Page 37 of The Stolen Dagger
A shiver raced through my limbs.
I was alone.
With my stalker.
My phone vibrated in my hand from an incoming call. I held in my scream when I saw the Caller ID and answered immediately.
“Drew?”
“I know I’m a little late,” Drew said, “but I’m almost there. Are you still in the library?”
“Yes,” I whispered. “Please, hurry.”
“What’s wrong?” he asked immediately.
“I—I don’t—it’s—” I struggled to form a coherent sentence, too on edge.
“Katherine? Just breathe, baby. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“A—a stalker,” I rushed out. “He’s been sending pictures of me all day. He just sent one of me now, here in the library.”
It was silent for a beat.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Drew asked, but it came out more like a growl.
“I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t realize this floor was empty. I’m getting my things now. I’ll?—”
“Get to the main floor as fast as you can,” Drew instructed. “If you find another student on your way down, stay with them. I’m about to park. I’m on my way. Stay on the phone with me.”
“Okay, okay.” I frantically shoved my laptop into my backpack and swung it over my shoulder. “I’m heading for the elevator.”
“No!” Drew shouted. “Take the stairwell.”
“Okay.”
I fast-walked to the staircase, looking over my shoulder every few seconds.
Bang!
A loud noise, like someone had slammed a book on a nearby table, echoed behind me.
I squealed at the noise and turned, but no one was there.
“What is it?” Drew asked immediately.
“I—I don’t know,” I stuttered. “Something behind me.”
“Just keep going, baby.”
Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the exit door and hurried down the stairwell to the first floor.
Bang!
It was another sound, like someone had slammed a door in the stairwell.
My heart raced. “Oh, my God.”
“Just keep moving. Don’t let anything distract you. Get outside. I’m almost there.”
