Page 30 of Shattered Queens: Veronica
“Yes, I’m still here.” I release a shaky breath. “Miles, this is serious.”
I hear rustling in the background. He’s probably eating at his desk. When I try to picture what Miles would look like, a garden gnome always pops into my head. Now, talking to him, it’s still there.
“Okay, tell me what’s going on.”
I need to do this. I’m giving myself a pep talk. I never imagined asking him for help, but it makes the most sense. Miles has always watched over me, and he’s seen me at my worst. As much as I hate it, this won’t be a surprise, at least not for him.
“Veronica.” I stiffen at his mention of my name. He never calls me by my name. It’s always been “spoiled brat,” “Princesa,” or other unpleasant names but never crude or vulgar ones.
I place the photograph on the counter and take a picture. “I’m going to send you something,” I say. After a brief second of hesitation, I send the message.
“Give me a second,” he tells me. I wait and wait. I check my phone to make sure the call didn’t drop.
“M-Miles?”
“When did you get this?”
“I checked my mailbox less than an hour ago. It was in an envelope.”
“Send me a picture of the envelope.” I do as he asks. “Has this been the only one you received?”
“Yes,” I lie. “Miles, you can’t tell anyone. Please.” There’s an unnerving silence.
“Veronica, this isn’t something to hide from your family. Your life may be in danger.”
“Please, Miles,” I plead. “Don’t tell them. Look into it first. Maybe it’s someone I pissed off. There’s a long list. Please.” More silence.
“Keeping this from your brothers doesn’t feel right.”
My voice is pleading. “If it’s something serious, I will personally tell them.”
“You owe me. Remember that,” he tells me. I can hear the hesitation in his voice.
“Yes, whatever you want. Just don’t say anything, and please help me find out who sent this.”
“Okay. I’ll be in touch.” The line disconnects.
I hear a ping. I look at my phone and see it’s a message from Miles with a location. I tap on the pin. It’s for Nina’s kickboxing gym.
Lapdog: Signed you up. First class is tomorrow morning.
It seems I have no choice but to go along with it. I send him a thumbs up emoji. Jokes on him—I was going to sign up regardless. The rest of the night is spent spiraling. I don’t even realize I fall asleep.
My alarm wakes me up. I contemplate throwing it across the room. People who wake up at six in the morning have to be masochists. I should have rescheduled for a later class, but I won’t. I drag myself out of bed and head to my closet. I might as well look cute.
An hour and two cups of coffee later, I’m standing outside Nina’s gym.
“Are you going to just stand here or go inside?” I scream, startled. I turn to see Annie, Nina’s wife, watching me in amusement at my indecisiveness.
“I’m actually thinking about running.” I remember when I was last here, I barely made it.
“It’s not that bad.” She opens the door and motions for me to enter.
I all but drag myself inside. It’s a full class. I look at Annie, who goes to the front desk.
“Do you work here?” I ask. I thought she had her own business.
“I help out when I’m not teaching.”
