The Stalker Between US

Chapter 29

Ethan POV

I was pouring coffee in the kitchen when I heard the unmistakable clatter of something hitting the hardwood floor. I turned and saw Julia standing in the hallway, her face drained of all color, her hand frozen over her mouth. Her phone lay at her feet, the screen still glowing with a string of notifications. For a split second, I saw terror in her eyes—raw, unfiltered fear.

“Julia?” I called, concern tightening my voice as I crossed the room. She didn’t answer. Instead, she turned abruptly and rushed down the hall, disappearing into the bathroom. I heard her retching, the awful, hollow sound echoing back at me. My heart thundered in my chest as I hurried after her, kneeling outside the half-closed door. “I’m here,” I said softly, my own anxiety mounting. “I’m right here. You’re safe.”

When she finally emerged, her cheeks were streaked with tears, her breathing ragged. She tried to speak but only managed a shaky whisper—“My phone… it’s him again.” I gently guided her to the couch, wrapping my arms around her as she trembled in my embrace. I pressed a kiss to her temple, fighting the urge to storm out and hunt down whoever was tormenting her.

I picked up her phone, my hands steady despite the rage simmering inside me. The messages flashed across the screen one after another—threats, twisted promises, and chilling declarations. The words made my blood run cold. I scrolled through them, my jaw set, fury and protectiveness warring in my mind.

I wanted to reassure Julia, to tell her that none of it was real, but I knew better. The messages were too specific, the menace too direct. Whoever this person was, they had crossed a new line. I took a steadying breath, then looked Julia in the eye. “We’re done waiting for this to blow over,” I said, my voice low and certain. “This is criminal. We’re calling the police—right now.”

She nodded, pressing closer to me as if drawing strength from my presence. I called the authorities, explaining the situation in a clipped, controlled voice. I read the messages aloud, gave them a brief history of the harassment, and insisted they send someone immediately. For the first time, there was no question of playing it safe or downplaying the threat.

As we waited for the officers to arrive, I kept Julia close, never letting go of her hand. I checked every lock and window, double-checked the security system, and made sure every possible entrance was secure. I watched her carefully, noting every tremor, every flicker of fear, vowing silently that I would do whatever it took to protect her.

When the doorbell finally rang, I answered it with grim determination. I led the officers inside, handed over Julia’s phone, and recounted everything that had happened. As I spoke, I kept Julia within arm’s reach, silently promising her—and myself—that I would not rest until the threat was gone for good.