Page 47 of Property of Zombie

“Who did that?”

“That’s the million-dollar question,” I mutter. “Whoever it is, they also text me, and somehow, they knew I was out in the parking lot.”

She leans back in her chair, a worried expression crossing her features. Melanie opens a folder on her desk and hands me the piece of paper on top. “I was hoping not to have to show you this, but I think I have to now.”

I scan the words on the page, and bile rises up my throat. There’s a picture of me printed as the background, and slashes of red crisscross over my face. A butcher knife is drawn over my heart, and the words ‘Dr. Thomas must die’ is scrawled under the image.

“I was just about to take that to the security team,” she says. “I think we should both go so you can show them the picture of your truck and the texts. They need to be kept in the loop so they can protect you here. I’m sure they’ll also want to file a police report.”

Nodding, I numbly get to my feet and follow her to the security building. Evan greets us, and I relax slightly because I know he’ll do whatever he can to help.

“It’s going to be okay, Lucy,” he assures me after all the formalities are complete. “No one will get to you here.”

“And when I’m not here?” I ask.

“Well, the police are aware of the situation,” he says. “Make sure you’ve always got your cell on you so you can call 911 if you have to. It’s not ideal, I know, but it’s the best we can do. I don’t think you’re in any real danger outside of the zoo, otherwise, whoever it is would target you at home or something, right? Here, you’re surrounded by people, but at home? You’ll be safe.”

“You’re probably right,” I say. “I should, uh, get back to work.”

“I’ll check in with you later,” Evan says. “Just to make sure you’re doing okay.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Hey, do you want me to have your truck towed to a body shop?” he asks as I stand to leave. “I can give you a ride home.”

“Yeah, that’d be great. But I don’t need a ride,” I say, remembering that Zombie said he’ll be here.

“You sure?”

“I am, thanks. My boyfriend is picking me up.”

Boyfriend?

“Oh. I didn’t know you had a boyfriend.”

“It’s new.”

He smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Well, if you change your mind, let me know.”

“Thanks, Ev.”

The rest of the day passes in a blur of activity. It’s all normal and exactly what I need to forget the craziness. I’m so busy with routine animal care that I shut the rest of the world out.

At least until I return to my office and open my email.