Time to Catch a Stalker

SHAY

The following afternoon, I was prepping to head back to the club. We were hoping to lure out the person who’d sent the threatening note.

I wasn’t exactly scared, just a bit on edge. Zane and I were the only ones who knew the full details of the plan. Plus, I was excited to return to work.

I appreciated everything Zane had done for me, but being stuck in the house all day wasn’t my idea of fun.

His house was like a mini vacation spot, but it couldn’t replace the real world—hanging out with friends and just enjoying life with other people.

Zane walked in, his eyes filled with worry. “Shay, can I convince you not to do this?”

“Zane, you’ve asked me this all night and practically every hour today. I’ve told you no. He wants me—this is the only way to figure out who he is.

“Then we’ll know who’s been sneaking onto your property and threatening us.”

He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. I finished dressing, making sure my makeup and hair were perfect for the night.

As we walked down the hallway, I could tell he was reluctant. He was quiet and avoided looking at me. I grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop and face me.

“Zane, it’ll be okay. I’ll be watched the entire time. Just relax, and please stop being so annoyed with me.”

“But I am. I really wish you’d rethink this. I have a bad feeling, and it won’t go away.”

“We have to do this tonight, or who knows what this guy might try here at your house with his accomplices. They want me. There’s no other way.”

He spun around and stormed down the stairs. I knew he thought he could handle it without me, but he also knew I was right.

I walked downstairs to find all three guys waiting at the front door. Conner grinned. “Ready to get back to work, I see.”

“Yeah, I love this house, but I miss my friends at work.”

We got into Zane’s car. I could tell he was still mad at me, but I pretended not to notice or care. When we arrived at the club, he pulled me aside before we went in.

“This is the last time I’m going to ask you not to do this. Please, just come up to the main area with us and watch the floor. This feeling I have is worse now than it was at the house.”

I shook my head.

“I’m not backing out. Just watch from the glass, and if I get in trouble, I’ll signal you like this.” I put my hand behind my back and made a zero with my fingers.

He walked in ahead of me, and as soon as I entered, Tammy rushed over and hugged me.

“I’ve missed you so much! Ah! I can’t believe you’re back—come and tell me everything, please.”

“Tammy, I’ve been calling you for the past two days, updating you on everything. Nothing’s changed since last night.

“I just told him I missed work and he had to be here for a meeting anyway. Anything new with you?” I asked, raising my eyebrows suggestively.

“No, Alec hasn’t asked me out yet. We’re still talking and flirting, but that’s it.” We laughed as we walked to the bar to get our sections for the night.

I got a section that was harder to work, but it always paid off with bigger tips. Lots of wealthy people wanted this area because it was close to the dance floor and bathrooms.

The doors opened and customers poured in, taking their seats and waiting for us to serve them.

My section filled up quickly and soon I was darting around the floor trying to take care of everyone. After a few hours, things slowed down and I took a short break.

“Hey, Shay!” Connie called out as she headed toward the front. “You have a new guy at table 202.”

“Okay, I’ll go see him in a sec.”

I grabbed drinks for another table. After delivering them, I approached the new table, where a man with sea-green eyes was waiting. I recognized him instantly.

“Forest? Oh my God! What have you been up to? I haven’t seen you in four years.” I gave him a big hug.

He hugged me back, laughing. “Good to see you too. How have you been?” he asked, his eyes scanning me.

“I’ve been here for about two years. I worked at another place before that, but I was lucky to get hired here when they needed help. What can I get you to drink?”

“How about a scotch?” He glanced toward the bar.

“I’ll be right back with that.” I went to grab his drink along with some other orders. I delivered those first and then returned to Forest.

“Hey, when’s your break? I’d love to catch up.”

“In about fifteen minutes. I can come over here for a chat. I’ve wondered what you’ve been up to since high school.”

“That’s a long story, so please come back when you’re on break. I’d really love to get to know you again and find out what’s been happening with you these past few years.”

After I finally finished up my tables, I let out a sigh of relief and went to take my break. Zane grabbed my arm and pulled me into a dark corner. “Who’s that man you hugged earlier?”

“His name is Forest—we went to high school together. I’m about to take my break and catch up with him for a few minutes. It’s been four years since we last saw each other.”

“Haven’t you noticed anything else going on around you?”

“No, everyone’s been good. And the tips are amazing tonight.”

“Be careful. I’ll keep an eye on you while you’re over there.”

“Don’t sweat it. He’s likely hitched to his high school love. They were inseparable all through high school, and he popped the question when we graduated.”

He released me and I made my way to Forest’s table. I settled down with a soda in hand. He looked at me with those eyes I’d always adored in school and flashed me a big grin.

“What on earth have you been up to? I just relocated here about half a year ago after my last gig fell through.”

“I attended college here, then just started working in joints like this. Never chased a career.

“My folks fell ill, so I had to drop out, and I never went back to finish my final year. I got my own place here, and I’m totally digging it.” I took a sip of my soda.

“Seems like you’ve found your footing and you’re making quite a name for yourself here. I heard folks ahead of me asking for your section, and I was taken aback when I saw you.

“It’s been ages since we’ve hung out,” he said. His gaze never left my face.

“How’s Dana? I remember you two got engaged when we graduated.”

“Oh, um, we never tied the knot. She passed away before we could. It was a drive-by shooting. She was heading to her car, and the bullet struck her heart. She died on the spot.”

I reached for his hand. “I’m so sorry. She was a wonderful person. How long ago was that?”

“Over two years ago. I’ve moved around a bit, trying to escape the pain, but I can’t seem to shake it off. But when I saw you, that pain vanished.”

He looked at me with that face of his, which I’d always had a soft spot for.

Forest and I shared a friendship that dated back to middle school. He’d asked me out a few times, but I always declined because I didn’t want to jeopardize our friendship.

We had this unbreakable bond that no one could ever sever, no matter how hard they tried. Every year on my birthday, he’d send me flowers and a gift, and I’d reciprocate on his.

Dana was initially jealous, but she eventually understood that I wasn’t a threat to their relationship.

I stayed with him for the rest of my break, and then it was time to return to work.

“Forest, it was great catching up. I hope we can do this more often now that you’re living nearby.” His eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite identify, but it vanished in a flash.

“I’ve enjoyed our chat, Shay. Have a great night, and I’ll definitely take you up on that offer.”

I rose and headed for the restroom. As I exited the stall, I moved to the sink and began washing my hands.

I glanced in the mirror and noticed a figure looming behind me. I attempted to scream, but he wrapped an arm around my waist and pressed a cloth over my mouth with his other hand.

Darkness swallowed me as I succumbed to it.