61. Delaney
CHAPTER 61
Delaney
A lthough I could’ve been frivolous and bought a ton of books, I exercised restraint and only bought ten. Then I strolled to the coffee shop, my bags with my purchases swinging from my hand, and purchased another pumpkin spice iced latte, a slice of banana nut bread, and a muffin to eat for breakfast tomorrow. I ate the slice of banana nut bread and drank my coffee as I walked to my car.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out, expecting it to be Callie. Instead, unknown displays on the screen.
UNKNOWN: You could’ve bought more books than that. Eat something other than that damn piece of banana nut bread.
My gaze darts around, but I don’t see anyone. Obviously, he can see me even though I don’t see him.
ME: Stalking is a crime, you know.
UNKNOWN: You like it. I saw the smile before you could hide it.
ME: Where are you? And how did you get my number?
UNKNOWN: I’m around. Keeping you safe. The stunt you pulled earlier was stupid.
As I’m reading his text, I’m walking to the driver’s side of my car. I freeze, reading his words twice before replying.
ME: Stunt? What stunt?
UNKNOWN: Don’t play dumb, Delaney. You’re smarter than that.
ME: How do you know my name?
UNKNOWN: I know A LOT about you, Delaney Warner.
Chills erupt over my skin. Unlocking the driver’s side door, I slide behind the steering wheel, my hands shaking as I lock the doors and try to start my car.
My phone buzzes again. Although I should ignore it, I don’t.
UNKNOWN: You’re never alone. I’m around, watching to ensure you’re safe. But pissing off Richard and his goons isn’t a bright idea.
ME: You were there?
UNKNOWN: Yeah, I was there. I was pissed because you antagonized them in broad daylight, making it harder for me to protect you.
Why do his words cause a delicious shiver to travel down my spine?
I’ve strived so hard to be independent for so long, relying on no one. Well, occasionally, Callie or her husband helped me with some things that were too difficult to do myself, but that’s beside the point.
My phone beeps again, pulling me from my thoughts.
UNKNOWN: Wanna see your mom?
My hands shake as false hope swims through my veins.
How the hell does he think he can pull that off? And how the fuck does he know so damn much about me?
But the thought of seeing my mom overwhelms the fearful voice that worries this is a game.
ME: Are you serious?
UNKNOWN: Very. If you promise to follow my instructions exactly, I can make it happen.
Hope churns inside me, reaching a feverish pitch. It’s foolish to believe a masked man I know nothing about telling me he can arrange for me to see my mom, yet somehow I think I can trust him.
UNKNOWN: Use your words, Delaney. Are you in?
ME: Yes. What do I need to do?
UNKNOWN: Drive to the hospital. I’ll be behind you. Park in the far corner of the lot in the garage. I’ll meet you there and give you instructions.
ME: Okay.
With shaking fingers, I start my car. I turn the heat on, adjust it, and back out of the parking space.
As I drive, I keep looking in my rearview mirror, wondering which vehicle is his. I’m desperate to know something about this man.
When I arrive, I wait inside my car for further instructions. Darkness has fallen over the land, and even beneath the dim lights of the parking garage, an eerie feeling hangs in the air.
UNKNOWN: Look to your left.
My head turns, and my body jerks as I see his masked face. What startles me is the guy wearing a colorful purge mask standing beside him.
I exit the car, slinging my purse over my head and shoving my phone and keys inside. My gaze darts around nervously before I head toward the two masked men in the dark shadows of the lot.
The guy wearing the Michael Myers mask gestures to the one wearing the purge mask. “This is my associate. He will give me signals, and I’ll convey them to you. Don’t worry. You won’t be doing this alone. We’ll be watching you.”
I nod. Uneasiness rolls through me that two masked men are helping me, yet a strange sense of safety washes over me. I don’t know about the guy in the purge mask, but for some strange reason, I trust the one in the Michael Myers mask.
Exhaling a deep breath, I roll my shoulders, trying to relax.
“Don’t worry, Delaney.” The Michael Myers mask wearing guy steps closer, his gloved hand grabbing mine. “We’ll get you inside your mom’s room, and no one will know. Especially not your father.”
“But he has guards stationed outside her door.”
The other masked man speaks. “I have distraction tactics already established.” My attention turns to him, noticing the laptop tucked beneath his arm. “We’ve got you, Delaney. Especially this guy.” He pats the Myers mask wearing guy’s shoulder. “You can trust him. He always delivers on his promises, and he’ll burn the fucking world down before he lets anyone harm you.”
Then he walks away, leaving me with those words and my masked man.
“He’s right. You’re safe with us.” His other hand cups my face, rubbing my cheek. The sensation is so familiar it brings tears to my eyes. “Trust me, Delaney. I won’t fail you.” He holds up a small device. “I’m gonna put this in your ear. It will allow us to hear what’s going on. My associate is taking control of the hospital cameras, so we’ll have eyes on you.”
I stare into his dark eyes, somehow reassured despite everything to the contrary. Nodding, I lift onto my tiptoes and throw my arm around his neck. “Thank you for this.” My voice shakes from the threat of the tears looming inside me.
A perfect stranger has done more for me than anyone else in this town.
His arm wraps around me, and he pulls me closer. “You’re welcome. Promise me you won’t do anything stupid, okay?”
I step back, nodding. “I promise.”
“Come on.” He’s holding my hand as he guides me toward the hospital’s side entrance. The dim lighting makes me uneasy, but it’s quiet compared to the main entrance. “Time to see your mom.”