“Ah, a friend. The classic walk of shame,” Ginny smirks, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
“Hardly,” I retort, determined not to let her get under my skin.“He’s just a friend.”
“I’m sure.” She rolls her eyes.
Ignoring her bitchy comment, I turn away and head toward my office. As I walk, I’m overcome with gratitude for Talon’s support amid all this chaos. If nothing else, knowing he’s watching out for me gives me the courage to face whatever comes my way, including Ginny.
I settle into my office chair, trying to focus on the stack of papers in front of me. My thoughts keep drifting back to Talon and the mysterious stalker, but I need to get some work done. It’s difficult to concentrate with the uncertainty hanging over me like a dark cloud.
“Hey, Jessica,” comes a voice from my doorway, making me jump. It’s Rex, one of my coworkers. He’s always been a bit too friendly for my taste.“How’s your day going?”
“Fine, Rex,” I reply tersely, hoping my tone will deter him from lingering. I’m in no mood for his usual flirtatious banter.
“Really? You seem a little … distracted,” he says, leaning against the doorframe, his eyes raking over me with an unsettling intensity.
“Just have a lot on my plate right now,” I admit, trying to keep my voice steady.“Nothing for you to worry about.”
“Suit yourself,” he smirks, clearly not buying it.“If you say so.” With that, he saunters away, leaving me feeling even more anxious than before.
Later that day, Rex reappears at my door again. I make a mental note to close it after he leaves; I just wish I’d thought of that earlier.
“This package was left for you at the front desk. Ginny wasn’t up there when it arrived, but she asked me to give it to you, so I grabbed it.” He drops a medium-sized cardboard box on my desk with a thud.“It doesn’t have a return address, but it’s got your name on it in big letters. See?”
My heart starts racing as I stare at the package. Who would leave something for me without waiting for the receptionist? Swallowing my fear, I call Ginny into my office. After taking her sweet damn time, she saunters in a full minute later.
“Do you know who dropped this off?” I demand.
She shakes her head, her expression sour.“No idea. I went to grab a doughnut and coffee, and when I came back, it was just sitting there.”
Fear twists my belly into a series of knots. I wonder if this package is another message from my stalker. The thought sends chills throughout my entire body. I need to tread carefully. Whatever’s inside that box, it’s clear I can’t let my guard down for a moment.
My fingers tremble as I dial Talon’s number. I need him; I need his support and protection now more than ever.
“Hey, Jess,” he answers almost immediately.“What’s going on?”
“Someone left a package for me at the front desk,” I whisper, glancing toward my door, hoping no one overhears our conversation.“I don’t know who left it. Ginny doesn’t either.”
“Who’s Ginny?”
“Our receptionist.”
“Stay right there. I’m coming over,” he says firmly.
Within minutes, Talon bursts through my office door, Ginny’s on his heels.
“Sir, you have to check in with me,” she whines.
“It’s okay. This is Talon. He’s my … uh, friend.”
“Oh. Right.” Ginny smirks before turning on her heel and leaving.
I notice several of my coworkers eyeing us with suspicion. They’re probably curious about Talon. It’s not like I have huge, scary dudes coming to visit me all the time. I don’t blame them for wondering who he is and why he’s here.
“That’s it,” I point to the package.
As he inspects it without touching it, I back away slowly. He bends to put his ear next to the box, as if he’s trying to listen for something.
“I don’t like this. Let’s call the cops.”
