I don’t hide my exasperation. “What else could you possibly want?”
“Besides you? Not much. For now, I’d like more of your time.”
The way he says he wants me, like it’s the most natural thing in the world, sends a ripple of awareness through me. But I shove it away, focusing on the goal of finishing this list of names.
“I’m here, right?” I ask.
“Yes, but I need to ensure that you come back. With that being said, I want you to construct a full psychological profile on me.”
I pause, my pencil hovering above the scrap of paper as I consider his request. And why he wants it. I can’t deny that studyingGhost on a deeper level appeals to me professionally. Not only because there’s never been another criminal like him and it’d be groundbreaking, but it would also elevate my career to be the one who profiled him.
On the other hand, spending more time with Ghost in any capacity is hazardous to me mentally and emotionally. I know he’s manipulating me and I can’t stop him, even when I clearly see the tactics he’s employing. Ghost knows too much about me, preventing me from creating an effective defense against him. But a profile on him could give me the upper hand.
I glance up at him. He’s watching me, his eyes glinting with amusement, like he knows exactly what’s going through my mind: the struggle between my professional curiosity and my instinct for self-preservation.
“I’ll do it, as long as you’re truthful during the assessment,” I say.
“Will do.” His smile widens. “It’s a date.”
“But,” I add quickly, “there will be limits.”
His brow arches. “Limits?”
“Three visits. That’s it,” I say firmly. “I’ll spend the time gathering the necessary data for your profile. After that, we’re done.”
He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Three? You think you can figure me out in just three visits, Dr. Andrews? I’m impressed, truly.”
“You’d be surprised what I can do if you cooperate.”
Ghost’s smile fades as his eyes narrow. “Make it ten and we have a deal.”
Making it possibly months of seeing him? Hell no.
“Five,” I counter.
“Seven.”
“Five. Take it or leave it.”
He grins at me. “Deal. You drive a hard bargain, Dr. Andrews, but I won’t need all of them.”
“Excuse me?” I scrunch my face in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ll be out of here before then. And that’s when the fun really begins.”
CHAPTER 18
GHOST
Geneva is drinking wine again.
Our visit earlier must’ve really fucked with her head. If she didn’t think I wasactuallycapable of escaping prison, she wouldn’t be so stressed out.
I run my thumb over her image on my phone, wishing I was there with her. If I don’t deviate from my strategy, soon I won’t be wishing.
She’s sitting in her living room, dressed in sweatpants and a torn t-shirt, the light from her phone illuminating her face as she doomscrolls on social media. I watch her closely, the way she presses her lips together, the slight furrow in her brow. She’s the most beautiful and complex creature I’ve ever seen.
Unknown:Stay home tonight, Dr. Andrews.
