The Glint in the Dark
339 Words
Chapter 26: The Glint in the Dark
The café was quiet that morning, too quiet.
Lena stood behind the counter, absentmindedly cleaning a glass that had long stopped needing polishing. Her thoughts were trapped in the last conversation with Jay. The way he looked at her—like he was burning inside but refusing to show it. She hated that it made her heart ache. Hated that she kept replaying it over and over like a haunting lullaby.
Her phone buzzed. A message.
Unknown Number: Still think you’re safe, sweetheart? Look behind you next time.
She froze.
Her breath hitched. Her eyes darted around the room. There was no one—just a couple near the window, whispering over cappuccinos. The barista working beside her was lost in a playlist.
She stepped out from behind the counter and walked toward the backroom, heart pounding in her chest like a warning drum.
Was it him? The same black car?
Jay had told her to always report anything strange. But what could she say—someone is watching me again?
Her hands trembled as she typed. Then she stopped.
She didn’t want to be weak anymore.
Lena stepped outside, pretending to take a break. Her eyes scanned the street. A dark sedan was parked at the corner. Tinted windows. No movement.
She swallowed hard and walked down the sidewalk. One step. Then another.
The engine roared to life.
She turned—and the car peeled away from the curb, disappearing into the distance.
She stood frozen, fists clenched. Whoever it was... they were watching her in daylight now.
She needed Jay.
But more than that, she needed answers.
Later that evening, in Jay’s penthouse, she sat on his couch wrapped in silence, not mentioning the message—yet. He was unusually quiet too, as if something heavier weighed on him than usual. His jaw was locked, his eyes unreadable.
"Lena," he finally said, voice hoarse, “do you trust me?”
She looked at him. “I don’t know anymore.”
- Writer
