Page 58 of Brutal Savage

Derek, the one who created my new identity, never calls my burner unless it’s an emergency, so when I find that cell vibrating in my bag, my pulse spikes. Especially because I don’t recognize the number. But he’s the only one who has it.

Why would he have a new number?

Maybe it’s not him…

Did he give me up to Jerry? Oh, no! They could’ve tortured him to talk. If they realize he’s a rat, they’ll feed him to the dogs. Literally.

I sling my work bag over my shoulder and head toward my car as I answer it, not saying a word just in case it isn’t him.

“Evelyn?” he whispers.

“Derek? Are you okay?”

“Oh, thank fuck!” he exhales harshly. “I thought something happened to you.”

“Why would something happen to me? Did you say something to them?” Alarm rings in my voice.

“Of course not! I’d die before I gave you up. You know that.”

I sag against the door of my car. “I don’t expect you to die for me. But thank you.”

“Look, I called because I had to get a new number. Two days ago, someone called the one I gave you. You’re the only one who has it. I don’t know what that means, Elara, but it’s not good.”

“Wait, what? Someone called you?”

“Yeah, and they didn’t say anything, but…”

My stomach clenches. “But what?”

“I said your name. I called you Evelyn.”

“Oh, no… Do you think it’s Jerry or his father?”

“I don’t think so. They would’ve killed me by now. I waited to call you just in case, but they haven’t bugged my phones or my place. I don’t think it was them. Has anyone had access to my number? Where do you keep it?”

“I—”

Then it hits me.

Tynan.

No…

Yet it makes sense. He was in my house. He broke in. He must’ve found it and called. Now he knows my name.

“I think I know who it was.”

“Anyone I need to worry about?”

“No. I’ll take care of it. I’ll come up with something. Don’t worry.”

“Okay, but, Evelyn, watch your back. You can’t trust anyone.”

“I know that. You too.”

“Bye.” He drops the call and I stuff the phone in the zip pouch of my bag.

I start working for Tynan tonight. I’ll have to confront him, and I’d better figure out what I’m gonna say about Derek.

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