Page 76 of Left in the Dark

As I walk away, I ensure her house is secure before I hurry through the woods to my truck, my thoughts spinning as I go.

My head tilts to the moon and stars, so close to the lake where Delaney and I danced on prom night and had sex in thebed of my truck. Many of the pictures inside the folder were taken there.

It’s time I unravel the secrets of the past and rain vengeance down on my enemies.

CHAPTER 49

Delaney

I’ve been trying to see my mom for the past four days with zero luck.

Long shadows stretch across the parking lot as I stride toward the hospital. I stalk through the corridor to the elevator, punch the number for her floor, and wait.

As soon as I step off it, I’m greeted by my asshole father. His vile smile tells me he won’t let me see her, but I still have to try.

My hands clench into fists as I glare at him. “Let me see her, dammit. She’s my mother.”

He sneers at me. “No. You don’t need to see her. I will give you updates as needed.”

“Why. Won’t. You. Let. Me. See. Her?” My accelerated breaths rasp from my lungs. “What could I possibly do? It’s not like I can sneak her out of here.”

“She’s in a medically induced coma to recover from her injuries. The last thing she needs is you stressing her out.”

“Me? You’re the one who stresses her out,” I hiss, so angry I could spit nails.

“That comment will cost you. I’m not letting you see her. Now get the hell out of here.”

I blink back the tears, refusing to let them fall. Clenching my jaw so hard I’m surprised my teeth don’t shatter, I whirl around and blindly race down the stairway toward the exit.

I’m so enraged and upset that I get lost. When I finally spot an exit door, I push through it, feeling the panic welling up inside me. Luckily, it leads to the side entrance of the hospital. I rush out the door, taking in the nearly empty small parking lot, evergreens surrounding it.

My thoughts are in turmoil. Worry fills me as I imagine what he and his evil, crooked doctor may do to my mom.

Does she need to be in a medically induced coma, or is that a way to silence her?

My eyes dart around as the panic wells inside me. I clutch my chest, shaking my head.Not now.

I’m having difficulties drawing in a full breath. My limbs feel weak, and my hands are tingling. They’ll be numb soon if I don’t get the attack under control before it overwhelms me.

Breathe in and hold before slowly releasing. Mentally relax your muscles as you count.

Ground yourself.

My gaze lifts to the evergreens nearby. I take a few steps toward them, breathing in the pungent aroma of pine, and slowly exhale.

I turn my head slightly, and that’s when I see him. He stands in the shadows of the trees, his masked face turned in my direction, watching me.

Fear courses through me as my gaze moves to the muscular arms crossed over a broad chest. Although he’s wearing a dark hoodie, his muscles are evident beneath it. He’s tall and is wearing dark jeans.

He doesn’t move. Not a twitch or a step toward me.

“W-Who are y-you?” I hate the way my voice shakes.

The man wearing the Michael Myers mask stares at me, not saying a word.

I don’t know why I do it, but I take a step closer.

Then another.

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