Page 18 of Faceless Threat

If I fight them, they could remove me completely, cutting off all access to Rae’s case. Not that I’d roll over and let them do whatever the hell they want when it comes to her.

Simply that I have to be smart about it.

I’m not giving up because the first strategy didn’t work.

Instead of being a complete failure, we learned from our mistakes.

Such as the fact this guy isn’t stupid.

Isn’t impulsive.

He’s a planner.

He’s patient.

This is an adversary that can’t be underestimated.

He has motivation to not get caught.

What he doesn’t know is mine is more powerful to catch him.

Only then will Rae be safe.

He’s the obstacle to our future and must be removed.

**Rae**

“You want to use me as bait?”

“No. Hell no.”

“You just said…”

“That it’s the best option. Not that I want to. There’s a difference.”

I nod, giving him that. “Do you believe it’ll work?” Left unsaid is that the plan didn’t last time. Not that I’m upset about that. I hated the thought of somebody else being in danger for pretending to be me.

I want this to be over, for Danny and I to have the opportunity to be a normal couple getting to know each other, but not at the risk of others.

But what if that means I’m the one at risk?

Can I handle that?

Instead of answering my question, though, he says what I’ve been thinking. “You can’t keep living like this, Sunshine. It’s taking a toll on you.” He’s not wrong.

Subscribers have emailed, wanting to know if I’m okay. Long-time followers have noticed that I’m not myself lately.

They’ve offered support, sympathies, good thoughts, and prayers.

Surprisingly, none have tried to find out what’s going on, just stating that they know something is.

It’s sweet and helped me shake off the fear and uncertainty that’s been dogging me. At least while I’m recording. Once the camera stops, it comes roaring back and doesn’t go away again until Danny comes home.

I can’t put that burden on him. On our relationship.

It’s obvious in his stance that he wants me to refuse. That he’ll stand behind me should I choose that route.

And I want to. So badly, but that’s not what comes out of my mouth. “I’ll do it.”

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