Page 80 of Atlas
“Right,” I say coolly. Every hair on the back of my neck stands up. I’ve never seen him before in my life. “Well, if you’ll excuse me—”
“I was actually hoping you could pass on a message to her,” he cuts in, tone still light but his eyes are sharper now, watching me too closely.
A tremor runs down my spine.
“I don’t think I can help you,” I say, shifting my weight and glancing around, there’s no one nearby. No one close enough. “And I’d appreciate it if you stopped following me.”
He lifts his hands like I’ve accused him of something. “Hey, I’m not following anyone. Just wanted to chat.”
“Then you can do that through someone else. Goodbye.”
I turn, heart thudding hard, and pick up my pace. I don’t run, but it’s close.
“Tell herhe’s looking,” he calls after me. Not loud. Not aggressive. Just calm. Creepy. I don’t look back. I don’tdare. “And he’s close.”
I clutch my coffee so hard it shakes, walking faster and faster until I can see the end of the park, the main road, cars,people.
I’ve never wanted Kasey more in my life. Or Atlas. But I’m not calling him. Not after everything.
My hand is shaking as I dig my phone out of my pocket. I still don’t look behind me, not properly. Just the occasional glance, trying to act like I’m checking the road or the time, anything but panicking. My coffee sloshes in its cup as I hold it awkwardly beneath my arm and jab at Kasey’s name.
She answers on the second ring.
“Rue?”
“There was a man in the park,” I say, breath hitching. “I don’t know him. But he knew my name. And yours.”
“What?” Her voice sharpens instantly. “What do you mean heknewmy name?”
“He said he knows you. I’ve never seen him before, Kasey. He smiled too much. He was just . . .wrong. Then when I tried to walk away, he told me to give you a message. He said,‘tell her he’s looking and he’s close.’”
It’s met with silence before she asks, “Where are you?”
“Heading home. Just passed the Tesco by the east gate.”
“No, don’t go home.” Her tone changes. Commanding. “Hold on.”
I hear her shifting the phone, muttering quickly, and then another voice in the background. Male. Firm.Axel.
“Rue,” she says again, more serious now. “Axel says go somewhere busy. A shop, anywhere with people. Don’t go back to the flat anddon’ttry to come here. We don’t know if they’re following you.”
My stomach drops as I take another frantic look around. “I’m fine,” I murmur, but even I don’t believe it. My heart is still racing. My mouth is dry.
“You’re not fine. I can hear it in your voice.”
I duck into the Co-op on the corner, pretending to browse the meal deal fridge as I press the phone tighter to my ear. “I’m inside a shop,” I say quietly.
“Good. Stay there. Axel’s sending someone to come get you. Don’t talk to anyone else.”
“I hate this,” I whisper.
“I know,” she murmurs. “Just stay put. They’ll be with you soon, okay?”
I nod even though she can’t see me.
It’s seconds before I see him duck into the shop, sending my heart into a panic. Atlas. His eyes search until they land on me, and something in them changes, like he was holding his breath until this exact moment.
He heads for me, and even though I’m relieved, I’m still pissed. “Is this a joke?”
