Page 42 of Scribe

There was a reason I didn’t work in town.

The last several days confirmed it.

Reaching into my purse, I grabbed my prescription, popped the cap and swallowed the pill. I hated taking them. Living on the mountain, I never had to worry about taking them. The last time I saw Dr. Claudia, she gave them to me for emergencies only, for when my stress level got too high. This last week, I’ve been popping these pills like Tic Tacs, and I hated it.

I just wanted my life back.

No more drama.

Just peace and quiet.

Gathering my things, I exited my car, wrapping my coat around me tighter. It was freezing this morning and if the sky was any indicator, I would say snow was coming.

Heading inside the building, I walked up the stairs noting how quiet the building was. I was early. I always was. I liked showing up before anyone else arrived. I could get a lot of work done without someone looking over my shoulder or staring at me.

Seeing the door to the mayor’s office ajar, I stopped and looked around.

The door was supposed to be locked.

Slowly pushing the door open, I heard voices coming from inside.

“I didn’t agree to that!”

“Not my problem. Fix it, or I will.”

“How?”

“You’re the mayor. Figure it out.”

“What about Henley?”

“Bitch should have stayed on the mountain. No one will miss the shy mouse. You just get this deal back on the table and I will take care of her.”

What did he mean by that? Take care of me? How?

Gasping, I slowly backed away, carefully closing the door.

The second I heard it click shut, I ran.

Racing back down the stairs, I rushed back outside and to my car. Jumping in, my hands shook as I tried putting the key in the ignition. Finally getting it in, I started my car, backing out of the parking spot.

Driving away from the municipal building, my whole body trembled.

I didn’t know what to do.

I couldn’t go to Devlyn. She was still sick. Besides, if I told her what I heard, she would go all John Wick on the mayor. My sister had a nasty temper and didn’t give two shits about repercussions.

I couldn’t go home because they knew I lived on the mountain.

I had nowhere to go.

Nowhere to hide.

No one to help.

I didn’t know how long I drove for, but when I saw the turnoff for Rosewood Lake, I turned on my blinker and headed for the one place I rarely visited.

Rosewood Lake was popular with the kids.

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