The Stalker Between US

Chapter 33

Unknown POV

He watched her for days before making his move, blending into the background of St. Mary’s Medical Center like a shadow. Julia’s routine had shifted with her new schedule, and now the cafeteria was nearly empty when she came down for a late-night snack. He waited until she was alone, standing at the coffee machine, before approaching with a carefully practiced smile.

“Hey, you’re Julia, right?” he said, voice low and friendly, as if they were casual acquaintances. He wore a visitor’s badge and hospital scrubs—easy enough to borrow or fake. “I’m Cody. I just started here in pediatrics. I think we have a few mutual friends on the night shift?” He watched her reaction closely, noting the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes as she tried to place him.

Julia returned his greeting, polite but guarded. There was something about him—maybe the way he stood a little too close, or the intensity of his gaze—that made her uncomfortable. She offered a tight smile, shifting her coffee cup in her hands. “Nice to meet you, Cody. Welcome to St. Mary’s,” she said, trying to keep her tone light.

He kept the conversation going, asking about her favorite places to eat nearby, her thoughts on the night shift, and little details about the hospital. She answered, but with each question, her unease grew. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something about him felt off. His familiarity was too practiced, his interest a little too keen. Julia found herself glancing at the clock, silently wishing for an interruption.

Cody noticed her discomfort and dialed back his enthusiasm, softening his expression into something more vulnerable. “Sorry, I know I’m coming on a bit strong. It’s just—it’s hard being new, you know?” he said, shrugging with a self-deprecating smile. “I thought it’d be nice to have coffee with someone who’s been around a while.”

Julia relaxed a fraction, empathy winning out over suspicion. She nodded, but still kept her distance. “I get it. Night shift can feel pretty lonely at first. But you’ll settle in—I’m sure you’ll find your people soon,” she offered, starting to edge away from the conversation.

Cody seized the moment. “Maybe you could show me around a bit? Or, I don’t know, grab dinner sometime after work?” His tone was casual, but his eyes were fixed on her, unblinking. He watched, waiting for her answer, every muscle tensed beneath his borrowed scrubs.

Julia hesitated, her discomfort returning in force. “I don’t really have much free time these days,” she replied, trying to sound apologetic but firm. She offered another polite smile, then excused herself, heart pounding as she left the cafeteria. Cody watched her go, his friendly expression never wavering—but inside, his obsession only deepened, fueled by the thrill of finally speaking to her face-to-face.