Unknown number.
My stomach dropped.
That woman wasn't Patricia. In a cell when it happened. Taken in weeks before - charges stuck for threats, following someone too close. Held tight under watch. Out of reach now. Gone from my path.
Still, I clicked on the message.
"Congratulations on your decision. Washington. How romantic. How stupid."
Fear gripped me deep inside.
"Did you really think jail would make me forget? You ruined my life, Brooklyn Miller. Destroyed my future. And now you get your happy ending? I don't think so."
Another message.
"You ruined my life. I'll ruin yours."
My hands shook.
"I'm out. Bail hearing this morning. My parents posted bond. I'm free. And I'm watching."
Out near the window I went. Peering down into the parking lot. Shadows caught my eye - how they pooled between vehicles. Each dim patch of ground held something worth checking.
Out there somewhere - could it be her? Maybe watching, maybe waiting.
