Chapter 39
Ren
Iwas so sick of this bullshit.
Before I was even born, there were people manipulating my life and terrorizing my family.
Now, it seemed to be one person after the other who held a grudge or wanted to use me for their own gain.
I really didn’t know what angle this texter was playing, but it didn’t matter.
It boiled down to the same shit, different day.
“I still think it has to be Sabastian,” Blake said, drawing me out of my thoughts.
Setting my fork down, I stared at Blake.
“What would Sabastian have to gain from sending the text? And are we saying he is an accomplished stalker now?”
I was annoyed. But more with the situation than everyone tossing out likely suspects.
“He’s Christov’s son. He could be doing it for his father,” Blake argued.
“I know that none of you like Sabastian, but I’m telling you this is not him,” I said, shaking my head.
“He is dealing with his own demons and what our parents did to us. He is not looking to torture me. And I’m pretty sure Christov hit Sabastian the other day, so I doubt he is following us around and sending weird texts for his dad. ”
Nash handed me back my phone.
“But it does have to be someone from school. Who else would know the nicknames you have for me?”
“As much as I want to blame Sabastian for this one,” Nash said, putting his hand on my thigh. “I agree with Ren, it’s not him.”
Nash had been far too agreeable with me lately, and that was more unsettling than the text.
“And none of the guards outside saw anyone,” Theo asked.
Liam shook his head.
“They said no one else pulled in the parking lot, other than the Lost Souls, and the strip mall across the way had the wrong vantage point. Plus, Ren never walked outside.
“That means they had to be sitting on the service road,” Myles added. “But I didn’t see any cars moving, and it’s pretty far away.”
“Not if you have binoculars and you move before you send the text,” Liam added.
“Smart and creepy. Good combo,” Blake said, shuddering.
“Well, they seem to be targeting Ren specifically, so we will just stay vigilant,” Nash said.
I leaned my head back on the booth, no longer interested in my burger and fries.
“Could it be any of your guys? I know that may be a long shot, but are there any that feel slighted or left out now that Lawrence is dead? Anyone you had to kick out, or have recently brought into your inner circle?”
“I vet each of them personally,” Liam said, his confidence evident. “There is no way it is any of our guys. And we haven’t had any issues. Their families are safe, and they all got pay raises for their roles. I don’t see it.”
“Alright, that’s enough. We’re supposed ta be having a nice Valentine’s dinner,” Myles said.
He had a point, but this newest threat had soured my mood.
“I won’t let whoever this is get to me. I’m over it. But I’m also done with the special occasions. They never go well.”
I tossed my napkin down on the table and nudged Nash out of the way so I could slide out.
“I’m using the restroom, and then we are going back to Wayward.”
The guys didn’t argue, so I turned for the back hallway. The quick movement stretched my new ink, and I winced. The small tattoos on my fingers didn’t hurt, but my side was another story.
After I finished and washed my hands, I stood in front of the mirror. My side was still itchy and sore, and the plastic wrap protecting the piece was uncomfortable. I slowly lifted my sweater to look at the artwork.
Trixie was a true artist. There was no denying that.
The detail work on each name was immaculate.
The black script along my ribs flowed beautifully with the vines and small decorative flowers woven throughout.
Trixie had even managed to incorporate a snowflake, a bird in flight, a crown, a rabbit, and the front end of Theo’s motorcycle. It was incredible.
Letting the sweater fall back into place, I locked eyes with myself in the mirror. This seemed like as good a time as any to implement my new motto, WWEGD. Unlocking my phone, I sent a message to my dad.
R: Hey Dad, I guess you’ve already heard about the text message?
The little dots were immediate. It was silly, but the fact that he always responded so quickly made me feel special.
Dad: I have. Are you okay?
R: I am.
Dad: I know you said that you didn’t want me to get involved, and I respected that. But you’ve now received two messages, are you sure you don’t want me to look into this?
R: No, I can’t run to you every time something strange happens. This could all still be a childish prank. I have the guys, and I need to learn how to handle this kind of thing myself.
Dad: I understand, but I will never think less of you if you ask. I’ve been at this a lot longer than all of you combined.
I smiled.
R: I know, thank you. I could use some of that expertise, though. What would you do if the texts were going to you?
Dad: To start, don’t change anything. Including your current plans, act as if it is business as usual. Keep your schedule and any activities the same. The more you disrupt your routine, the more the individual feels they have power over you. Stay vigilant, but don’t deviate from your norm.
That made sense. We had spent our whole evening focusing on the text instead of enjoying a night out together. The stalker had gotten to me, despite my earlier words, and my first reaction was to run back to the safety of Wayward.
R: Anything else?
Dad: Find someone to trace the number back to the source. If they don’t really know what they are doing, you’ll find them right away. If they are skilled, then you know you’re dealing with a professional. That will narrow down the suspect pool. I can do this for you. I have a guy.
That was a really good idea, and I just happened to know someone who could help.
R: No, I appreciate the offer, but I think I may have the perfect person.
Dad: Okay, well…the last thing I will mention is your surroundings.
Take note of everything. Pay attention to anyone you pass in a hallway, bathroom, locker room, or classroom.
That includes students, teachers, parents, and anyone else.
Mark it down and find the pattern. If you leave campus, note any vehicle you see more than once, mark down licence plates, air fresheners hanging from the rear-view mirror, and decals in the back window.
Anything distinguishable. My guards will be on that as well.
And no, I’m not pulling them off of you, so don’t bother asking.
I have limits to how much I’m willing to back-off.
I smirked.
R: That’s okay, I’m happy to have the guards. Is that it?
Dad: I’ll speak to Paul and alert him to the situation. That will help some. But, Ren, carry a knife with you at all times, just in case.
R: Weapons are not allowed in school.
Dad: Do you plan on stabbing someone?
R: Um…no.
Dad: Then carry it. I’ll handle Paul and any fallout if there is an issue.
R: Thanks, Dad.
Dad: I love you. I’m always here.
R: Love you, too.
I stuffed my phone back into my pocket just as someone knocked at the door. Turning, I pulled it open to find Myles standing there.
“Just wanted to check on ya,” he said.
Before I could answer, he pulled me into a hug. I took the comfort and breathed him in. Myles was always so warm and smelled incredible. He was like a large, sexy teddy bear.
“I’m good, but I’ll happily take a hug anytime.”
He kissed the top of my head.
“Let’s go for ice cream,” I said, feeling better after talking with my dad.
“Ice cream? It’s freezing outside.”
Pulling back, I looked up into his amber eyes that had been intoxicating from day one.
“Yes…” I ran my hands up his chest. “But think about how you get to warm me up.”
Myles grabbed my hand and tugged me along behind him, making me laugh as he yelled, “Ice cream, we are going for ice cream.”
This mystery texter wanted me scared and looking over my shoulder. Instead, I felt something unyielding settle into place. Whoever this was, had no idea what was coming for them.