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She blinked twice, and her mouth fell open. "I-I don't know," she stammered nervously. "I told you - I haven't seen him since the funeral. Like I said, he's different now. I don't know why he follows me."
I clenched my teeth and pumped my jaw, my mind working through this new revelation. Harris could have been right under my nose this whole time.
I clenched my fists, squeezing my nails into my palms. "So, he could know where we are right now?"
"I guess," she said with a shrug. "I've gotten used to being afraid."
Something about her tone hit me in the chest. I looked at her, really looking at her for the first time since I kidnapped her. She was broken. A once independent woman who now lived in fear of a stalker.
Then, I had an idea.
"Listen," I said, pulling up the other chair and sitting across from her.
She looked up, seemingly startled at my gentle tone.
"Maybe we both have a reason to want Harris gone," I said. "And if you help me out, maybe you won't have to be looking over your shoulder anymore."
Julia's breath shook as she took in what I said. She didn't miss the hint. If I killed Harris, it would be solving both of our problems. But would she agree to something like that? She'd probably never even jaywalked, let alone be an assassin's accomplice.
My words hung heavy in the air, and she stared at me with wide eyes.
"W-what?" she managed to croak, shaking her head. I could tell she didn't believe me.
I sat back in my chair, crossing my legs confidently. "Think about it," I said calmly. "If Harris is gone. No more shadowy figures lurking in the bushes. No more eyes on you in the dark."
"Okay," Julia murmured, her breath catching in her throat. There was something intriguing about my suggestion. I watched her eyes flick back and forth, taking in the possibilities.
She was considering it.
"Let me explain further," I continued smoothly. "If we're lucky, Harris doesn't know about me being in town. He believes you're living life as usual. I'll catch him, and then," I paused, waving my hand dramatically. "I do what I do best, and no more Harris Cheng."
I smirked at her, hoping that my plan would appeal to her. After all, she had nothing to lose. If she agreed and we succeeded, she would live a normal life. However, if she refused, Harris would continue haunting her.
Julia let out a slow breath, her eyes darting between mine. She was contemplating my proposition. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft and cautious. "What do you need from me?" Her gaze was pleading, desperate for a solution to end her torment.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table.
"First, let's go shopping," I grinned wickedly. "I need to buy some supplies."
Her eyes widened briefly. "Shopping?" she squeaked, sounding confused. I knew she was thinking about the strange dichotomy of events. One moment, she was serving coffee and trying to escape the specter of her late sister's ex-boyfriend. The next, she was discussing assassination strategies with a dangerous Yakuza killer.
"Yes, we're going shopping," I reassured her. "I promise that it will be fun. We can grab some lunch afterward."
Julia blinked, not knowing what to say.
"Unless, of course, you'd rather be tied up to the chair again," I let my eyes travel down her body. "Did you like it that much?"
Julia gasped, and her cheeks went red. "No!" She said, her tone not convincing anyone.
I chuckled, standing and circling her, letting my fingers linger on her shoulder. "You sure?"
Julia shivered and stood up. "Let's go shopping," she said to change the subject.
"Have it your way," I said. "But I'm hoping that won't be the last time you're tied up in my web."
Chapter eight
Julia
