Page 121 of Implode

“Mfph…”

“Sometimes a surprise is better than the expected.”

My mind numbs over the phrase. It is the same one that was left for me on a notecard in my office without a name. I thought it was from Nic. I thought it was in reference to the baby that has been the best unexpected event in my life.

I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Even my best effort at trying to wiggle free is futile.

“Shhh…don’t worry.” His hand splays over my belly, giving it an unwanted caress. “I’m going to take such good care of you.”

I try to form the word “help,” but it just comes out as “haaaaapp” and there’s no one in the office to hear it anyway.

“I love how beautiful things grow from dirt.”

Oh no. Does he know I’m pregnant? Please, no. My little bump is starting to become a little more protruded, but I haven’t told many people. Only a handful actually know.

“Remember the day you fell after leaving the smoothie shop? I followed you to Portland General. And while you didn’t see me there, we both shared in learning that the baby you are carrying is doing just fine.”

I struggle against his hold, managing only to exhaust myself further. So he’s the unknown caller who sent me the hospital photo when I was at Angie and Graham’s wedding reception… And he’s the one who sent me a nameless note soon after learning I was pregnant.

All this time, Dan wasn’t developing a little one-sided crush. Instead he was developing an obsession. All of the mixed messages I could have been sending him run through my head. I was friendly toward him, and if that’s all it took for him to develop an attraction, then I’m gravely sorry I even did that.

I’m surprised he lets go of me. I pant for air, relishing in my esophagus being unobstructed. When I look up, I find a sinister smirk plastered on Dan’s face.

He looks like the devil.

“I’m sorry if I implied I was interested on a nonplatonic level.”

“It wouldn’t have stopped me from making a move.”

I’m sure it wouldn’t. “I’m willing to go on a date with you.” It’s a lie, but I need to buy some time until Nic gets worried and comes to check on me. I press my side against the counter and try to discreetly use my phone in my pocket without him noticing.

“We are going to do so much more than just date, Claire.”

My pulse quickens, and every nerve in my body stands on end. I’m in danger. And if I’m going to get out of here alive, I need to act fast.

“What do you mean?”

“For starters, we are going to go on a little field trip.”

Before the words register to my ears, I bolt toward the door and run out of the break room. I dash through my office and into the hallway, where I see an incapacitated Tyler bleeding on the floor.

Tears burst out of my eyes as I think of just how hurt he is but thankful I see the rise and fall of his chest.

I continue running, trying to get to the stairwell. My hand reaches for the door and—

“Oh, no you don’t,” Dan says, grabbing me forcefully and pulling my body up against his. His hands splay over my belly, and it’s like he knows that the baby growing inside is his way to get me to cooperate. It’s like he knows the safety of my child trumps the desire to fight back with all my might.

He found the perfect hostage for getting out of here alive—my baby.

I start to scream, and he covers my mouth so quickly that I choke to take in my next fresh breath of air. “Make a noise and the baby you’re carrying will be a dead one. Just when I thought you couldn’t possibly be any better of a hostage, you go and get yourself knocked up and make yourself even more valuable. For that, I thank you.”

Dan lets go of my mouth so I don’t hyperventilate. “Why are you doing this?” I cry out, my words sticking to the roof of my mouth like paste.

“You are the perfect revenge to the man who stole my life.”

“What?”

“I was in line to be head here. Been working for years trying to develop a stellar reputation. I eliminated the competition with Eugene who also had similar aspirations. But then that asshole Nic comes along and takes everything away from me. Just like that. Nic’s the roadblock that is going to be roadkill if you don’t play nice.”

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