And this sudden, random voice.
“Who’s talking?” I demanded.
“Me, darling. Isn’t it obvious?”
I spun around so violently that the momentum knocked me over. I grunted, landing on all fours like a chimp. My palms were clammy and my nerves were frazzled.
Then my gaze pinned on the one place I hadn’t checked—my closet.
Snarling, I leapt to my feet and readied myself for a fight. Maybe I’d get to kick somebody in the balls after all.
“Good thinking. I’m definitely hiding in the closet.”
I ignored the annoying voice, readied my fist, and threw the closet door open.
It was empty. Just clothes, a handful of heavy dumbbells, and spare aquarium supplies. Nobody was inside.
“Too bad, Chase. Ooh, try checking under the bed now.”
“How do you know my name?” I snapped.
I ducked to peer under the mattress. Aside from dust bunnies and a men’s magazine, it was empty.
I was seriously confused. The voice was too close to be anywhere except the bedroom. But just in case, I darted into my living room. Nothing. I checked the bathroom and kitchen only to find them empty, too.
Now I was starting to get freaked out.
“Can you go back to the kitchen?”the voice asked excitedly. “I saw a slice of cake there.”
“Where are you? Who are you?” I demanded.
“Could you ask a more original question? Honestly, that’s so cliche.”
I bristled. Not only was this weird voice intruding in my home, now it was insulting me, too.
“How about you show yourself before I call the cops?” I retorted.
“Darling, they won’t accomplish anything,”the voice stated. As if from experience.“Hmm... How about we make a deal? I’ll show myself on one condition. You go to the kitchen afterwards and check out that cake.”
Was this fucker hiding behind the shower curtain? Or contorted in my cabinet somehow?
“Sure, whatever,” I muttered, stomping to the bathroom.
I yanked the shower curtain aside to find it empty. So was the cabinet.
“Yes, very good and thorough. Now look in the mirror,”the voice instructed.
Being told what to do was annoying, but my curiosity won out. I lifted my gaze to my own reflection. My blond hair was messy and I looked wiped from my hectic birthday party, but otherwise I looked normal.
“Is this a joke?” I asked, increasingly irritated. “That’s me, asshole.”
“Badness gracious, so much attitude! You really need some cake, Chase. Cake is scientifically proven to boost your mood.”
Instinctively, I punched my mirror. Like they did in movies.
“Ow!”
Not only did it hurt like a bitch, but it didn’t even shatter my reflection in a cool, cinematic way. That was probably a good thing. I didn’t need a busted mirror on top of a mysterious voice.
