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Gracie sets two drinks on the counter. She knows exactly what Violet and I drink. I love that about her.

I slide one into the carrier, still holding Alibi, while she slides the other one inside.

“Thanks.” My hand shakes slightly. “I’ll see you later.”

Her eyebrows lift. “What about Alibi’s iPad?”

“I'll get it later.”

Now she's definitely suspicious. “Callie⁠—”

“I'm okay.”

I hope that's true.

I turn toward the door and make the mistake of looking up. The man is watching me over the rim of his cup.

My steps slow.

For one second, neither of us moves.

Then he smiles. The same polite smile as before. Except this time it doesn't feel polite.

A chill moves down my spine.

I look away and keep walking. Even though I want to run out the door, I don’t. Hurrying tells someone you're afraid.

Alibi shifts against my chest, like he knows something’s wrong.

I push open the door. Cold air hits my face.

I don't look across the street. Or behind me. Instead, I head straight to my car.

My phone buzzes. I glance down at the cup holder where I set it.

Roman: Keep walking.

My heart slams once against my ribs.

He’s watching me.

I immediately feel safer.

When I reach my SUV—I returned the rental once Roman figured out I was using it to stalk him—my phone buzzes again.

Roman: Get in. Lock the doors.

I open the driver's door, put Alibi inside, then climb in after him. I hit the button. The click of the locks makes me feel better.

Alibi looks at me from his car seat.

“I’ll get your iPad later. We’ll use Violet’s.”

My phone rings. Roman’s name is on the screen.

I answer immediately. “Hi.”

“Did he talk to you?”