I picked another note.
I lost everything because of you.
Another note.
You can’t hide behind your money. I’ll fucking destroy you.
There were at least seven notes. I opened the gallery on my phone and searched for the pictures I had taken from the notes my stalker had sent to me.
Same font, same way of tracing the “y.” The same person who threatened my father and probably killed him and my mom was also threatening me and possibly trying to murder me, too.
I put everything inside the box and charged to my room to pick up my luggage.
“Change of plans, Mrs. Bishop. I’m flying back to California tonight,” I shouted while running upstairs. “Can you call an Uber?”
Chapter 39. THE USB
(Sienna)
It was the beginning of the new year, but I was already exhausted. It was the second flight I had taken in the past twenty-four hours, and knowing it would take me another forty minutes to reach Ander’s and Zayn’s apartment didn’t help.
I knew the guys weren’t home. Noah got tickets for the three of them to watch the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics, so considering that I was supposed to be in New York, they planned to spend the weekend in Santa Monica.
I missed them so much.
Maggie offered to spend the night with me at the apartment. I needed my friend more than ever after what I had discovered back at my house in Port Chester. I was convinced that whoever murdered my parents had also tried to eliminate me during the New Year’s Eve party. But why? The notes implied that their deaths were some kind of payback, so what if my father pissed someone really dangerous off? All the documents and mementos in that box pointed to the same thing—William was involved in some way. I was sure of that. Maybe I could call him tomorrow and ask about the other man in the photo or about my dad’s relationship with Professor Reed.
By the time I arrived at the apartment, it was already ten o’clock. Maggie stood in front of the building, hands in her pockets and a scarf bigger than her covering her neck and shoulders. Her perky nose looked red, probably from the cold.
“Hey girl, I missed you,” she said, hugging me tight.
“Same. Let’s go inside. It’s freezing.”
When we entered the apartment, I went straight to my room. Maggie followed me, helping me carry my luggage and tote bag. She placed everything next to the door and dropped her ass on top of the bed.
“You said it was an emergency. What happened? Did you fight with the guys?” she asked, furrowing her brows.
“No, no. Nothing like that. We’re good. Actually,” I said, biting my lower lip. “We are really good. If you know what I mean.” I smiled.
“Such a lucky whore. Seriously, I hate you.” The amusement dropped from her voice. I stiffened at the way she said it, but then she burst out laughing, and I joined her. “I’m joking. I’m glad you finally followed my advice and went with the flow.”
“What advice? You told me to stop playing with their feelings?”
“Yes, I did. To play with their dicks. And you understood the assignment.” She grinned.
“I want to show you something. I’m not sure what it means, but I think I’m getting closer to the truth of what happened to my parents.”
The air became thicker, and Maggie shifted uncomfortably on my bed.
“Look.” I opened my tote bag and took out the wooden box. I placed everything on top of the bed, including the box: the bank statements, Ander’s letters, the threatening notes, and the photograph. “Look at the photograph. Do you recognize someone in there?”
She looked at the photo, and her eyes widened.
“Nooooo. Where did you find this?”
I took the photograph from her and poked it with my finger.
“I don’t know why, but he lied to my face. He said he had worked for my father, but Reed never mentioned they were that close. I don’t know who this man with the white coat is, but maybe William knows. I’m calling him tomorrow.”