Page 171 of Black Reign

GHOST: You spent years making sure I couldn’t find you. Now you’re leaving breadcrumbs in cities you know I know.

The typing indicator appears.

VESPER: Maybe I enjoy watching you chase me.

My jaw shifts.

There it is.

I lean one hip against the desk.

GHOST: Then why are you running so hard?

Nothing.

I add:

GHOST: You want to be caught now, don’t you?

This pause lasts longer.

I can practically see her biting that lower lip.

The image is becoming a problem.

Finally:

VESPER: Maybe I simply enjoy proving you can’t.

My mouth curves.

GHOST: Baby, you’ve spent years proving you can disappear. You’re running out of ways to pretend you don’t want me following.

The dots appear almost immediately.

Stop.

Return.

VESPER: Baby?

I stare at the word.

Shit.

That slipped.

Alcohol gets blamed for enough things in my life. I’m completely sober now.

GHOST: Focus on the relevant portion.

VESPER: I found the relevant portion very interesting.

GHOST: I’m sure you did.

VESPER: Sounds like someone is getting frustrated.

Frustrated doesn’t begin to describe it.