Episode 3: Shadows Close In
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
Lila, talk to me! Are you home?
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
What do you mean "almost"? You sound freaked out.
Lila Arden 《FL》
Because I am freaked out! That guy… Kade… he said I’m in danger.
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
Do you believe him?
Lila Arden 《FL》
No. Maybe. I don’t know.
Lila reaches her apartment building, rushing inside and locking the door behind her. She checks the windows twice, drawing the curtains tightly.
UNKNOWN NUMBER
You made it home. Good.
Lila Arden 《FL》
Are you still watching me?!
Lila Arden 《FL》
Leave me alone.
UNKNOWN NUMBER
That’s not going to happen.
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
Okay, Lila, breathe. Just tell me what’s happening.
Lila Arden 《FL》
I think someone’s after me.
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
Like… stalker after you?
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
Worse? What’s worse than a stalker?
Lila Arden 《FL》
Masked men in SUVs.
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
What the hell?? Did you call the police?
Lila Arden 《FL》
No. What would I even say? “Hi, I think I’m being hunted by people I don’t know because a mysterious guy told me so”?
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
I mean… yeah?
Lila Arden 《FL》
Mara, this isn’t a joke!
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
Sorry, I just—this is insane.
Lila sets her phone down, pacing her apartment. Her heart hasn’t stopped racing since she left Kade.
She pulls back the curtain just an inch. The street is quiet. Empty.
But her phone buzzes again.
UNKNOWN NUMBER
I said not to block me.
UNKNOWN NUMBER
Good. You’ll need me sooner than you think.
Lila Arden 《FL》
For what? To play more of your creepy games?
UNKNOWN NUMBER
To survive.
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
I’m coming over.
Lila Arden 《FL》
Don’t. I don’t want you caught up in this.
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
You’re my best friend. I’m already caught up in this.
The sound of tires squealing jolts Lila from her thoughts. She peers out the window again, her stomach sinking.
A black SUV is parked across the street.
Lila Arden 《FL》
(to Mara) Forget it. I’ll come to you.
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
Why? What’s wrong?
Lila Arden 《FL》
They’re outside.
Lila Arden 《FL》
The SUV. It’s back.
The lights of the SUV flicker on, and the engine growls to life.
Lila’s phone buzzes once more.
UNKNOWN NUMBER
Don’t go outside.
Lila Arden 《FL》
They’re here. What do I do?
UNKNOWN NUMBER
Stay inside. Don’t open the door.
Lila’s pulse races as the sound of boots on pavement reaches her ears. She stares at the door, willing it not to move.
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
Lila? Are you okay? Answer me!
Lila Arden 《FL》
They’re at my door.
Mara Sinclair 《bsf》
Oh my God. Call the cops!
Lila Arden 《FL》
What if they come in?
UNKNOWN NUMBER
They won’t.
Lila Arden 《FL》
How do you know?
UNKNOWN NUMBER
Because I’m here.
The knock turns into pounding, each sound like thunder in Lila’s ears.
Kade’s voice cuts through the panic, calm and firm.
Kade Blackwood 《ML》
Lila, open the door. It’s me.
Lila Arden 《FL》
How do I know that?
Kade Blackwood 《ML》
Do you really have time to doubt me?
Finally, she unlocks the door. Kade pushes inside, closing and bolting it behind him.
Kade Blackwood 《ML》
You waited too long.
Lila Arden 《FL》
What do you mean?
Kade Blackwood 《ML》
They know where you are now.
Lila Arden 《FL》
Who are they? Why are they after me?
Kade’s jaw tightens, and he looks out the window.
Kade Blackwood 《ML》
Let’s just say they think you’re worth a lot.
Lila Arden 《FL》
What does that even mean?
Kade Blackwood 《ML》
It means you’re in way over your head.
Lila Arden 《FL》
I didn’t ask for any of this!
Kade Blackwood 《ML》
I know. That’s why I’m here.
Lila Arden 《FL》
Why do you care so much?
Kade looks at her, his expression unreadable.
Kade Blackwood 《ML》
Because I know what happens if I don’t.
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