Page 14 of Monsters

Reluctantly, I scanned the photographic portraits. One after another, I read ‘Truth or Dare?’, the words carved violently across their faces. “Now tell me…” Maximus continued, “why would anyone go to such lengths to desecrate my art over an obscure question?”

“I don’t k-know,” I stammered. My heart thawed and was now galloping, my head spinning. Wiping sweaty palms on my skirt, I turned to Charlie. “I need you to call the police, so we can attain a case number for insurance.”

He gave one quick nod in response and disappeared down to reception, no doubt elated to be out of the firing line.

David cleared his throat. “I’m going to contact the commissioners who purchased last week and let them know there will be a slight delay in delivery. Gemma, can you work with Carleen in handling social media and the police when they arrive?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

David left without another word. While he remained somewhat stoic concerning the whole debacle, I knew he would be entering damage mode with the gallery’s reputation on the line.

I turned back to Maximus who suddenly appeared calm and rational since David left. “I truly am sorry for everything. This is such an anomaly, and I’m sure it wasn’t aimed at you—”

Maximus raised his hand to stop me. “Please, Gemma. I am a hundred percent certain this has nothing to do with me.”

I swallowed, my throat dry. “What makes you say that?”

Holding my gaze, he handed me a folded-up piece of paper that had my name scrawled on the front. “I found this on the floor in the middle of the room. It’s evident whoever came with a message wasn’t aiming it at me. I won’t show the police because it will jeopardize any insurance claim if it at all appears personal.”

“What does it say?” I asked, almost too scared to look myself.

“Open it.”

Unfolding the paper my blood ran cold. “Jesus!” I read the note a fourth time, my hands trembling.

Forget everything you think you saw.

“I don’t know what’s going on Gemma, but I hope for your sake you can end it before you get hurt.”

I was lost in a barrage of memories. Six words had catapulted me into a time I would rather forget. Except it was ten years later and the threat was still real. My past had become my reality once more.

~

Slumping into my office chair, I heaved a heavy sigh. My chest hurt like it had been repeatedly pummeled and my stomach knotted with fear-induced anxiety. If only the detectives had let sleeping dogs lie this wouldn’t be happening. But it was happening, and the threat was real. Mason Carter was watching, and it was clear his malicious and dangerous behavior had only worsened into adulthood.

But then there was the flip side of the coin.

Reaching into my purse, I retrieved Detective Walsh’s card and leaned back in the chair. I rocked gently, contemplating my next move. If I cooperated with the detectives and divulged everything I knew, however helpful it might be, perhaps Mason would no longer be a threat. If, however, I was no help at all with my information, I would only have increased the target on my back.

An obnoxious trilling cut through the silence causing me to jump and curse.

“Pull it together,” I willed myself. The red light on the phone blinked signaling reception on the line.

Pressing the speaker option, I answered, “Hi, Carleen. What is it?” I didn’t intend to sound so terse.

“Ahh, there’s some detectives here to see you.”

“Right. Send them through. And if Maximus is still in the building can you send him my way?”

“Yes, but—”

“Thanks, Carleen.” I ended the call and straightened my still damp blouse. Less than a minute later there was a slight rap on the door, and Detectives Walsh and her partner wandered in.

I expected detectives, but not them.

I could feel my face pale. Surely they weren’t assigned to the vandalism case? “What are you doing here?” I asked, fearing the repercussions if Mason were to learn of their involvement. “You have to leave!” I stood, pointing to the door. They remained stationary, staring at me with an odd curiosity.

“Is there a problem?” Detective Walsh asked, her head tilted to the side.

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