Page 61 of Count On Me

Me

Edie, I know your phone’s on ‘do not disturb’ so you won’t see this till the morning, but I wanted you to know. I’ve hired a security detail to look after you. I don’t want you being scared and I need to know you’re safe until Jordan’s caught. I know I told you earlier that I don’t think he’ll do anything else, but I was trying to reassure you when I should’ve just been honest.

Me

When the police asked if anything was missing in my place, I didn’t tell them in front of you, but I noticed your picture was gone. They think he took it. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you, Edie. I’m so sorry again. I’ll make everything all right. I promise. I love you. Hawaii x

I hit send and breathe a sigh of relief out. She’ll be okay. She’ll be safe now.

38

EDIE

I slowly open my eyes and stretch out on the bed, rolling over to my side to check the time on my phone. I bolt up in the bed and blink my eyes a few times. Shit! It's past ten and I need to get across London for eleven.

Shit. I didn’t set my alarm last night before I crashed in Angie’s bed.

Without time to worry or think, I jump up and run into my bedroom, grabbing clothes as I go. I’ll have to forgo the shower this morning and pray to God that I don’t stink when I finally get there. I throw the clothes on and scuff my hair into a messy bun and charge through the flat grabbing my folders and design materials.

I haven’t got time to make a cup of tea and I look longingly at my mug sitting on the side, feeling neglected. Saying a silent sorry to it, I breeze through the kitchen and out of the flat within minutes of waking up.

Running down the stairs, I hit the outside of my building and look left and right trying to get my bearings as to which direction I need to go in to get to my client’s house. I vaguely register the heavyset bald guy with tattoos on his knuckles who steps into theroad and heads toward me as I turn to my right and head off, hoping the tubes are running okay as I have no time for buses today.

After I’ve walked down a couple of streets, I notice someone behind me and turn slightly to see the bald guy walking a few steps behind. Now that I’m not panicking about being late, I let last night's events float into my head and try to shrug off the feeling of being followed. But something doesn’t feel right, and I can’t completely convince myself I’m just being foolishly paranoid.

I decide to cross the road and see what he does and my hackles start to rise when I notice him step off the curb and cross the road after me. When I stop outside a shop, he stops too. Shit.

That panicky feeling starts to build. What if he’s one of Jordan's friends? What if he is following me?

I shake my head and try to channel Angie. She’s scared of no one. I straighten my shoulders back, hold my head high, breathe through my fear, and give myself a mental pep talk.

Edie you’re being stupid. He isn’t following you. Jordan’s not after you. Jaxson’s right, he made his point and it’s over with now. You’re being paranoid. No one is following you. No one is after you. You are safe.

With myself firmly told, I continue walking. I dig my keys out of my pocket and put them between my fingers just in case I need a weapon to help me fight off an attacker. Again, I shake my head at myself, but I don’t let go of the keys. Something doesn't feel right.

I turn my head again to look behind me and the bald guy is closer now. He smiles at me menacingly, and I can’t do it anymore. I run. I run as fast as I can. I zigzag through traffic and smile when I realise he isn’t as fast as me.

I start to run back toward my apartment, but then change direction. He knew I lived there. He was outside. I can’t go back,he’ll be expecting that. Instead, I head toward Angie’s office. It’s the only place I can think of.

My breath is coming fast and my heart’s beating rapidly as I hurtle down the road and into people. I come to a crossing and I can’t remember if her building is left or right. I haven’t got much time to think as I know he’s not far behind me.

Without being able to catch my breath and steady my thoughts, I turn right and almost instantly realise it was the wrong choice. I don’t know where I am. I run through the streets, panic starting to rise in my throat, but I force it down. I can’t afford to panic now. I need my wits about me.

I grab my phone out of my pocket, throwing my files onto the ground, not caring if I lose them. I try to bring up Jaxson’s details and call him. After a few attempts, I manage to get it to connect and when I hear his voice I sob down the phone.

“Jaxson, I don't know where I am. Someone was following me. I need you.” Before he can respond I’m grabbed from behind and dragged down an alleyway. I can’t see who has me and I can’t scream, fear has rendered me mute. I’m shoved into the wall, and when I turn around, I realise it isn’t the bald man that's in front of me. It’s Jordan.

“Well if it isn’t the little cock tease. I’ve been waiting to get you alone since Bennett’s engagement party.” I try to push past him but he flashes something silver at me and I freeze. “What’s the matter? You don’t look very happy to see me. Not like the last time I was with you. I want another little lapdance from you. Brady ain’t here to stop us now, baby.” He flashes a smile and his eyes are wide and barely blinking, his pupils dilated so all you can see is the blackness of them. He must’ve taken something.

“Jordan, let me go. I’ll get you some help…” I try to reason with him but he laughs in my face.

“I don’t need fucking help. Been there, done that. What I need is my job back. My flat. My life. But you fucked that all up.Me and Brady used to be the dangerous duo, were out all the time together. We were the same, working toward our goals of first team places. And then all of a sudden you come along again and I’m left on my own. He’s playing regular first team games and is all loved up with you.” He starts to laugh maniacally and I whimper as he stops and drags his gaze over me.

“You got a magic pussy or something? He could have any girl he wants, so why would he choose you?” I flinch when he brings the knife up to my throat and slides it down toward my breasts. “Maybe I should see what the fuss is about. Give you a test run. See if your pussy makes me want to give up fun like it did for him. Hmmm?”

I can’t speak. My back is flush up against the wall and the knife’s against my throat. Fear grips at me and I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to breathe in case the knife slips, but I also know I need to get out of here without him hurting me. I stand still and let his hands roam over my body. Bile rises in my throat as he slides his palm roughly over my breasts and a small sob falls from my mouth. Tears slip from my eyes as he slides his fingertip across my collar bone.

“Please don’t,” I manage to whisper, but it just makes him laugh again. “Cain, please. You don’t want to do this,” I manage to croak out and a flash of uncertainty crosses his face.

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