I couldn't before, how can I now?
Last night floods my memories. I close my eyes, letting the sun heat my face, and fall prey to every sound and vision of us together that pops up.
I've spent my career watching people rationalize danger until it's already too close to avoid. I officially became just like my clients. And I know I didn't escape it just because I walked out of jail with papers signed, saying today was just a misunderstanding.
Mikhail wasn't there for mercy. He was a warning. One I should adhere to at all costs, and never look back.
I can't.
All I see is my Bluebird, unraveling in my arms, cheeks flushed, and crying out my name. Then, she's in my kitchen, wearing my shirt, telling me, "I'll never leave you."
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I don't pull it out. Then the buzzing cuts off, leaving the air too quiet, like the city's holding its breath with me.
I rise and walk a few feet. My phone rings. I freeze. It rings again, and I pull it out of my pocket.
It's a blocked number, so I throw it into voicemail.
It rings again. My heart races faster.
Maybe it's Blue.
Volkov's voice ghosts through my head about compliance and discretion, but something about his insistence tightens low in my gut.
This isn't a check-in.
It's a test.
I send it to voicemail, but it immediately rings again.
"Fuck," I mutter, and swipe to answer before I can overthink it. "Yes."
Silence stretches on the line. Calm breathing fills the space.
It's not her breath.
"Who is this?" I ask.
A young woman's voice states, "Dr. Mercer, you don't know me, but you will."
My spine stiffens. "Who is this?"
"My name is Demi."
The city noise fades until all I hear is her voice and the pulse thudding behind my eyes. I grip the phone harder, knuckles whitening. I snap, "You shouldn't be calling me."
She scoffs, "Everyone keeps telling me what I shouldn't do today."
I scan the sidewalk automatically, tracking faces, reflections, and exits. "How did you get this number?"
She answers, "I asked. And people tend to answer when I do."
Of course they do.
Demi continues, "I know what happened. I know you didn't mean for it to spiral. I also know my family fixed it."
Anger hits me. "That doesn't give you the right?—"
"It gives me curiosity. And curiosity is dangerous in my house."
