Her voice shakes. "My bedroom."
"Okay. Where are the knives and pins?"
She hesitates, then faintly sniffles.
"Blue, I'm on my way, but I need you to talk to me. Tell me where they are," I direct and grip the wheel harder, accelerating across the intersection.
She takes a deep inhale and slowly exhales, then answers, "Next to me."
I turn on my blinker and order, "Good. Now leave them there and go into your kitchen."
"Why?"
"Please do what I say," I reply, needing her to get away from anything that can injure her.
"Okay."
I wait a few seconds, then ask, "Are you in the kitchen?"
"Yes."
"Great. You're doing great. Now fill a glass of water and take it to the couch."
A soft, hollow rush bleeds through the phone, distant and echoing, then stops.
"Okay. I'm taking it to the couch now," she says, her tone strained.
I pass two cars and praise, "That's good. Are you hot or cold?"
"A little chilly."
"Put the blanket over you and sip your water. I'm a few blocks away," I inform her, then move into the right lane.
Her meek voice creates a pain in my chest. "I'm sorry. I-I really tried to stop myself."
"It's okay. Try to sip some more water. I'm turning on your street now. Can you tell your security to let me up?"
"The code is 10-28. Th-thanks for coming, Dr. Mercer."
There's no street parking, so I ask, "Is there guest parking in your garage?"
"Use my extra spot. It's 586, on the fifth level," she instructs.
I guide the car around the ramp until number five appears, then find the row with 586. I drive to the spot, pull in, and turn off the car. "I'm coming in now," I state, find the door, and punch in 10-28, and the hairs on my neck rise.
The door unlocks. I yank it open and blurt out, "How long have you had that code?"
A quick, unsteady breath drags moisture back into her nose. She chirps, "You noticed?"
"Noticed what?" I carefully ask, stepping inside and moving down the hallway.
"That I changed my security code to your birthday."
A sick twist of approval fills me. I try to shake it off, but can't. My voice comes out gruff. "Yes."
She adds, "I can't wait for your birthday. I already know what I'm getting you."
"Blue—"
