The man steps inside. He doesn’t hit a floor button. Just stabs the close button.
My hands go clammy.
He shifts closer.
I shrink into the corner of the elevator, forcing my breathing to stay even. Didn’t Ashton say there was some stalker lingering around Belltown? I’m not normally this jumpy, but I swear the closer she gets to graduating, the more cases she brings up and the more I think I need to roll myself in bubble wrap.
Another hand slams into the doors just before they close again. A second figure steps in.
It’s Nathan.
I nearly sag with relief.
He says nothing, just steps in front of me, body stiff, and casually presses the fourth-floor button —my floor— as if it’s no big deal.
My heart stutters.
Does he know?
Is he helping?
I sneak a glance at him, desperate for some sign.
He doesn’t meet my eyes. Just stands between the man and me, his shoulders tense.
The man in the corner moves closer. Too close.
Nathan glances at me. Tilts his head. Studies me carefully. Then he taps the four button again, slow and deliberate.
I don’t know if it’s meant to calm me or warn me — but it works.
When the elevator finally jerks to a stop at my floor, I don’t hesitate. I dart out into the hallway, nearly tripping over my own feet.
Just as the doors close behind me, I catch a glimpse of Nathan moving toward the man.
The last thing I hear before the elevator doors completely shut is a loud bang echoing through the shaft.
My heart pounds against my ribs. I don’t wait to find out.
I sprint to my apartment, fumbling with my keys, nearly dropping my groceries.
When I finally get the door open, I slam it shut behind me and collapse against it, gasping.
Dr. Doom meows grumpily from the kitchen.
"Yeah, yeah," I whisper, tears pricking the corners of my eyes. "I'm fine."
I wasn’t being paranoid.
I wasn’t crazy.
As I drift into sleep that night, one thought anchors me:
6B didn’t just save me.
Hechoseto.
Chapter 4
