Page 45 of Where's Molly

Cursing to myself, I get on my knees and fish it out, only to seeUnknownflashing across the screen.

I’m tempted to smash the phone beneath my foot just so he can never reach me again. But something in my gut tells me to answer it, even if it’s to curse him out again.

Just before the last ring, I flip it open and answer it.

“Listen, asshole, I don’t want you call—”

“I assure you, I want nothing from you.” His deep, calm voice chases away the rest of my threat.

“W-what? Why would you do this? No sane person would offer something like that with no strings attached.”

“I only want you to go to a specific location and meet one of my trusted men. He's safe, and he’ll set you up with a brand-new life. I’ll drop a car off for you with thekeys inside, the location on the GPS, and plenty of cash for you to do with as you please. It’s your choice to go, and no one will force you. No sex. No requirements outside of that. I promise you.”

This is a joke. A prank. It has to be.

The sigh from the other end of the phone is almost discernible.

“I recognized you, Molly. And I can see from a mile away that you're not in a good place. I won't tell a single soul about your identity or location. I just want to help you get somewhere safe, that's all.”

Fuck.Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. FUCK.

My heart can't take this abuse. It's only a matter of seconds before it gives out on me completely.

“Why?” I snap, my flight mode beginning to kick in. Someonedidrecognize me. And that could be catastrophic.

“It's what I do,” he responds.

Not good enough of an answer.

“What's the catch?”

“You tell no one where you're going or about what my friend will do for you. Nothing else. Just your silence.”

“And if I don't?”

“We will disappear without a trace before anyone could find us, and never be at your disposal again.”

“At my disposal?” I repeat dumbly.

“You will come to learn that I am a valuable friend, should you ever need me again.”

He speaks with a poise and confidence unlike anything I've heard before. It's almost as intimidating as it is comforting. An odd combination, and one that I feel isdeadly.

I would be incredibly stupid to entertain this. Meeting with a complete stranger who is making an offer that seems far too good to be true. Especially when I've been recognized. This could be a trap. A ploy to use me for something nefarious.

No—worse.He could be connected to Francesca and try to bring me back to that house.

“Who do you work for?”

“I'm my own boss.”

“Did anyone hire you?”

“No, Molly. I do the hiring.”

Why do I believe him? No one in their right mind would consider something like this.

But my mind hasn't been right for over five years now. And at this point, what do I have to lose?

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