Page 14 of Wild Card

What happened to them after they did?

I’m so confused.

My shoulders pull back as the dog rubs its entire body against my leg.

I stretch a hand down and pet its massive head.

I can’t stand here, wondering, forever.

My toes dance against the cold wooden flooring, and I force myself to walk to the door.

The white piece of computer paper taped to it makes me frown as I pluck it down.

Unfolding it, I glance over it.

Reading and I don’t have the best relationship. There’s a reason I prefer talking on the phone to texting.

Dyslexia makes everything more complicated than it needs to be. But unlike what some people think, I can read. It just takes me a while longer than it would for most people.

Lennox,

You refused to go back to the bed-and-breakfast, so I brought you home with me.

You are safe.

Don’t panic.

I texted Ned—the taxi driver. He’ll bring your phone and coat by the B&B and drop it off at the desk.

Shera is friendly, but much like you, she’s a giant pain in the ass. If you try to sneak out, she will try to follow, thinking it’s time for her morning walk.

Do not let her escape.

There’s an extra coat hanging from the hook by the front door.

Take it.

Put it on.

And don’t pull anything like last night again.

—B

By the time I’m done, my mouth hangs open.

Hazy memories of a giant man with long, blondish-brown hair fill my mind. His low, growly chuckle and the way he carried me file through my thoughts like tiny teases. Every time I try to grasp on to a particular memory, it evaporates.

I’m not sure why I’m not more alarmed, but truthfully, if he meant me any harm, I don’t think he would have left this note. I’d probably be chained to a pipe in the basement if I ended up with the wrong kind of people.

Holy shit.

That sends a shiver down my spine as my gaze falls to the floor.

What the hell am I even doing with my life?

Shera whines, pacing in front of the closed door.

Not only did I put myself in danger, I embarrassed myself in a big way.

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