Page 24 of Mine to Keep

“Yup.”

“What did I miss?” Matt glanced from me to JJ.

I tipped my bottle in JJ’s direction. “Everyone lies. Four told us each what our biggest tells are. For JJ, it’s his fingers. When he fidgets or taps them.” I smiled at Matt. “I don’t know yours yet, but JJ gave you both away.”

Matt pursed his lips. “And what’s yours?”

“Ha!” I took another sip and put my beer on the counter. “I’ll never tell.”

“JJ, what’s his tell?”

“Uh.” JJ’s gaze darted from Matt to me and back again. “I…I actually don’t know.”

“How is that possible?” Matt pointed at me. “You said Four told you all.”

“He’s figured out everyone’s but mine and Noel’s—at least, he hasn’t told me what mine is.”

Matt nodded. “Well, maybe I’ll ask him.”

“You’re changing the subject. What’s going on here?”

Matt sighed and relaxed in his chair. “I think I’m paranoid, is all.”

“Probably not. You told me about those weird gifts, and likely it’s sticking with you.” I wasn’t telling JJ about the note or anything else unless Matt mentioned it.

“And he told me he got a note last Friday on his car.” JJ’s brows rose. Okay, he did know.

“Is that why you think you’re paranoid?”

He shook his head. “I feel like someone is watching me all the time. Whenever I leave my apartment or I’m outside. I haven’t seen anything weird, but it’s like the hair on the back of my neck stands straight up.”

I glanced at JJ, who I could tell thought the same thing I did.

“Mattie, that reaction is a physiological response triggered by your ‘fight or flight’ system. You shouldn’t ignore it.”

Matt smirked. “Did you see that on one of your Netflix documentaries?”

“How’d you know Nick was obsessed with those shows?” JJ interrupted, but I waved it off.

“Maybe someone should hang with you for a few days. If they feel it too, maybe that’ll make you realize you’re not crazy.”

“Oh, and I wonder who you’re going to suggest.” JJ’s smile wasn’t cute. Nope, he was being his sarcastic self.

“No, that’s ridiculous.” Matt stood up and grabbed his bag. “It’s fine, I don’t want anyone shadowing me.”

“Matt, you really should take this seriously.”

Matt closed his eyes for a beat. “I swear, I am. I’m going to go down to the police station tonight with the presents and the note. Maybe they can do something.”

I wanted to argue, but I had to honor Matt’s wishes. At least he was doing something. I had zero faith in the police, but he’d have a record of it either way.

“You know where to find us if you need help, Mattie.” I grabbed my beer and as hard as it was, I walked out of the room.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Matt

After a quick stopat my apartment to gather the gifts, I drove to the nearest police station. I took a deep breath, opened the door, and walked up to the counter, where an officer was just hanging up the phone.

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