Page 148 of Unexpected Hero

I follow her home on nights when she doesn’t carpool with Freya to ensure she gets home safely.

I had a VR headset mistakenly delivered to their apartment that I rigged up with a ton of exercise programs to keep her from jogging at odd hours. To entice her to use it, the workout apps happened to be music-based and preloaded with all her favorite songs.

I also outfitted Freya’s apartment with the employee version of Redleg’s home security system.

Freya knows about most of these things, but she has no idea of all the other ways I’ve deceived Lettie — about who she is, who her father is, and who I am. Not to mention how our meeting at the gas station wasn’t accidental.

But the one thing Freya has figured out is how much I care about Lettie. And not in the way you’d care about a charity case or a little sister.

Judging by these texts, something’s gotta give.

With my heart in my throat and pulse thrumming, I dial Freya and close the door to the lair. Hopefully, Klein doesn’t come back before this call ends. If he does, I’ll excuse myself. He can leave without me for all I care.

Lettie might need my help.

The phone rings five times before rolling to voicemail. Fuck.

I try once more, getting the same maddening outcome. Instead of leaving a message, I fire off a text, assuming she’ll see that sooner.

Me

Answer or call me back. What the fuck is happening? Is she okay?

While I wait for a response, I double-check Lettie’s location.

Thank fuck. She’s at Bask and not at the hospital. A tendril of relief springs to life, making my chest collapse with a rushed exhale.

I reread the texts, looking for something I missed.

After another minute ticks by with no reply, I employ a last-ditch effort to get answers.

With my thumb hovering over the call icon by Lettie’s name, I attempt to predict how this could unfold. By initiating contact with her again, will I make things worse or better for her?

Fuck it.

I tap the call icon.

It rings only once before going to voicemail. Shit. Either her phone is off, or she declined my call.

At this point, my options are limited. Over the last month, I’ve stopped reading her texts word for word, preferring to merely see who she’s communicating with and giving them a cursory scan for keywords that could indicate trouble.

But that’s about to end.

I’m a heartbeat from accessing the camera on Lettie’s phone when my father’s voice grates across my mind.

Go ahead and act like a creepy little fucker.

My hands freeze, and my posture stiffens. Is that what I’m doing?

The phone vibrates with Freya’s response, halting my spiraling thoughts.

Freya

Simmer down! I already told you she’s better for now. I helped her through it. I can’t answer your calls since I’m in the same room as her, but I can text.

Me

You’re sure she’s okay?

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