29. Flick #2
“You called them?!” The shriek makes me flinch. “After everything I’ve done for you? I’ve been your biggest fan! I made you who you are! You owe me, Flick!”
The door shudders under her assault. The lock holds, but for how long?
My phone buzzes. Sebastian’s name fills the screen like a lifeline.
“Sebastian.” His name comes out as barely a breath. “She’s still here. She’s trying to get in.”
“I’m almost there. Stay on the phone with me.” His voice is steady despite the roar of his engine in the background. “The police are coming too. Just stay locked in and don’t engage her.”
“She sounds completely unhinged, Sebastian. I don’t know if she has a weapon, if she’s dangerous.”
“I’ll be careful. Just stay inside.”
The rattling stops. Silence stretches, more terrifying than the noise. I peer through the peephole again, watching her back retreat down the walkway. She pauses at the street, looking back once before disappearing into the gathering dusk.
“She’s gone,” I whisper.
“Stay inside. I’m turning onto your street now.”
True to his word, Sebastian’s car screeches to a stop moments later. He’s through the door before I can even reach for the handle, gathering me into his arms like he’s trying to physically hold me together.
“You okay?” He pulls back just enough to study my face.
“Just scared.” I press my face against his chest, inhaling his familiar scent. “If that door had given way...”
“But it didn’t.” He pulls back enough to meet my eyes. “You did everything right. You stayed calm, you called for help, you kept her talking. I’m so proud of you.”
The praise unknots something in my chest. I’ve spent so long trying to handle everything alone, forgetting that strength can also mean knowing when to ask for help.
Sirens wail in the distance, growing louder. We step onto the porch as two squad cars speed past, lights flashing. Detective Harlow’s unmarked car pulls up to the curb.
“We’ve got units searching the area,” he says, radio crackling with updates. “She was spotted heading east. We’ll get her.”
Sebastian’s hand stays firm on my shoulder as we watch the detective coordinate the search. Every few minutes, his radio spits out locations, sightings, near misses. The island isn’t that big—she can’t hide forever.
“Come on.” Sebastian guides me back inside. “Let them do their jobs. You need to eat something.”
The chili has been simmering perfectly, but the cornbread... I pull out a pan of charred remains, smoke curling up from the blackened top.
“So much for comfort food,” I say, surprised to find myself laughing. It’s slightly hysterical, but still laughter.
“The chili’s perfect.” Sebastian ladles generous portions into bowls. “And burned cornbread is a small price to pay for staying safe.”
We try to eat, but I mostly push beans around my bowl. Sebastian doesn’t do much better. When we attempt to watch a movie, I can’t stop checking my phone, jumping at every notification.
Finally, blessedly, Detective Harlow calls.
“We caught her at the marina,” he says without preamble. “She was trying to steal a boat. She’s in custody now, being brought to the station for booking.”
The relief hits me so hard my knees buckle. I sink onto the couch, phone pressed to my ear. “It’s really over?”
“It’s over. She’ll be charged with stalking, harassment, attempted breaking and entering, and attempted theft. She won’t be bothering you again.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”
I end the call and turn to Sebastian, who’s watching me with hopeful eyes.
“They got her.” The words come out as barely a whisper. “She’s in custody.”
He crosses the room in three strides, lifting me off my feet in a fierce hug. I wrap my arms around his neck, legs around his waist, holding on like he’s the only solid thing in a tilting world.
“Thank God.” His voice is thick with emotion. “I was so scared, Flick. When you texted that she was here...”
“I know.” I pull back enough to see his face, to trace the worry lines that have appeared these past weeks. “But it’s over now. We’re safe.”
He sets me down gently but doesn’t let go. We stand in my living room, holding each other as the reality sinks in. No more looking over my shoulder. No more creepy packages. No more wondering if today will be the day she escalates.
“I love you,” I whisper against his chest. “Thank you for being here.”
“I love you too.” He tips my chin up, eyes serious. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
He kisses me then, soft and sweet and full of promise. When we finally break apart, the world feels different. Lighter. Full of possibility.
“Stay tonight?” I ask, though I already know the answer.
“Try to make me leave.” He brushes a strand of hair from my face. “Tomorrow we’ll check in with Detective Harlow and all the mess that comes next. But tonight, we’re just us. No stalkers, no drama. Just Sebastian and Flick.”
“And Cat,” I add as she weaves between our legs, mewing for attention.
“And Cat,” he agrees, scooping her up. She immediately starts purring, batting at his chin. “Our little family.”
Our little family. The words wrap around me like the softest cashmere, warm and perfect and exactly right.
Tomorrow we’ll deal with the outside world. But tonight, in this moment, with Sebastian’s arms around me and Cat purring between us, I’m already home.