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The dog tilts his head.

“Don't look at me like that. Adventures await.”

His tail thumps.

“Exactly. You get it.”

The Story ends, but I don’t close Instagram. Instead, I watch the videos again, then finally lock my phone and set it face down on the counter.

The house is silent.

I reach into my pocket, pull out a folded sticky note, and read it again.

I like your laugh. You should do it more.

I fold the note again, but I don't put it away.

Fuck, I'm in trouble.

27

CALLIE

Roman has underestimated me. Good for me. Bad for him.

I could’ve gotten mad after he ghosted me at the gym and snuck away like a coward. Instead, I got even.

Hollow Creek Pharmacy & Variety is down the road from the gym. As I drove past, plotting my revenge, the window display caught my eye. Brightly colored sticky notes beside stationery and office supplies.

Perfect.

A few minutes later, I had a bag full of sticky notes and Sharpie markers. Operation Decorate the Hitman’s Truck was in motion.

After writing notes on them, I strategically placed them all over his truck, then dashed to the coffee shop to return Gracie’s car. It’s been compromised.

Time for a new plan.

I needed a car that was boring and forgettable.

I specifically asked the guy behind the rental counter for something that blends in. He gave me a gray Toyota Corolla. I almost hugged him.

Nothing says I'm definitely not stalking a hitman like a gray Toyota Corolla.

After signing the paperwork, I practically ran out, jumped in, and raced home to grab Alibi.

Now he and I sit behind the wheel of my rental car, staring through the windshield at the quiet street ahead.

The phone rings through my speakers.

“Hey, Drew.”

“Callie. Why are you calling me?” His voice sounds suspicious. Probably because I didn’t call him Poison Ivy or Rake Victim.

“My vehicle is at Bramble. Can you get it and drive it to my house?”

He’s speechless for a beat.

“Why don’t you ask Violet?”