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Ten minutes later, we were inside my house, and I immediately locked the front door.
“I’ll have a look around. Stay put.” Cami withdrew her pistol and checked all the rooms, under the beds, and the locks on the windows and doors.
“Looks good.”
“Thanks, babe. I’m so fucking tired, but with the hard news tonight and knowing a serial killer is in the area, I might not be able to sleep.” My shoulders slumped in exhaustion.
“Girl, you’re so wrung out. I will stay awake to make sure you’re safe if that will help you sleep.”
Cami and I walked to the kitchen, clutching Arby’s bags of fries, cheese sticks, and chicken sandwiches. I took a long sip from my drink. A wave of rich, creamy chocolate goodness burst across my taste buds, causing me to moan. “This is almost orgas—” As I struggled to swallow the thick drink, my eyes widened as they locked onto something that wasn’t there before. My breaths slowed, see-sawing in and out, keeping tempo with each step I took while approaching the granite counter. My senses stood on high alert as I set down my bag and milkshake, my heart pounding.
“I saw that someone sent you a present. Look at the pretty gold wrapping. If you don’t want the red ribbon, I’ll take it.” Her gaze narrowed on me. “Wait a minute, you’re holding out on me, girl. Who is sending you gifts?”
A tight knot of fear held my voice captive, causing me to hesitate to speak to her. I was riveted with the exquisite box in front of me. My rational thoughts were overridden by intense curiosity as I reached for it, ignoring the warning signs that screamed danger. Maybe I should have called the police. Maybe I shouldn’t have opened it without them there. Despite a nagging sense of unease, I gently tugged at the large bow with unsteady fingers, unraveling it.
Cami’s warm breath on my neck told me she was just as curious and apprehensive. As I peered into the box, my brows furrowed in surprise and shock. Frowning, I lifted out the sheer black lingerie, its design leaving little to the imagination.
“Damn, Sebastian is smitten big time if he’s sending you sexy stuff already. Good job.” She elbowed me in the arm, slurping on her soda.
A cold wave of dread washed over me, making me hastily drop the gift back into the box. An unsettling thought raced through my mind. How on earth had someone entered my home? My heart thudded as I recalled Cami’s words moments ago—all the doors and windows were securely locked.
What if it was Shadow Whisperer? The serial killer? I couldn’t shake my questions. If it was the killer, why me? Mentally, I combed through recent criminal cases, wondering if one of the accused had seen me in the courtroom and developed an obsession with me. The scenarios swirled chaotically, a tumultuous waltz of uncertainty and fear.
“I don’t think it was Sebastian, Cami. He wouldn’t have broken into my house to leave this.” Anger pumped through my veins, and I tossed the gift into the trash. I placed my hands on my hips, furious that someone had the balls to break into my home without my permission and violate my space. Violated me. Fuck that.
“Maybe I missed something,” she said, her gaze darting around the open floor plan before she stared at me. “What are you not telling me, Ella? Something is off.”
“There’s a good possibility it was the same man that was at my window the other night.” I swallowed several times, trying to collect my words. “I think I have a stalker, Cami.”
The color drained from Cami’s cheeks as my confession registered. “W-why would you say that? Whoever it was only showed up once … right?”
I hadn’t told her about the second time, and I was too upset to tell her that night. It wouldn’t make a difference any way. “Dammit, I can’t eat. I’ve lost my appetite.” I scooped the bag and drink off the counter and tossed it into the fridge. Next, I grabbed the bottle of vodka from the cabinet and poured two shots for myself. I added ice and a bit of water. This conversation called for a stiff drink. “Want one? You might need it.”
Cami nodded and climbed on the barstool, munching on her fries and staring a hole through me. I made her a drink and set it next to her. After a few gulps of mine, I sucked in a sharp breath.
I had no intention of ever sharing with Cami about my cam job, but if Shadow Whisperer was stalking me, then she needed to know in case he went off the rails and hurt me. At least she would know the full story and be able to talk to the police.
“I need you to hear me out with an open mind.”
“Of course I will.” She picked up her drink and took a sip, wincing before she set it down. “The alcohol is smooth as hell, but I think I need a splash of something else. Do you have any cranberry juice?”
I located what I needed and topped off Cami’s drink, my palms slickening with sweat as the seconds ticked by.
“Much better.” She smacked her lips. “Sorry, it’s already been a shit show of a night, and I have a feeling I’m going to need more than one.”
“If you can still hit a target drunk, then I’ll keep pouring for you.” I leaned against the counter, my attention sweeping through my kitchen and living area.
Over the next several minutes, I confessed to Cami about working the cam job to help pay Dad’s medical bills. She sat still, listening until I told her I’d flown to Seattle to meet with Shadow Whisperer and was paid twenty-five thousand dollars when he canceled.
“Are you fucking insane?” Her screech bounced off the walls, and I covered my ears.
“Yes, but you knew that, Cami. I’m drowning in debt. I barely have enough to cover my bills, and I was the only hope Dad had. I would do anything to save him. Anything. You know how close we are.” I paced the room, angry at the shit show called my life. “The money was originally fifty thousand to watch, and Shadow Whisperer promised he wouldn’t lay a hand on me.” My throat tightened as a wave of blame crashed over me. If I hadn’t agreed to meet him and allow the situation to become more personal, maybe it wouldn’t have pushed him over the edge.
If it was even him.
Cami’s shoulders rolled forward as she slumped in her seat. “I wish you’d told me. I could have moved in and split the bills. Hell, I would have picked up extra shifts to help pay for his medical trial, babe. You didn’t have to go sell your gorgeous body to strange men.”
“It wouldn’t have been enough, and even though you’re family, this wasn’t your fight. I love you for wanting to help. And thank you for not judging me.”
