“You’ve reached the voicemail box of…”
I hang up.
My heart skips a beat. The man is still out there. What is he waiting for? A knot of dread expands in my chest. It crawls through me and my entire body begins to shake. I squeeze my eyes shut. I need to get it together. I can’t think if I panic.
My breaths are ragged as if I’ve just run a marathon. My chest heaves up and down. I press my forehead down on the cool surface of the table and force myself to slow down my breathing. I can’t have a panic attack. Not here. Not now.
Think, Allie. Just think.
The idea to call Roman leaves me as quickly as it came. I swallow hard and chew on my bottom lip until I’m certain I’ve bitten through the tender flesh and the tang of copper fills my mouth.
I try Dominique.
He answers on the second ring. “Allie?”
“Oh, thank God.” I choke out the words on a sob.
“What’s going on?”
His voice is hard, and a sense of urgency has me rushing to say, “I just got off work and there’s a man outside. I think he’s waiting for me. I let Julie leave early and I’m alone and my car is far away and—”
“Breathe, Allie. Take a breath. Slow down.”
I try to do as he instructs but I can’t seem to slow down.
“Where are you at?”
“The Sun Valley Station.”
“Okay. I’m on my way. I’ll give you a lift. We can get your car tomorrow morning.”
I nod even though he can’t see me. “Thank you.”
“Just hang tight. Go in the back. I’ll be there in ten.”
THIRTY-FIVE
Allie
I’m huddled on the floor in the kitchen hiding behind one of the cook stations. My knees are pressed to my chest and I have my arms wrapped around them as though through sheer will, holding myself tight will keep me from falling apart.
My phone chimes and I lift it to glance at the illuminated screen.
Dom: I’m here.
“Thank God.”
I squeeze my eyes shut once before forcing them open. Dominique is here. I’m safe. He’s a big strong football player and whoever the man is outside won’t want to mess with him. He’s probably gone by now anyway. I’m okay. Everything is okay.
Me: Be right out.
I pushmyself up from the ground, my legs still shaking as I shove my phone in my back pocket and try and catch my bearings.
I take several deep breaths and press my hand over my chest. My heart is racing but there isn’t anything I can do about it. I force myself to move toward the front of the diner. My steps are slow and I keep checking my surroundings to make sure I’m still alone. I know the man couldn’t have gotten inside. The doors are all locked. But I still feel the urge to double and triple check.
I spot Dominique’s Escalade parked right out front and a small sigh of relief escapes me. I’m almost to the door when a police cruiser pulls up behind it. I stop. Did he call the cops? I look around and don’t spot the man outside any longer. Inwardly, I groan. I’m going to have to explain the false alarm to an officer. He’s going to think I’m an idiot for getting all worked up over nothing.
Dominique is sitting in the front seat of his car seemingly not paying attention. His eyes are on his phone, the screen casting light on his face in the darkened vehicle.
