Page 136 of Taste of Addiction

I am not crazy.

I was forced into a relapse that I never asked for. Not only did these men have ample opportunity to execute their plan, they also had the luxury of those around me not trusting me. These men exploited my weakness and are trying to keep me from bringing them both down.

Sneaky bastards!

I need to find Graham and tell him. I remember. I remember it all.

My phone comes alive with an incoming text alert from an unknown number.

Unknown: I knew this moment would come. I have prepared for it. You are going to finally meet The Prophet.

I read the text as bile rises in my throat. Dammit. I glance around the room. Someone is here. I have to get out.

I frantically send Graham a message.

Angie: Owen Paul Carson Tillman Bryce Help

I need to find Graham or Collins and tell them about this. I take a few deep breaths and think about what I should do next.

I quickly dial Graham’s number and get sent straight to his voicemail. He must have his phone off. If he does, my text won’t be seen for a while. I try Collins’s. Same thing. I search my contacts for Dominic’s number. I never changed his name in my list.

“Angie?” he asks. “I’m sorry I couldn’t visit you in the hos—”

“Owen’s a bad guy and is working with one of my classmates to drug me. Graham and Collins left me at the safe house. I need help.”

“Just take a few deep breaths and calm down. You are hyperventilating.”

“He’s going to kill me if he finds out I know.”

“I need you to find Austin and Malcolm.” Nic’s breathing changes, as if he just started running. “They should be outside patrolling the house. Do not give away that you are onto Owen. If he is playing on both teams, he won’t hesitate to use force if he feels threatened. I’m on my way.”

I am on the cusp of remembering everything. And the closer I get to learning the truth, the more my life is in jeopardy.

I disconnect the call, get up from my chair, and walk toward the door when—

I see him.

I stumble back a few steps, nearly losing my balance.

“Oh hey, Owen. I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” I say with a bright smile. I have no idea if I am acting weird or not. Now that I know he could be dangerous, I try to keep my cool. I just need to buy time until Graham or Nic get here.

But something seems off. It’s in his eyes. In his breathing. The way his jaw tics and his fingers clench as he eyes me.

My phone buzzes in my hand, startling me and making me almost drop the device. I glance down at the screen and see that someone sent me an image. I open up the app and gasp. Both Graham and Collins are tied up and gagged.

I am in danger. And whoever sent me that text wants me to know it. The air leaves my lungs, making my throat constrict with fear.Think Angie, think.

I have to try my best to stay calm and to keep up the pretense that nothing is out of the norm. I need more time. Time for Nic to get here. Time for Graham and Collins to get free.

“I have a craving to make brownies. Just like old times. I know that this is last minute and all, but I hope that some of the baking ingredients are in the pantry from last visit.”

I swallow down the lump in my throat that keeps growing in size with every beat of my heart. I fear I am going to pass out before I can warn the others. At this point, I have no idea who is safe—except for Graham, Nic, and Collins.

Nic alluded to Malcolm and Austin being good guys, but what if he misjudged them? Graham trusted Owen enough to hire him to watch out for me—and he is slowly starting to look deranged.

“I actually was just looking up a recipe on my phone,” I say, holding up my screen so only I can see it. I dial Nic again, but turn the volume completely down.

“I’m not sure if anyone can leave here,” Owen says with a shrug, “to get your supplies.”

---