Page 36 of Valley

My heart pounded against my ribs, my breath caught in my throat. Moving slowly towards the door, I called out, “Hello? Is anyone there?” My voice echoed back, twisted and hollow in the empty space. Clutching my chest, I fought to control my racing heart. Even Ellie’s laughter took on an eerie quality, magnified by the silence.

Then, a chilling, ghostly voice sounded, “I hate you.”

Panic surged through me. My eyes darted around, trying to pinpoint the source. Footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing louder with each step. I glanced at Ellie, ensuring she was safe, before grabbing a cane left propped in the corner. Holding it tightly, I edged towards the doorway.

The footsteps drew closer, each one hammering at my nerves. I peeked around the corner, cane raised, ready to defend myself. “Madeline? What’s going on?”

Relief washed over me as I saw Sean standing there, his expression confused. I sagged against the wall, lowering the cane, my breath coming out in shaky gasps.

“Sean,” I whispered, my voice trembling, “What are you doing here?”

“I came to check on you. After what happened last night, I’ve been worried,” he said, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me. “Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I forced a shaky laugh, my grip on the cane loosening. “I guess I spooked myself. This place feels different today.”

Sean stepped closer, his presence reassuring. “You’re not alone. I’m here now.”

I nodded, trying to steady my racing heart. “Luckily, I didn’t bang you over the head with this cane,” I chuckled, leaning the cane back against the wall.

He laughed before giving me a small smile, then glanced towards the loft. “Do you want me to check up there?”

The thought of him going up alone sent a fresh wave of anxiety through me. “No, it’s fine. It’s probably just my imagination running wild.”

“Alright, but if you hear anything else, let me know.” His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Ellie’s giggles broke the tension, her innocent joy making me smile. I turned back to her, my heart finally beginning to calm. Sean’s presence had done wonders to soothe my nerves.

“Let’s make sure you were only imagining hearing things,” Sean suggested, still looking concerned. “Let me have a look around.”

“Yeah, now that you’re here, I won’t feel so afraid,” I agreed, glad for the offer.

We spent the next fifteen minutes checking the studio, the mundane task grounding me back to reality. The eerie feeling gradually dissipated, replaced by the comfort of routine and Sean’s presence. But the whispered voice lingered in the back of my mind... did I imagine it?

As we finished, Sean looked at me with a serious expression. “Madeline, if something’s bothering you, you can tell me. You don’t have to handle it alone. That guy was way out of line last night and paid for it. Don’t quit the club out of fear.”

I met his gaze, appreciating the concern in his eyes. “I appreciate the concern, really, but it’s for the best that I find another job. It’s not only about last night.”

“I understand,” he said, smiling at Ellie, who started pulling at his shirt to gain his attention. “We’re still on for Sunday, right?”

I forgot with everything going on, but I couldn’t back out. Sean had been very sweet to me. “Yeah, we’re still on.”

The sound of people coming in for my class sounded. “I’ll see you Sunday,” he said, once again leaning down to kiss my cheek, surprising me before he walked out of the studio. I sighed,wishing I felt something for Sean other than friendship, but you couldn’t argue with your heart. It doesn’t lie, no matter how much it’s killing you.

I was in love with a man who didn’t deserve those dying beats.

With the studio finally feeling normal again with the sound of my students, I got on with my day. A few hours later, as I pushed Ellie out the door, I still couldn’t shake the feeling that someone or something was watching, waiting.

I WAS WATCHINGand waiting for an opportunity tocorner Madeline, to refresh her memory of just who owned her heart. Every part of me was a walking contradiction, veering off course at every turn, but right now, it felt like the car was driving itself.

This morning’s plan to see her was ruined by Sean sniffing around her like a dog in heat. And with Ellie by her side, my intended reminder wasn’t fit for a child’s eyes. So, I followed her, ensuring her safety, but now it was time for work.

Madeline wouldn’t be here tonight since she had quit last night after that scene with Asher. Worry gnawed at me, not justfor her safety but for Sean’s if he dared cross my path. So far, he had taken the hint and kept his distance. When I dealt with him, it would be somewhere no one could play the hero.

“I guess that guy didn’t try to press charges,” Snipe said, leaning on the wall next to me. His voice was a rough whisper, blending into the hum of the club.

“Why the fuck would he press charges after what he did?” I snarled, my fists clenching at the memory, heat rising up my neck.

“Because guys like that think their word is gold while someone like Mandy’s is trash, that’s why,” Snipe replied, his eyes scanning the crowd, vigilant.

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