I see you’ve been having lots of fun since you left. I can’t wait to see you, IRL. I think I’m going to move to Marley Creek too. Keep your bed ready for me.
Anxiety and adrenaline flooded her system, and she shivered like she was out in a snowstorm without a coat. She exited the app without responding. Would he be able to see that she’d read his message? Did it matter? She thumbed through her contacts and pulled up her godmother. She sent off a quick text message.
Hannah
Happy December! Silly question for you. Do you still talk to Chad’s aunt?
Godmother Aggie
Yes, what’s up?
Hannah’s heart rate slowed down a point. At least she didn’t have to wait hours for her godmother Aggie to reply to her text.
Hannah
Do you know if Chad moved? My mom thought he was going to.
Godmother Aggie
I can check. One sec.
Hannah paced around her apartment, waking up Smoky. The buzzer rang, and she jumped so high she thought she could touch the ceiling. Her heartbeat rocketed even higher. She looked at the intercom and debated answering. Then her phone chimed. A delivery. Her heart stopped beating out of her chest. The doorbell camera she had ordered had arrived. Now she wondered if that would be enough. She should have gotten a camera she could put on the balcony. Then she could see the street from inside. When she had been looking at apartments, she’d picked a third floor on purpose because she figured that made it less likely for anyone to break in. However, she knew Chad had charm enough to sweet-talk one of her neighbors into letting him into the building and up to her apartment.
Godmother Aggie
I guess he is in Illinois for a job.
Hannah shouted.
Son of a bitch.
That sealed the deal. There was no hope left that he wouldn’t show up in Marley Creek. What a dumbass she was to have spent the better part of the last few days thinking she’d continue to be safe from him. Even though she was in a full-blown panic, she didn’t want to worry her godmother or accidentally allow any word to get back to Chad somehow.
Hannah
Got it. Thanks!
Godmother Aggie
Is everything good with you? Do you want to come over again for Christmas this year?
Hannah
I’m great! I’m not sure yet, but I’ll keep you posted!
Godmother Aggie
Sounds good, luv you, hun.
Hannah
XOXO
Hannah opened her shopping app, and with a few clicks, she ordered a small outdoor camera to be delivered the next day.
“Now what?” She asked Smoky and the four walls. Hannah needed to talk to the people she trusted most. A week ago, she would already have been on her way to see Kate and ask for her support. But now? She needed her best friend and her boss who was so much more than that. She started a group text.
Emergency Chat
