I have to be at work in a few hours, so I decide that I have done enough shopping and head back to my car. Where I have parked, there are four food trucks stationed close to cars. There is a group of men sitting on the tables, talking, and laughing. I recognize two of them, who are trouble and a part of Valarie’s crew.
Quickening my steps, and keeping my head down, I walk past them. I hear them talking about a drop in sales, and a race that will bring a big pay out. My breath hitches when I hear Logan’s name and that of one of the guys he used to race with back in the day— a friend.
I need to tell Logan, and maybe Grady.
Reaching my car I open the trunk, depositing my bags inside before sliding into the driver’s seat. Connecting my phone to the car’s Bluetooth, I start my music. Pulling out of the parking lot, I slam on the brakes when I almost collide with another vehicle.
I yelp, my body coiling tight and preparing for impact but there isn’t one. I look out my window, but I cannot see the driverthrough the SUV’s tinted glass. Still, I feel them watching me, and it is unsettling.
The SUV sits for a minute or two longer then spins away, leaving behind a cloud of smoke.
Calming down and slowing my breathing, I open my window for some fresh air and then slowly drive out of the parking lot.
I turn the music up in my car, getting lost in the song, which helps to calm me down. An SUV comes right up behind me, then brakes harshly.
“What the hell?” I keep an eye on the vehicle, but my gut tells me something is wrong.
I move into a different lane to get away from them, but they follow— keeping close, then backing off.
What are they doing?
I see the black SUV three cars back but they move change lanes when I do. The driver is hidden behind the tinted windows, and I have no idea if there is more than one person in there.
My fear starts to spike, causing my heart to beat faster and my body to shake. My palm are sweaty, making my grip slip on my steering wheel.
I think to call Grady, my cousin who is a sheriff, but all I can think about is Logan.
Using my Bluetooth in my Bronco, I call him.
“Call Logan.”
“Calling Logan,” my car replies back to me.
While the call connects, I keep an eye on the vehicle following me. It has moved closer, and it is scaring me now. Why would anyone be following me? It is the same SUV that almost hit me at the mall.
The phone rings three times before Logan picks up.
“Stevie?” My gaze snaps forward facing, looking at the console screen, like Logan is on a video call but he is not.
This console is like a lifeline.
“Stevie, baby, are you okay? Where have you been? I have tried calling you and you’ve ignored me. What the fuck?”
Tears fill my eyes hearing the concern in his voice, but I can also hear frustration. My fear has taken over, and I do not have the time to be mad at him right now.
“Logan, I…”
“Logan, have you seen my sneakers?” I hear Valarie’s voice, and my heart breaks in my chest.
I swerve, and honks sound around me, making me cry out.
“Stevie?” He says my name more frantically this time.
Why is she with him?
Is this why he has not called or texted? He has gone back to her?
After everything.
