Page 74 of David's Love

Me: What??

One, two, three seconds pass.

Him: You’re talking to me. So, you are active.

He’s fucking with me, reminding me of Keith again.

Me: Do I know you?

This time, he pauses for a little longer.

Or maybe he’s doing something else at the same time.

Him: No.

I don’t believe him.

Me: Do you know me?

Another pause.

Him: It was nice chatting with you. I need to go now.

No, no.

Me: Answer me.

Him: I think you know the answer.

I stare at his reply, lost for words.

What if it’s not Keith? What if it’s someone else?

It could be anyone, right?

Someone from school? Or someone from the neighborhood? It could be an ex. Someone I said no to.

Someone who hacked my account and maybe saw some of the things I recorded for David.

I put my phone down, and the house is silent when a soft sound alerts me to another message.

Him: You should replace the rocker chair. It creaks like hell.

I drop the phone and jerk to my feet, my head shifting to the back of the house.

I hear no noise. I see no shadows.

Is this about the money?

Is he after my money?

A thief wouldn’t taunt me like that.

It can be pure jealousy. Vindictiveness. Picking someone else over him.

It can’t be Keith.

It can’t be anyone else, either.

---