Page 29 of Stanton Unconditional

Tash, I’m begging you.

Come back.

Let me explain

I grab my head in my hands. How can you explain having sex with someone else? There is no explanation. The harsh reality is that while I hit rock bottom on the other side of the world, after murdering my father, he was making passionate love to another woman. A woman he swore he had no feelings for. A woman who I know he loves and could no longer resist.

A text beeps. It’s Max.

Natasha, listen to me.

He is tracking your phone as we speak.

You need to tell me where to meet you.

I have your passport and ID with me.

Holy shit. He’s tracking my phone. Why does he have to be so damn smart? Fuck, Fuck, Fuck. I shake my hands as my body courses with adrenaline.

I text.

I need to get back to Australia

He replies.

I know, honey.

He has men on the way to the airport.

He’s beside himself.

Are you sure you want to do this?

I text.

He’s been sleeping with Amelie

He replies.

I’m not sure if that’s true.

I text back.

Forget it. I don’t want your help.

He replies.

Meet me at the Greyhound bus station

1716 E 7TH Street, Los Angeles

Take out your sim card

and put it in the trash.

Holy crap. Sim card in the trash. What do I need from my phone?

I quickly run to the counter and ask the attendant. “Have you got a pen, please?”