Page 239 of Remy

I’m still doing it.

A twig snaps nearby. Normally I’d flinch, maybe pull my gun, or make some effort to protect myself. But I don’t bother as the old crone walks barefoot from the darkness of her front yard in an ankle-length nightdress, her long grey hair loose around her shoulders. She comes to stand before me, undaunted and curious.

“I see you’re back to your stalker routine.” She sidles up to me and leans back against my car to mimic my interest with Ollie’s house. “What happened this time?”

“Her dad died.”

She releases a weary sigh. “I didn’t expect that so soon.”

“None of us did,” I grate.

“That explains why I woke up to her vomiting a little while ago. That girl’s bathroom window is in line with my bedroom. I can always tell when she’s upset.”

“I think you’re going to be hearing a lot more of it in the days to come.”

She nods, and for quiet moments we stand there, side by side, staring at the house I should be in.

“Well, I’m very sorry this has happened,” she finally murmurs. “I’m also very sorry that I’m getting the distinct impression you have no intention of leaving your stalking post. You know, back in my day, it wasn’t polite to loiter on the street in front of someone’s home like a thief waiting for an opportunity.”

I drag in a frustrated breath.

I’m so fucking exhausted, annoyed, and completely over this shit.

I’m tempted to kill the old witch just for the spike of adrenaline. It wouldn’t take much. A belt. Maybe a pillow. I could make it relatively painless… if I wanted.

“Lesley,” I say patiently, “you’re currently leaning against a car that’s worth more than Ollie’s house. Do you really think my intention is to steal?”

“Maybe not any earthly possessions. Her heart, on the other hand…” She pushes from the Aston Martin and stands up straight. “Look, I’m going to be honest with you.”

“How refreshing.” I glower.

“Olivia has had a lot more bounce in her step since you’ve been snooping around.”

“Is that so?” I cross my arms over my chest, regretting the happiness I brought her because now it only means more suffering.

“Mmm.” She nods. “She’s also been checking in on me more often, and that music she blares from her living room on the weekends hasn’t been the depressing, moody garbage she usually listens to. She even seems to have more energy, despite rushing from the house at all hours of the night—I assume to see you.”

I scoff a laugh. “Now I understand why you don’t like me. Your position as neighborhood stalker must feel threatened.”

“Maybe.” She shrugs. “It’s obvious you’re the reason for the positive change in her. But do you want to know what I really think?”

Fuck, no.

Not even a tiny bit.

Not even if I was on fire and her thoughts were the only thing capable of extinguishing the flames.

“I truly believe, that despite the positive change in her, the best thing you can do for that girl is stay away.”

The words repeat in my head, the message an agonizing echo.

Stay away.

Leave.

I never want to see you again.

It’s time to quit ignoring how truly destructive my presence is in Ollie’s life.

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