in or the environment.” Another step closer now. “People get comfortable,” he adds. “They think they’re accounted for. That someone would notice if they went missing.”

Rose nods quickly, taking in his implied meaning.

“But that isn’t always the case.” He studies her for a moment longer, his expression one of pure professionalism, as if he hadn’t been threatening her disappearance a moment ago. He takes a step back, at last giving her space, and walks away. He turns and walks straight toward me. I don’t move this time. I step out of the shadows.

“Dr. Somersworth.” He slows, his beady eyes sweep over me. For a second, he can’t place me. Then it clicks.

“Mr. Flores,” he says smoothly.

I nod once. “Dean’s office with Rose,” I add, in case he needs the reminder, but he doesn’t. He knows my name. It must’ve come up before.

“Of course,” he replies dryly, and I know it’s something he hasn’t forgotten for a second.

I press back into the wall as he passes, keeping out of his way. I casually add, “I spoke to my father about you.”

That gets his attention. His gaze sharpens with his full attention on me, trying to get what I’m playing at. “Did you?” he says, coolly.