Page 39 of Framed

“No, it was in front of the door when I got back from class.” Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she stared at the box and then at me. “What is it?” She went to try to open it and I scrambled from my spot on the bed, nearly fumbling as I ripped the box from Winter’s grasp before she got the chance.

“Sweet baby Jesus.” Her eyes were wide and her eyebrows shot to her hairline at my quick movements. “What the hell did you buy? That box was way too big to be a dildo. Maybe it was a vibrator. Is that what you ordered? A vibrator? Scarlett, it’s normal to explore.”

I cleared my throat and tried to appear calm. Winter couldn’t know. I still wasn’t sure who was behind this and it wasn’t like Briggs was forthcoming with updates. He reached out to me, not the other way around. Did this count as an emergency? Could I tell him about this? No, I had to do this alone.

“It’s…” I licked my lips, and tried to rack my brain for a plausible response. “A gift from my dad,” I lied, my voice stronger than I felt.

“Sorry.” Guilt flashed in her eyes, making my own sink into the pit of my stomach. “I didn’t mean to overstep any boundaries. Are you close with him?”

No, not anymore. “Yes, but he’s been busy with work and I haven’t been able to speak with him.” I dug myself deeper into a hole I wasn’t sure I would be able to get out of unscathed. I felt bad for lying to Winter but else was I supposed to say?This box is from an anonymous stalker who threatened and blackmailed me until I found the dead body of my former best friend. By the way, since we’re talking about it, I just got released from prison for her murder that I didn’t commit.

Yeah, that would go well.

Understanding flashed in her green eyes as they softened and guilt gripped my insides in a tight fist. “I’m sorry, Scarlett. I should’ve asked before I touched it.”

“It’s okay, you didn’t know. Could you give me a minute? I need to call him and let him know it was delivered.”

She nodded. “Of course, want me to close your door?”

“Yeah,” I said, forcing a smile. “We can finish watching that episode in the living room. I’ll meet you out there once I get off the line with him.”

I waited until I heard the door close and tossed the box onto the bed. A second, two, passed and I still hadn’t moved. I continued to stare at the box. This had to be some sick joke. It’s been fouryears. Why start back now? I already did my time. The real killer was in jail.

This should’ve ended.

Yet, the sight of the box on my bed made me nauseous. Made me nervous. I couldn’t hear anything over the loud beating of my heart.

Exhaling a shaky breath, I walked over to the bed and stood in front of the box. I closed my eyes and waited a few seconds before I opened them again. Yep, still there. I grabbed the box and held my breath as I pulled at the string of the bow, causing it to come loose. I paused and rested my hand on the top of the box as I considered my options.

I could ignore it.

Look where that got me.

Or I could tell Briggs.

Deciding to do neither, I ripped off the band-aid, literally, and peered into the box. Inside was a small plain white card. If I was anyone else, I would’ve thought this was a practical joke. Someone sent me a blank white card as a gotcha. But I wasn’t anyone else. I’d been through this before.

With the card in my hands, I walked over to my computer desk and opened my side drawer. I fished for the small flashlight I picked up at QuikTrip weeks ago. I originally bought it because it was shaped in the form of an S, not to do this.I thought this was over.

I pushed the button, turning the light on before shining it over the card. My stomach dropped as light cursive text became visible. Words like long ago. My eyes trailed to the bottom right-hand corner and for a second I felt like I could faint as I read the 1/3 and then again when I read the content of the card.

“In war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed.

Does your roommate know you’re lying to her, Scarlett?

Friday, 4:00 A.M. Tuscaloosa County City Hall. Ignore this and she’ll find out she’s been living with a murderer.”

chapter sixteen

Xavier

Father grunted as he raised his fist again.

This time I didn’t flinch as it connected with my face. Blow after blow, I kept my facial expression neutral. I knew it made him even angrier when I didn’t react. Made him punch harder.

But the blows started to hurt less as I got older.

Pain.

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