Page 116 of Ruling Scar
Pen Pal: Make sure to talk about me.
Smiling, I slip my phone into my pocket and cross the street. A breeze blows my hair back and I’m calmer going into my therapy session than I first began. It’s a good feeling, and I marvel at how the pins and needles that once ruled me have slowly abated. I’m in control of my mind and body for the first time in my life.
I relish the stability. My panic no longer controls my movements.
But when you think you’re winning, life tells you otherwise.
“Hi, Leanora.”
I don’t know what takes me by surprise more—Leopold or his use of my full first name.
Only Elijah calls me that.
My eyes drag up, his broad shoulders casting me in shadow.
And everything about him is a shadow. His face is pale, instead of the golden tan that once told of a man who liked to go for daily jogs. His curly blonde hair is haphazard, the stubble along his jawline unusual.
He places his hands on his hips, smiling despite the gray bags underneath his eyes.
“Leonora,” he booms again, a false cheerfulness dripping from him. Or maybe it’s because I now know the golden retriever energy is all a lie.
I take a step back, drawing away from his shadow. Ivan’s nearby I remind myself.
“Excuse me,” I say. “I’m running late.”
There’s one more crosswalk before I’m at Janis’s building. I’ll skirt around him.
“For therapy?” he asks, his smile never dipping.
I should’ve agreed with Adeline and Elijah and had someone drop his body in the harbor.
Why did I keep telling myself everything was fine? He’s not gone away.
I don’t want to turn my head away from him, but I need to know that Ivan’s here. My eyes try to take in as much of the peripheral view and that’s when my senses kick in.
The street is too quiet.
We’re not at Times Square, but it’s a rare thing when any street in this city is empty. There’s one man up ahead but he buzzes himself into a building. Someone crosses the street but walks out of view.
Leopold’s shadow casts a larger net than I first thought.
“I have to go.” I inch around him.
“Leonora.” His step mirrors mine.
I snap. “I need you to fuck off.”
He’s got to go away now. I’m done with whatever this is.
“I can’t,” he says, his brow darkening.
“Ma’am.” Ivan’s at my side. He edges me out of the way and I allow a painful breath to expand my lungs.
“Leonora.” Leopold remains on my heels.
I dig my phone out of my pocket. Adeline’s name flashes on the phone. In an increasingly frazzled state, I answer it instead of swiping away and calling Elijah.
“Leonora.” Leopold’s dark tone causes my shoulders to jump.
