Page 19 of In His Veins

“I haven’t wanted to consider that, but I think you could be right. But even if that stranger saved me from Eliott, a finger as a gift is hardly what I wanted.” Paige stands up and retrieves the box. She slowly lifts it open as if something might jump out.

“Jesus,” she whispers. “I’m not going to lie, it’s kind of cool. Mostly terrifying, especially the part about it just showing up in your apartment, but definitely a little cool.” Leave it to Paige to find a way to make me laugh in this horrible situation.

“What should I do, Paige? Should I tell my brothers?” She starts shaking her head before I can even finish my last question.

“You tell your brothers any of this, and they’ll treat you like you’re in witness protection. Look, I’m not trying to downplay the situation. I think you’ve for sure attracted the attention of a major freak, but I think I know another way to help. I have a lock guy who owes me a big favor. I’ll have him come out today to change everything.”

I’ve been nauseous since finding the finger, but knowing that Paige at least has some kind of plan makes me feel better immediately.

“And the finger? What do I do with it?” She’s thoughtful again as she stares at the box.

“I’ll take care of it,” she says flatly. I arch an eyebrow at her in a silent question. “It’s better you don’t know, but I promise you don’t need to worry about it.”

I nod my head, ridiculously relieved to pass the responsibility onto someone else.

Paige steps into the kitchen and makes a call, presumably to cash in a sizable favor. A few minutes later, she returns to the living room looking pleased.

“Freddy will be here soon to change your locks, so don’t go anywhere. I’m going to go ahead and leave so I can take care of this package. Are you okay here?” I desperately want her to stay, but I want the finger to disappear even more, so I nod again.

“How do you get so many favors from people?” Sure, Paige is charming, but free tattoos and new locks are pretty big favors. She looks at me like I’m the biggest idiot she’s met.

“Girl, I know you aren’t that naive. Think about what I do for a living.” My cheeks turn red as I realize the manner of favors being exchanged.

“I’m so stupid,” I say, shaking my head.

“Just a little.” Paige grins and she’s out the door.

I pace my living room as I wait for Freddy to come by, trying to keep myself busy by cleaning and separating my laundry by color before I remember that the communal washer and dryer are outside. Thankfully, I wasn’t scheduled to work because the thought of stepping out of the apartment made my heart race.

I suddenly remember that I never texted Josh last night when I got home. Checking my phone, sure enough I have several texts from Josh and a few missed calls. I text him back, guilt gnawing at my belly.

Hey, I’m so sorry I fell asleep as soon as I got home last night. I promise I’m really okay.

He doesn’t text back right away, but when I hear another knock at the door a few minutes later, Josh slips from my mind again. Freddy doesn’t talk as he works, but he does take a moment to explain what he’s doing and to demonstrate that the new key in fact works. It’s nearly evening by the time he leaves, and I fall asleep early, soothed by the security of a new set of locks.

* * *

Vibration wakes me up the next morning, making me flail my hand toward my bedside table to snooze my alarm. The vibrations start again a second later and I sit up in bed to look at my phone. My heart hammers as I see Paige’s caller ID.

“Hello?” I squint at the time. It’s just after 8 in the morning.

“Local news. Right now.” I frantically search for the local news station on my phone and click the live broadcast.

“...continuing our reports on a shocking act of violence. Eliott Cardinal’s remains were found mutilated in a landfill only a few miles from the city limit early this morning. The chief of police has yet to comment, but the body was reported to have been dumped in the open, leading some investigators to think they were meant to find it. Only 26 years old, Eliott Cardinal had a full life ahead of him. As a former collegiate swimmer and son to local politician, Leroy Cardinal, Eliott was certain to make a name for himself and continue the powerful Cardinal family legacy. More on this story at 9am. Tracy, back to you with the weather.”

I exit the video and lay back in my bed, staring at the ceiling. I’m one of the last people to have seen him alive, but all I feel is bone-deep relief. Silent tears stream down my cheeks and collect on my sheets beneath me.

“Ava?”

I’d nearly forgotten about Paige being on the line until she speaks up.

“I’m here,” I whisper. She’s quiet for a long moment.

“How are you feeling?” Her voice is gentle, and she sounds so unlike herself. I laugh, although nothing about this situation is particularly funny.

“Is it horrible that I feel relieved? I never have to be afraid of him again.” Paige laughs too, and it’s a similar sound.

“I completely get it. I’d be relieved too. Are you going to tell anyone about the other guy that night?”

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