Carl freezes, panic flashing in his eyes. “No. Thank you.” He coughs again.
“Are you sure?”
He uses the screwdriver to scratch behind his ear. “Ah man, you seem real nice ma’am but there was a note on the order advising me not to accept any food or drink offered by the homeowner.”
I clench my arms across my chest, the tips of my ears burning.I’m going to kill Flynn.And I’m never making him another hot chocolate ever again. I scold myself.Of course you’re not Hazel, you’re never going to see him again.
It takes another half hour for Carl to finish installing the system and showing me how it works, and I spend every minute of the time fuming.
I turn my fancy new alarm on after he leaves and storm back to my room. I don’t know why I’m angry, except I want to shout at Flynn and he’s not here. I mean really, it’s just common decency to be readily available when someone wants to scream at you.
My gaze lands on my phone where I left it on my bed and I get this feeling in my bones. I snatch the phone up and go to my contacts to see if my suspicion is correct.Motherfucker.
I click on the number that was definitely not there yesterday and jab my fingers on the screen.
Hazel
You bought me an alarm system? Really?
Dexter
Seemed like a good idea. You know, in case a serial killer decides to climb in through your bedroom window.
The. Audacity.
And, of course, he would name himself Dexter in my phone because, clearly, I’ve found the one serial killer in the world with a sense of humor.
Hazel
Also, my hot chocolate is not THAT bad.
Dexter
Your hot chocolate belongs in Drayford.
My mouth drops open.
Hazel
YOU belong in Drayford!
I throw my phone back onto the bed. It bounces off and hits the floor with a thump.
“Argh.” I faceplant into the comforter and question every single life choice that’s led me to this point. My phone buzzes on the wooden floorboards. I belly shuffle till I’m hanging off the edge of the bed and reach for it.
Dexter
Want to hear a joke?
I scowl.
Hazel
Shh. I’m not talking to you.
Dexter
How did the serial killer greet his victim?
