Page 50 of The Silencer

"Do you think it's Emmanuel?"Lisa asks in a low voice as we speed-walk down the sidewalk.

I shake my head."I don't know.Maybe?But why wouldn't he just approach me if it was him?"It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, and the thought of meeting him again has my stomach flipping.I’m not sure when I started to develop a crush on him, but I have and I’m not sure how to deal with it.

Lisa's grip on my hand tightens."I don't like this, Clodagh.We need to tell Tammy."

I nod, feeling a mixture of fear and guilt.After everything that's happened, I should have said something sooner.But part of me hoped I was just being paranoid, that the feeling of being watched was all in my head.

We reach home in record time, both of us slightly out of breath.I quickly unlock the door with shaky hands, and the moment we’re inside I lock the door behind us and take a breath.

"Tammy?"I call out."Are you home?"

We hear footsteps and Tammy appears from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishtowel.Her smile fades as she takes in our worried expressions.

"What's wrong, girls?"she asks, her voice laced with concern.

I quickly explain about the man in the park and what’s happened this past week.Tammy's face grows more serious with each word I say.

"Okay," she says when I finish."First things first, I'm calling the police."

As Tammy makes the call, Lisa and I sit on the couch, both lost in our own thoughts.I can't help but wonder if this is somehow connected to my past.Has Jacob escaped?Is someone seeking revenge?The possibilities swirl in my mind, each one more terrifying than the last.

Suddenly, there's a sharp knock at the door.We all freeze, exchanging worried glances.Tammy puts a finger to her lips, signaling us to stay quiet.She creeps toward the door and peers through the peephole.

"It's a police officer," she whispers, relief evident in her voice.

As Tammy opens the door, I feel a mixture of relief and apprehension.The officer, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, introduces herself as Detective Sarah Moore.She listens intently as we recount the events, jotting notes in a small pad.

"We'll increase patrols in the area," Detective Moore assures us."And I'll have someone look into the car you saw outside the school.In the meantime, I want you girls to be extra vigilant.Travel in pairs, vary your routines, and don't hesitate to call if you notice anything suspicious."

As the detective is about to leave, a thought strikes me."Wait," I blurt out."Could you...could you check if Jacob is still in prison?"

Detective Moore's eyebrows furrow."Jacob?You mean Jacob Dellinger?"

I nod, my throat suddenly dry.She obviously knows who I am and who Jacob is and what he did to my family.

"I'll look into it," she promises, her expression softening."Try not to worry too much.We'll get to the bottom of this."

After she leaves, Tammy pulls us both into a tight hug."It's going to be okay," she murmurs, but I can hear the uncertainty in her voice.

That night, I lie awake in bed, my mind racing.The shadows in my room seem to shift and move, and every creak of the house makes me jump.I can't shake the feeling that something big is coming, something that will change everything once again.

* * *

I slowly make my way downstairs.I've barely slept.The events of yesterday keep replaying in my mind on a loop.I’m terrified.I have no idea who the hell is following me and I feel groggy and on edge.

I slide onto the stool and Tammy slides me a cup of tea.“It’s going to be okay,” she says, her voice not hiding her own fear.She’s trying to maintain a sense of normalcy, but I can see the worry lines creasing her forehead."I've called the school," she says, placing a plate in front of me.On it are two slices of toast with chocolate spread.My stomach rolls at the thought of eating it."They're aware of the situation and will be keeping an extra eye out."

I reach for the tea."Should I even go to school today?"

Tammy sighs."I think it's best to try and keep your routine as normal as possible.But if you feel unsafe at any point, you call me immediately.Understood?"

I nod.God, I hate this so much.

An hour later and I’m on my way to school, a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach.I can’t help but think that every passing car, every person on the street, seems like a potential threat.Lisa’s running late.Usually, she’d meet me at my house and we’d walk together, but she messaged me saying she’d just woken up.

As I approach the school gates, I spot a familiar figure leaning against the wall.My heart skips a beat.God, he’s so handsome.

"Emmanuel?"I call out, my voice a mixture of relief and confusion.

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