“Jessica,” Talon interrupts my thoughts.“I promise we’ll figure this out. You’re not alone.”
His gaze is steady and reassuring, but I still feel a twinge of doubt.“Why should I trust you?”
“For starters, you stumbled into my bar. I didn’t go looking for you. And second, I’ve got no reason to hurt you.”
His words make sense, but the fear in my gut doesn’t dissipate completely. Despite my wariness, I’m grateful for his support. It’s true; I sought him out, not the other way around.
“Look, I understand your hesitation,” he continues,“but right now, we’re on the same side, trying to figure out who’s doing this to you.”
Talon’s phone chimes. He glances down at it before looking back up at me.“Bones is working on deciphering those symbols. We’ll know more soon.”
“Thanks,” I say softly, finding some comfort in his determination. He doesn’t have to help me, but he’s doing it anyway. He could have let me drive home on my own, but he didn’t. I get the sense I can trust him, and I do.
“Tell me again about your ex-boyfriend Andy,” Talon says, shifting the focus.“You don’t think he could be behind this, do you?”
“Absolutely not,” I reply firmly.“He would never stoop to something like this. He always considered himself above all things … supernatural. And besides, he’s dating someone else now. I doubt he ever thinks about me anymore.”
“Does that bother you?”
“Not at all. We weren’t a good match. Honestly, I should have dumped him way before the photo situation happened.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I guess I just didn’t want to deal with the fallout. Ending a relationship is hard.”
“And you’re sure he wasn’t angry at you because you broke it off?”
“No. He wasn’t the kind of guy to hold a grudge.”
“Sometimes people surprise you,” Talon says, his tone darkening.“No matter how well you think you know them.”
I frown, considering his words. Could Andy really be capable of something so twisted? The idea seems ludicrous, but as I’ve learned today, nothing is impossible.
“Maybe it’s possible,” I concede.“But it’s not likely. And if it’s not him, then who’s behind this?”
“That’s what we’re going to find out.” Talon offers a small, determined smile.“Together.”
“Sounds good.” I give him a half-hearted smile.
My heart feels heavy as I try to take in the reality of my situation. Who can I trust? Where can I turn for help? The voodoo doll’s presence continues to haunt me, making it impossible for me to feel safe in my own home.
“I can’t sleep here tonight,” I say.
“Can you stay with family?”
I shake my head.“No, my dad just remarried. They’re away on their honeymoon.”
“What about your mom?”
“She … she died almost a year ago,” I reply, my voice cracking.
She was a well-known philanthropist, always active in the community and dedicated to helping others. Over a hundred people attended her funeral. I barely remember it because I was so broken that day. Crying my eyes out wasn’t enough to express the pain burning inside me. She was my best friend. Losing her nearly destroyed me. I couldn’t get out of bed for weeks after we buried her. Dad wasn’t much better. Eventually, he moved on. I don’t think I ever did.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Talon says quietly, his eyes full of sympathy.
“Thanks,” I murmur, grateful for his understanding. Suddenly, an idea comes to me.“I could stay with my best friend Sienna. She’s like a sister to me.”
“Good idea. Does she live close?”
