She turned, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. "You don't remember? A tall man brought you back around four. He said he was a client of yours. You seemed drunk, so he dropped you off."
"Did you get a look at his face?"
Mary shook her head. "No, he was wearing a hat and sunglasses."
My stomach churned uneasily. I knew nothing about this stalker, but he knew everything about me.
Mary noticed my expression and asked with concern, "Miss Elena, are you alright? Was there something wrong with that man?"
"No, it's nothing." I forced a smile. "I just... don't remember much. Thanks, Mary."
"Mommy, you look so pale." Stella craned her neck to look up at me. "Are you sick?"
I knelt down and touched her cheek. "Mommy's fine, just a little tired. Go finish your drawing—we'll eat soon."
She bounced back to her room. I took a deep breath and turned to Mary. "Thanks for everything today. You can go home now. Don't come tomorrow—I'll stay with Stella myself."
"But Miss Elena—"
"I insist." I pulled out my wallet and handed her some bills. "Here's your pay for the week, plus a little extra. You did a great job."
Mary looked like she wanted to say more, but she accepted the money and untied her apron. "I'll call you tomorrow. If you need anything, just let me know."
"I will. Thanks."
Once she was gone, I deadbolted the door and checked every window. Then I hurried to the bathroom and locked the door behind me. The first-aid kit was under the sink. I grabbed the STD teststrips, my fingers trembling so badly I could barely hold the damn things.
Fifteen minutes later, the results came back negative. I slumped against the wall, my legs turning to jelly. At least that pervert hadn't left me with any disease.
My phone buzzed on the counter. It was Marco calling. I stared at his name for a few seconds before answering.
"Elena?" He sounded exhausted. "Everything okay this afternoon? We had an emergency patient—I was stuck in surgery for six hours."
"Marco." My voice came out raw and scratchy. "Can you come stay with me for a few days? I... I need someone here."
"What's wrong? Did something happen?" His tone sharpened with worry.
I closed my eyes, unsure how to describe the terror of being blindfolded, dragged into a car, and violated.
"Please." My voice trembled. "I don't want to be alone."
There was a brief silence on the other end. "I'm packing right now. I'll be there soon."
I hung up, gripping the sink and staring at my pale reflection in the mirror. Why the fuck did this have to happen to me?
Marco arrived an hour later, with a suitcase and a big bag of Stella's favorite chocolates and snacks.
"Uncle Marco!" Stella flung herself into his arms.
He scooped her up and spun her around, but his brown eyes stayed fixed on me. "Little princess, I brought new paints and storybooks. Why don't you go check them out in your room?"
"Yay!" She snatched the bag and ran off excitedly.
As soon as she was out of sight, Marco stepped closer and gripped my shoulders. "Tell me what happened."
I opened my mouth, but my throat tightened. How could I put that fear and humiliation into words?
"Elena." His voice softened. "You're shaking."
