Page 21 of Ruin My Life
Loan sharks with wings—that’s what most people call them.
They used to rule a majority of the southeastern boroughs of New York. But over the last two years, they’ve shifted—out of Kings, deeper into Queens.
I rented a tiny apartment near the border. Started scouting. Started planning.
This isn’t the life I wanted. But it’s the life I need to live.
For Amie.
The elevator doors slide open, and I step inside, hitting the button for the ground floor. It hums quietly, descending from the fourteenth.
I lean back against the cool metal wall, watching the numbers blink overhead. Then my phone buzzes—sharp and urgent—in my coat pocket.
I pull it out, expecting the same greedy car dealership asking about my Dad’s car collection, or the slimy property developer who keeps hounding me about my parents’ house.
He wants to tear it down—build some soullessMcMansionon the lot. I’ve told himnoa dozen times, but he’s persistent.
Only…
it’s not him.
It’s anunknown number.
And the message hits me like a punch to the chest.
Unknown:
I know who you’re looking for, Rose.
Rose—my name on the forum.
I go still. Every muscle locks tight.
No one from the forum should have my number. All my communications go through encrypted channels. I’ve takeneveryprecaution.
Whoever this is…
They breached something.
Me:
Who is this?
Unknown:
Someone with information.
That’s all that matters right now.
Me:
The kind of information you have matters.
I’m not chasing another dead end.
A photo follows.
Grainy. Distant. But clear enough.
