Courtney smiles. “I’ve met chicks like her in my time. My husband’s ex-girlfriend stalked me for weeks when she found out that he was dating someone new.”
“Stalking is pretty creepy,” I say with a nod. “But it’s not on the same level as a woman who takes on a different identity just to insert herself into your life and gain your trust.”
Courtney’s eyes go wide. “Goodness me. Perhaps not.”
“Exactly. Batshit.”
Her face relaxes into a sympathetic smile. “Still, I’m willing to bet you’re stronger than this ‘chick.’”
“How can you say that?”
“I work with sick people all the time. I see people at their most vulnerable. You learn to read them. You learn to observe what they’re trying to conceal.”
“What do you think I’m trying to conceal?” I can’t stop myself from asking.
“Well, in my experience, people don’t really want an honest answer to that question.”
“Hit me anyway.”
She frowns, but then gives a little sigh. “You’re trying to conceal how deeply you care for Mr. Stepanov.”
I wince. But who else can I blame but myself? She warned me that I wouldn’t like her answer. I can’t say I do.
But it’s honest.
“Thanks for talking to me, Courtney.”
She offers me a parting smile and heads for the door. “Get some rest, darling.”
“I’ll do my best.”
But the moment the door shuts behind her, I reach for my phone. I’ve spent the last twelve hours flitting in and out of sleep. And when I do fall deep into unconsciousness, my nightmares find me. I’m not interested in yet another power nap.
What I need is a conversation. With someone who understands me.
“Hello?”
“Chris,” I breathe, thankful to hear his voice.
“Jesus, Jessa!” he says, as though someone has just punched the lights out of him. “Are you okay?”
“Safe and sound,” I say. “Or at least, safe.”
“That’s not comforting at all.”
“It’s been a rough few days,” I admit.
“What happened?”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“How about we start with this: where’s Freya?”
“Gone,” I say. “I don’t know where. She disappeared right after she poisoned me.”
“WHAT?!”
Right. There’s a lot Chris doesn’t know. I take a deep breath and dive in.