Page 94 of Mind Maze

The person across from me grins.

It was a cute, playful smile once.

Now it’s terrifying.

“Where is she?” I demand, clinging to the fury that’s keeping me awake and aware despite the drugs.

“I’ll take you to her,” he says as he moves to sit beside me. “You want that, don’t you?”

I do, but I’m not understanding how this all connects.

“First, we need to get rid of this,” he says as his hand slips into my pocket. “You won’t need it where you’re going.”

I want to snatch my phone out of his hand, but he moves too quickly. He mashes the button to roll the window down and then tosses it out. The window is up before I can even protest.

The vehicle begins moving and he pulls on my seat belt as though he truly cares.

Why on Earth would Doc Junior care about me?

I guess I’m about to find out.

Caius

Iknow I look like a fool carrying a doll, but it’s evidence. It’shers. This is the closest I’ve been to her in twelve years. I’m so close I can taste it.

Once back outside, my phone buzzes. I expect it to be S, but it’s Romy instead. I’ve missed a call from her as well while inside the restaurant inspecting the doll.

Romy: Come back. Help me. Theo drugged me.

I read the message several times. Her text doesn’t make any sense. I’d left both her and Kaitlyn asleep. Theo wasn’t there.

How long have I been running around seeking answers, though? A lot could’ve happened.

Whatever it is, I need to get back. I try ringing her, but she doesn’t answer.

Me: What do you mean he drugged you? Explain.

The message remains unread, which has dread pooling in my stomach. I try to call my brother, but he doesn’t answer either. What had been a brisk pace is now a jog as I head back toward the hotel. The second I get a chance to change shoes, I’m putting something a little more comfortable on. Running around the city wasn’t in my original plan when I left early this morning.

I pull up the tracker app I have on Romy and see that she’s still at the hotel. It gives me peace of mind that I’ll be able to solve her mysterious text soon. Just as I’m about to put my phone in my pocket to focus on not slamming into someone, I see the dot begin to move.

She’s leaving.

What the hell?

Is Theo taking her somewhere?

I take off in a full-on sprint, ignoring my blisters that are probably bleeding at this point. Wherever he’s taking her, I’ll find them. I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t have time for this shit. Not when I am hot on Calista’s trail.

Her movement isn’t quick like in a car. She seems to be walking somewhere. Maybe she was just feeling off from our endless night of fucking. Theo probably did show up and the three of them are off to have a late breakfast. He most likely got past her grumpiness by offering to get her that pumpkin-flavored shit she drinks.

That’s it.

They’re just going to breakfast.

Even though my brain is trying to assure me, my chest feels tight. Something’s wrong. Deep down, I don’t believe that’s what’s happening at all.

I see her dot move on the app, taking her past a diner that would’ve sufficed for a breakfast stop. She also goes past a coffee shop. Wherever she’s going, she’s in a hurry.

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