“There's a black car outside. It's been driving down my street for the last few hours. Eventually they will get tired of waiting and leave. At least I hope.”
“You think they came for me?”
“I've never seen them around until you arrived, so yes. Where did you park your car?”
“I didn't. I had a friend bring me.” Gunner didn't want to and fought against it until I gave him no choice. He forgets who's in charge sometimes. Occasionally he needs a small reminder. There's a reason he followed my lead instead of the other way around.
“How were you going to get home, then?”
“What home?” I sigh, pinching between my brows. “I don't have one. I have nothing.” Only partially true.
He swallows hard behind me, releasing a long breath. “Is that why you're here? Did they come for you again?”
“Yes, but I handled it,” I say firmly. They came for me but took my mom instead. I can’t stop thinking about her lifeless body feeling so heavy in my arms as Gunner helped me get her into the trunk. I handled her with care when transferring and burying her. I can’t same the same for the asshole who took her life. We took care of the mess ourselves and couldn’t risk both deaths being pinned on me.
He shifts, his shoes scraping the hardwood floor. “Did you? You can take better care of yourself than you lead on, can't you?”
“I don't know what you mean.” I release the doorknob and rest my hand at my side. Looks like I won't be going anywhere for a while.
He scoffs. “Sure you do. I've been researching you and your family lately. I've found some interesting info which I doubt even my brother knows about.”
“I wouldn't be digging too deeply if I were you. You might think you're sneaky and careful but they will always catch you.” I stand still, keeping my eyes on the door.
He laughs and it's wicked. “You and your family don't scare me. It's what people like your dad want and I won't give him the satisfaction.”
I shrug, walking toward the window. “Suit yourself.” The sun slowly sets and the sky's light is fading. “You're good at finding people, right?”
“Yes, why?” he asks, his steps moving closer.
“Yet, you couldn't find your brother.”
“It's harder when the location isn't on the damn map, but I was getting close.”
“Could you find my uncle, then?” I glance behind me and he tilts his head.
“I could but why would I want to?” He crosses his arms, his lips pressed into a thin line.
The muscle in my cheek tics. “Because I need to stop him before he comes for your brother next.”
“Can't you find him yourself?” He holds my gaze. “Surely you can give him or another family member a call for a quicker answer.”
I nod, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Yes, if I want him to know I'm coming, which I don't.”
“What will you do when you find him?” His hands squeeze tightly around his arms.
“What I have to,” I say promptly.
Sighing, he lifts a hand and tugs at the collar of his shirt. “You promise no more harm will come to Ev if I do this for you?”
“What makes you think I can guarantee that?”
“Because I think you have more control of things than you want people to believe.”
Sighing, I shove my hands in my pocket. “Fine. I'll do my best.”
“Give me a few minutes, then.” He walks away, heading down the hallway.
I stay by the window, watching as the black car turns around to do another loop. If they don't go away on their own soon, I'll have to make them.