Page 52 of In the Cover of Darkness

Taking a moment, I don't know how to tell her about Phil, but the sheriff is right in that if she doesn't find out from me, someone else will tell her.

“No baby, we don't have him yet, but we will soon enough. I need to tell you though, and you need to know this is not your fault, okay. His actions are not your fault.”

“What happened?” she whispers.

“He hurt Phil tonight, really badly. Phil is dead, baby, I'm so sorry.”

Her arms wrap tightly around me. I can feel all of her strength being used to control the pain she's feeling, squeezing me as tight as she can, not a sound escapes her. Slowly she's building her walls back up, brick by brick, protecting herself against him.

We spend a long while wrapped in each other's embrace. Gently, I rub her back, waiting for her breathing to shift. It will tell me she's asleep, but like her silence, her breathing never changes.

“Baby. Have you noticed anything unusual? Anything out of the ordinary that made you second guess yourself?”

Shaking her head against my chest, she's saying no, but I need to know for certain.

“Words, baby. I need your words.”

“No. I had that wrong number today but that can happen to anyone. We've been home most of the week too. There's been nothing.”

“Can I check your phone, just in case?”

She rolls over to where her phone sits on the bedside table, bringing it to me. Unlocking it, there are no notifications, no social media apps, there are four contacts for myself, Ace, Nova and Sam, and no strange messages or calls. Going into the settings I find the blocked number, unblocking it to see the message that was sent. After a few seconds, an onslaught of beeps occurs, as message after message from the unknown number appears, and instantly I know the messages are from him.

Unknown:you look good today

Unknown:answer me bitch

Unknown:you think you're too good to answer me bitch

Unknown:I'm going to gut you like the whore you are

Unknown:you were lucky to have me, you slut

Unknown:you think that he will save you

Unknown:you always were a stupid bitch

Unknown:you are nothing without me

Unknown:fucking cunt

Unknown:ANSWER ME !!!!!!!!!

Unknown:I say when this ends not you

Unknown:did you enjoy your pizza tonight

Unknown:I enjoyed hearing his screams you know

Unknown:you used to scream for me

Unknown:he begged me to let him go

Unknown:I was a god deciding the value of his life

Unknown:you are nothing but a whore

Unknown:I will show you no mercy

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