Page 56 of In The Dark
*Attachment: 1 video*
Soon, I tell myself.
I’ll let her know about my voyeurism soon.
Until then, I’m going to watch this video on repeat and miss her every second we’re apart.
TWENTY
MAX
“Okay. One more time.”Skyler crosses her legs on my bed. “You recorded a video, got in the shower, and when you came out, this was here?” She gestures to the note she’s holding, and I nod. “Which implies someone saw you recording said video.”
“Yeah.” I pull the blanket draped around my shoulders tight to my chest. I’ve called in sick to work the last two days, too freaked out to leave the house out of fear someone will break in while I’m gone. Or follow me into a dark alley and hurt me. “They were hiding in the house without my knowledge, and I want to throw up.”
“Have you thought about going to the police?” Skyler reaches for my hand. “This goes well outside the scope of the true crime podcasts I listen to.”
“I’m afraid they’re going to say it’s all in my head. That I’m being dramatic.”
“There is literalproofthat someone invaded your privacy, Max.”
“Yeah, but I can see exactly how that conversation is going to go. They’ll say someonemaking a joke. They’ll justify it as the note being there for days. Look at the number of rape or assault reports that never result in charges. People love to silencewomen and call us crazy, and frankly, I’m starting to feel like I’ve lost my fucking mind.”
“You haven’t lost your mind. I believe you. Between the fridge being stocked, your clothes being folded, and anoteleft for you? Someone else has been here.”
“I just wish I knew who.” I look out the window. My stomach rolls, wondering if whoever is watching me is out there right now. “I don’t think it’s Brian. He was never good at being sneaky. I literally caught him sexting someone else while he was next to me, and he doesn’t have a key. Are you sure it wasn’t Dustin?”
“Nope. The only time he’s been over, I was here with him. For as good looking as he is, I don’t think he’s smart enough to know how to break into someone’s house. And that doesn’t explain the note.”
“I’m missing a clue that would pull all of this together, and I can’t figure out what it is.”
“I wish I could stay and help you, Max, but I need to leave for work. Do you want to come with me? You could hang out at one of the restaurants until I get off work and we can drive home together.”
“No. I’m determined to get to the bottom of this.” I point to the ax that’s within reach of my bed. “I can protect myself, and when I find out who is responsible, I’m going to make them pay.”
“Will you text me so I know you’re okay?”
“I will. Call me when you’re coming home so I don’t throw a weapon at your head.”
“God. That wouldn’t be fun.” Skyler gives me a hug and sighs. “Because I know you’re okay, I’m going to say this next thing and hope you won’t get mad at me.”
“What’s that?”
“For as creepy as this whole situation is, at least they aren’t hurting you. They’ve been in the same house as you. They hadthe opportunity to harm you. Going the grocery and laundry route is… well it’s notcute, but it’s kind of sweet, isn’t it?”
“This is Stockholm Syndrome,” I deadpan. “And I’m not falling for it.”
“Just an observastion. You don’t need to be in love with them!” She pinches my cheek and climbs off my bed. “I’m serious, Max. Keep me updated.”
“I’m going to deadbolt the door once you leave. Maybe I’ll put a chair under the handle too.” I stand and let the blanket fall away from my body. “This fucker is going to have to jump through hoops if they want to keep messing with me.”
“That’s my girl.” Skyler grins, and I walk follow her down the hall. I check behind every corner and grab the biggest knife from the wooden block in the kitchen. “I love you, Max. We’re going to figure this out. And when we do, I promise I’ll testify in your favor in court.”
That makes me laugh, and I hug her. “I love you too, Sky. Break a leg tonight.”
“Call me if you needanything. We have alternates ready to fill in if I need to leave early.”
I lean against the door frame, watching her get in her car. When she pulls out of the driveway, I sigh and close the door, checking that it’s locked.
