“He knew almost everything about you last night. What makes you think he won’t know where you’re at?” She stole a glance as we paused at a stop sign.
“I don’t like this.”
“Me neither.”
We were silent the rest of the way home. Whenwe arrived, I peered at every inch of the driveway before getting out.
“I doubt he’s bold enough to follow you here.” Ari confidently walked past me.
“True.” I followed closely behind. “If he does follow us, I’m sure Uncle Tom will kick his ass. I think he’s home by now.”
“I’m pretty sure he is, and he definitely would.”
We went inside and I promptly dead-bolted the door.“I’m gonna go take a shot and call Dr. Kelsey. Or her nurse. Whoever answers. I might need an appointment.”
“Are you serious? You’re not even supposed to drink anymore and you’re gonna take a shot before you call the person who told you not to drink?”
I paused near the stairs to think about it.“Yes,” I said. “Yes, I am.”
“You’re ridiculous.” Ari shook her head as I made my way upstairs.
I reached my room and went straight to the nightstand where I kept my flask. I took a generous swig of whiskey before kicking my boots off and flopping backward onto the bed. I dialed Dr. Kelsey’s number and closed my eyes, waiting for her to pick up.
One ring… two rings… three rings…
I ran my nails through my hair, growingimpatient.“Screw it. I’m bored.” I hung up.
The proper thing would be to leave a message for one of her nurses to call back, but I didn’t have the patience for that. I could always email her for an appointment later. Maybe I didn’t even need one.
I tossed the phone aside before glancing at the door and letting out an earsplitting scream. I hopped up and felt around for the butcher knife I kept on my nightstand. My fingers closed around the handle and I threw it full force. My aim was spot on but he was gone before it could connect—the blade slammed into the wall and stuck, vibrating from theimpact.
“Niecy?” Uncle Tom was in the doorway the second it hit the wall.“What’s wrong?”
“I…” My eyes scanned the otherwise empty room. I didn’t need another emergency therapy session or anyone trying to cart me off to the crazy house again.“I saw a really big spider.”
He let out a boisterous laugh and pulled the knife from the wall.“Again?” He carefully set it down beside me.“Why can’t you use a shoe like a normal person? It’s so dangerous to keep a knife for spiders. That’s psychotic.”
“Like me,” I muttered. He didn’t seem to hear.
“No more hacking my walls apart,” he said sternly.
“Sorry.”
“It’s fine, niecy.” He laughed again, patting me roughly on the back.“I know they freak you out. If you see it again call me and I’ll take care of it.” He kissed my forehead before leaving the room.
“These hallucinations need to stop.” I groaned and sat on the bed, thinking back through the day. I had taken my meds, I hadn’t drunk any liquor until a few minutes ago, I hadn’t stayed up too late any given day since moving here. Nothing should be causing hallucinations. I’d been so careful lately.
“Why would you think I’m a hallucination?”
I shrieked and toppled off the bed. I hit the floor but barely felt it—I was too busy staring wide eyed at the man across the room.“What do you want?” I asked, reaching for my butcher knife again.
“I don’t wanna be stabbed, that’s for sure.” Dennis was on my bed in an instant. He plucked the knife from my hand and placed it on a pillow.
“Emy? Are you okay?” Pounding footsteps sounded up the stairs. I broke from my paralyzed state to see Ari freeze in the doorway. Then she spotted me on the floor and her demeanor changed from terrified to protective.“Get away from her!”
“Close the door,”Dennissaid. She shook her head, eyes still on me.“Close the door or I’ll kill her.” His fingers twitched toward the knife. She rushed inside and slammed the door.“So tell me,” he turned back to me,“why would you think I’m a hallucination?”
“What do you want from me?” I managed to regain my courage and stood, backing up so I was beside Ari.
