Page 46 of Silken Chains
The realization that I’m holding possibly incriminating evidence makes me want to drop it as if it were on fire.
I pry up the loose floorboard I discovered by accident last summer and never fixed—a perfect hiding spot. The ledger slides in, just fitting into this secret compartment. I replace the board and drag the small side table over it, a makeshift seal over a Pandora’s box of troubles.
Should I tell Serena? No, this feels too dangerous.
Now what? The question circles in my head like a vulture. I can’t just sit here.
I start pacing, my gaze darting around the room, landing on the slightly ajar window.
A shiver rolls down between my shoulder blades. I don’t remember opening it. I shuffle across the room and slam the window shut. Curtains drawn, I turn back to the room, a fortress against prying eyes.
Then, the sound of my phone vibrating on my table shatters the quiet apartment.
“Jesus!” My heart leaps into my throat. I march over to the table, my pulse racing. The phone’s screen flashes an unknown number. Warily, I hit “answer,” pressing the phone to my ear.
“Hello?” My voice is a whisper, tension winding tight in my chest.
Silence greets me, just the distant noise of traffic. It’s creepy, like someone’s watching, waiting.
“Hello? Who is this?” I’m getting annoyed now, my voice rising.
Still nothing. It’s like they’re playing some sick game.
“Why are you calling?” I snap, louder. “What do you want?”
Then, just like that, they hang up. The line goes dead. I stare at the phone, a knot of fear in my gut.
Who the hell was that?
With the phone still in my hand, it vibrates with an incoming call. Annoyed and on edge, I answer without even glancing at the caller ID. “Look, you freak, if you think scaring me is…” My voice trails off as I recognize the voice on the other end. It’s Mr. Henderson, my landlord.
“M-Mr. Henderson?” My face heats up with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—” I start, but he interrupts.
“I’ve seen your shop, Laura. It’s a disaster. What’s happening? Have you filed the insurance claim?” His voice is stern, demanding.
I wince, rubbing my temple. “Mr. Henderson, I… I need more time. There’s been a complication.” The words feel heavy, laden with unspoken truths about David’s betrayal.
He coughs, a deep, rattling sound. “I’ll be in town tomorrow. We need to talk. Face to face.” The line goes dead before I can respond.
I stare at the phone, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. Then, the unknown number flashes again.
“Hello?” I answer, exasperation bleeding into my tone.
A pause, then a familiar voice sends a shiver down my spine. “Run.”
“Da-David?”
Before I have a chance to process the call, a chilling sensation creeps over me. A shadow stretches across the floor, growing larger, inching closer.
Holy hell, who’s that?
I turn, but it’s too late.
A large hand, swift and sure, clamps down over my mouth, silencing the scream that’s building in my throat.
Chapter 17
Laura
