We ran. Past dark alleyways, past rusted fences, past the eerie glow of flickering streetlights.
Only when we reached an abandoned parking lot did we finally stop.
William leaned against a rusted car, breathing hard. I did the same, my entire body trembling.
“What the hell was that?” I gasped.
William wiped blood from his mouth. “Someone who knows too much.” His eyes locked onto mine. “Emerald, we’re in deeper than we thought.”
A shiver ran down my spine. “Do you think Bernard sent him?”
William was silent for a moment. Then, shaking his head, he murmured, “No. This is bigger than Bernard.”
Silence stretched between us.
And then—
My phone buzzed.
I stiffened.
William’s eyes narrowed. “Who is it?”
A private number.
Slowly, I answered. “Hello?”
The voice on the other end sent i
