Page 130 of Only the Hunter

“Where are you?” My chair scrapes loudly against the floor as I stand.

“Several blocks east of Constitution. I walked. My Uber changed from three minutes to eight and I—” Her breath hitches slightly. “He turned when I turned.”

“Okay. Listen to me.” I’m already moving, grabbing my keys. “Do not run. Don’t look back again. Tell me what’s around you.”

“Rowhouses. A small park behind iron fencing. There’s a café ahead. Lights on.”

“Go there. Go inside. Stay on the phone with me.”

Her heels click faster against the pavement.

“He sped up when I sped up.”

My jaw locks. “Evie. Breathe. Is he closing distance?”

“I don’t know. I’m not looking.”

“Good. Keep walking. Cross the street again. Make him commit.”

A pause.

“He crossed.”

That’s not paranoia.

“Okay. Café. Now.”

“I’m almost there.”

I hear the door chime in the background. Voices. Espresso machine steam.

“I’m inside.”

My lungs finally pull air again.

“Good. Where is he?”

“I don’t see him.” Her voice wavers. “Maybe he kept walking.”

“Stay inside. Sit near the window but not directly against it. Text your Uber and ask the driver to confirm the make and plate again.”

“I already am. He just responded.”

“Good. I want you to walk out only when the car pulls up and you confirm plate and driver.”

“Gabe—” Her voice cracks then steadies. “It could’ve been in my head.”

“It wasn’t.” I aim for calm and even, although that isn’t at all what I’m feeling. “You don’t spook easy.”

Silence.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “I didn’t want to call you.”

That slices deep.

“I want you to call me,” I say quietly. “Every time. Where the hell is Brie?”

“Don’t be mad at her. She left me in a public place. I kept walking.”