Page 23 of Oblivion

On the way to grab my purse, I pull my cell out and send a message to Starling.

Me

What the fuck is going on?

Her text back is almost immediate.

Starling

What do you mean? What’s happened?

Her video request call buzzes across my screen, but I reject it and instead type another text.

Me

I can’t do a video chat right now. I’m on the way out with my mama. But why didn’t you warn me about Evan?

Starling

Evan? What has he done?

Clicking into the picture I took of the anklet earlier, I attach it to a message and hit send.

Starling

??? That’s pretty, but what does that have to do with Evan?

Me

It’s a padlock?? Zoom in on it

Starling

OH MY GOD!!! EM!!!!

Me

So, you didn’t know?

Starling

I didn’t even know he was in DC, we had dinner together last night. What did he say when he gave it you?

Me

He didn’t give it to me, I woke up wearing it, and it doesn’t have a latch. I’m going to have to cut it off!!!!!

Starling

OMG!!!

“Samantha, are you ready? Martha is waiting on us,” Mama calls from the hallway.

Me

Got to go. I’ll call you later.

Starling

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