Chapter 61 Him
Him
Then
I like your new accessory, Raven. A little pepper spray bottle on a rubber coil wristlet. When you walk, it hits against your fitness watch and makes a jingling sound. It’s a soothing reminder that thoughts of me are always with you, just as thoughts of you are always with me.
You finish locking the back door of Cindy’s Closet, then look both ways before you step out onto the sidewalk and quickly head toward home. The autumn weather has brought with it the earlier arrival of darkness. Perfect for evenings when you work until closing.
You hear a noise and pick up the pace even as you turn and glance behind.
As if I’d be so obvious. I know your route.
You can’t resist taking the quickest route home, even though if you thought about it, you would realize the folly of your actions.
It might get you in the door five minutes earlier, but being predictable is so much more dangerous than the three hundred seconds you save.
As you approach the park, I retreat deeper into the shadows.
I like it when you can feel me but can’t see me.
As you pass, I make a small sound, and your breath quickens before you break into a jog.
Not an easy feat in your platform boots and short leather skirt.
And you are too scared to look back, because you know that I’m always there, watching and waiting . . .