Page 97 of Sycamore Circle

He scowled. “Why are you looking at your phone again?”

“I was checking the time.”

“Why?”

Joy’s patience was officially gone. He wasn’t a child, and she was feeling a little taken advantage of. She did volunteer work because she wanted to help adults learn to read. However, she wasn’t a therapist. She didn’t appreciate him being a jerk while she sat by his side. “Why do you think?” she snapped. “I wanted to know what time it was.”

“How come you’re so anxious? Do you want to leave?” He made a big show of scanning the area. “Is he waiting on you somewhere that I can’t see?”

She blinked. “Of course not.”

“How come?” he continued, his voice rising. “Why isn’t your man here, Joy? Why isn’t that guy sitting here like he always is? How come Bo isn’t here, watching me?”

A pair of college-age girls who were sitting at a nearby table glanced up in alarm. “Anthony, lower your voice. Furthermore, what Bo does is none of your business.”

He flinched. “Joy, I thought we were friends.”

“I thought we were too, but you’re being really mean today.” Frustrated and confused, Joy decided that she’d had enough for one session. “You know what? I’m just going to leave.” She opened her tote bag and started to gather her things. “Text me if you still want to meet next week.”

“If I say yes, will you even be here?”

“Of course I will. We’ve been meeting for months.” She was starting to get pretty worried about him. “Anthony, what is going on? Did something happen at home or at work?” She tried to remember what he’d recently been talking about but was drawing a blank.

His expression shuttered. “Yeah.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

He shook his head. “No.” He breathed deeply. “You know what? You’re right. We should call it quits today.” He started putting his things in his backpack. “Let’s go. I’ll walk you out.”

“There’s no need. I can see myself out.”

“You don’t even think enough of me to do that? Bo always walks you out. I’ve seen him. You like it too. I’ve seen you smile when he offers his arm. Do you really hate me so much?”

“Of course I don’t hate you.” Another flicker of unease filled her. There was something by his statement that really bothered her. It was more than just the creepiness of it. No, there was something else that she couldn’t seem to put her finger on.

Though she was tempted to tell him to just leave, he was acting so angry she was afraid he’d make a scene. Quickly, she put away her teacher’s guide and reading glasses. Her phone buzzed, signaling an incoming text. She noticed it was from Bo just as she tossed it in her purse.

Anthony was on his feet, looming over her now. She stood up and tried to smile. “I’m finally ready.”

He nodded, his expression completely blank.

Walking by his side, she walked to the door, vaguely aware of another couple grabbing their seats. Though the management had never complained about her taking up a table for so long, maybe it would be a good thing to start going somewhere else. Somewhere less crowded.

When they got out, the warm sun felt good on her skin. She’d done it. She’d gotten through this awful session. “I hope you have a good rest of your day,” she started to smile.

But then his hand wrapped around her forearm.

Staring down at it, she tugged. But instead of releasing her, his fingers tightened.

And then pulled on her arm.

She stumbled. “Anthony, what—” Only then did she realize he was holding a knife and it was pressed against her side. Shocked, she tried to step away.

“Don’t, Joy. Don’t say a word.” Looking down at the hunting knife in his other hand, Anthony breathed in deeply. “I’ve been practicing. I know how to hurt you now. Come with me.”

There was no way. “Release me. You—” The rest of her words were cut off by searing pain. He’d cut her. He’d cut her badly.

Her brain turned into a fog as what was happening slowly registered.

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