Page 24 of Bad For A Weekend

“What?” My heart pounds in my chest, and my hands shake.

Dad rests his head in his hands. I’m clearly getting no answers from him. When I turn to Brandy, she mumbles unintelligibly. Goddamn it. Why can’t I get a straight answer?

Owen huffs and takes a seat on the wingback chair next to me. “I found a doll on the outer perimeter of the property. It was in a blind spot outside the gate. Whoever it was, knew exactly where to approach. The good news is that it was outside the fence, so they knew enough to not come onto the property.”

“A doll?” I croak.

His jaw ticks, and his nostrils flare before he continues. “The doll had your features and was wearing your bracelet.”

My right hand locks down on my left wrist, expecting to feel my blue calcite bracelet Dad got me when we lived in Argentina for a year, but all I feel is skin. I never take it off, except during cheer, since it’s a safety concern.

“But how?” I whisper.

“That’s not all. The doll was covered in blood.” He barely gets the words out before he’s on his feet, muttering a curse as he storms out of the room.

My head spins, and sweat beads on my brow. What does this mean? Who would do such a thing?

“Shh, Bay. It’s okay.” Dad wraps his arms around me, and I relax into his comfort. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ve already hired around-the-clock security staff who will take turns watching the outside. I swear to God. No one will ever touch you again.”

“Does that mean they were at my school?” I croak, knowing that’s the only possible explanation.

“I assume so.”

“Was it human blood?”

“I don’t know.”

“Why is this happening?” I cry.

“I don’t know,” he repeats, kissing the top of my head.

I push out of his hold, my fear turning into frustration. “You don’t seem to know anything, but if they could get into my locker, they’re smart enough to figure a way through all this security.”

Dad chews the inside of his mouth, his eyes downturned. “This is all my fault.”

“I’m scared, Dad,” I admit.

“How could you not be?”

“No, I mean really scared. I’m having panic attacks. I’m not sleeping well. This is really messing with my head.” I admit everything I’ve been going through and keeping locked up tight for his sake. It’s too much, and I can’t deal.

“Shit, Bay. I knew it was getting to you but not all that.” He runs a hand through his already disheveled hair. “Is the therapist not helping?”

“The breathing exercises helped, but I already know everything else she says.” I circle my bare left wrist with my right hand. “Until this is over, I won’t feel safe.”

Owen

“You’ve done so well, Owen. I’m very proud of the progress you’ve made,” Dr. Chandler says.

I stare at my computer screen, feeling stupid. It was one thing to do this in a professional office; it’s another to be in a pool house with floor-to-ceiling windows all around me.

“Thanks.”

“I think you’re ready for the next phase, which is a body scan. I’ll have you go through the event again and see how you react. If you feel any tension or anxiety, we’ll revisit that specific target. Sound good?”

“Sure.”

“Go ahead and set everything up.”

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