The pavement felt uneven under my hurried steps as I made my way to the bus stop, the cool breeze brushing against my face. For a fleeting moment, I focused on the sound of my sneakers hitting the ground, trying to block out the swirling mess of thoughts in my head. It wasn’t working, though. My brain was a freaking carnival of confusion, complete with flashing lights and an annoying clown juggling questions I couldn’t answer.
Then I heard it.
The sharp, unmistakable clatter of heels. At first, I tried to ignore it—people walked down this road all the time. But this wasn’t the casual rhythm of someone minding their own business. No, these steps were deliberate, getting closer with every click.
I glanced over my shoulder and immediately groaned internally.
Vanessa. And her crew.
V
