Page 210 of The Dark Stranger

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No lights.

No sirens.

Just shadows disappearing into the night.

20

Becca

I’m going to lose my mind.

I’ve been sitting in this safehouse for hours. Staring at the walls. Pacing. Trying to sleep. Failing.

Nick is outside my door.

Again.

I can hear him shifting his weight. Clearing his throat.

He’s been there since Silas left.

Watching. Guarding. Babysitting.

I hate it.

I know Silas means well. I know he’s trying to protect me.

But I’m not a prisoner.

I’m not helpless.

I need air. I need space. I need to fucking breathe.

I pull on a hoodie. Silas’s hoodie.

It smells like him. Smoke and cedar and something darker.

I grab the gun from the nightstand. The Glock Silas left for me. Just in case.

I tuck it into the waistband of my sweatpants.

Then I open the door.

Nick straightens immediately.

“Everything okay, Becca?” he asks.

His voice is polite. Professional. But I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way he’s watching me like I’m something precious. Something Silas told him to protect at all costs.

“I need some air,” I say, my voice calm and steady. “I’m going for a walk.”

Nick frowns.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea—”

“I’m not asking for permission,” I say, sharper now. “I’m telling you.”

“I need some private time.”

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