Chapter 104

Chapter 104 Menu I remained still. After a while, the man finished his call and returned to his car. He parked diagonally across from me, leisurely opening a can of soda. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Or was it a coincidence–leaving Chicago at the same time three days ago, returning at the same time now? I didn’t believe in coincidences.

After about half an hour, neither of us moved. He was definitely following me. Who sent him? Was it the Crowes, sending a hitman? If so, why hadn’t they acted in three days? My mind raced. Should I call the police? But it would take time, and without concrete evidence, he could plead innocence. I still had an hour’s drive to Chicago. He hadn’t acted all this time; maybe if I drove normally, pretending not to know, he wouldn’t do anything.

I started my car. His car followed slowly, sometimes disappearing, then reappearing. If I hadn’t been sure he was following, I wouldn’t have even noticed. He was professional. My palms sweated during the hour–long drive. Once I entered the city, I relaxed slightly. Near my apartment complex, I suddenly accelerated.“Damn, she noticed!” I heard a man yell from behind.

Ignoring a red light, I sped into the complex, leaving him blocked at the entrance. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was safe.

I parked in the garage, grabbed my luggage, and called Sherry, telling her I’d been followed.

In the garage, another car pulled up–a man in artsy clothes and a wide–brimmed black hat. His hat was so wide that his face was completely obscured. He silently followed me, like a ghost, making no sound.

I reached the security gate, paused for facial recognition, still recounting the chase to Sherry. Suddenly, a sharp blow hit the back of my neck. Pain shot through me; my vision blurred. I collapsed. My phone slipped from my hand...Someone caught me, expertly retrieving the phone and ending the call.“Olivia? What’s wrong?” Sherry called out several times. She saw the call had ended. Accidental? She called back, but it went straight to voicemail. I’d said I was in the garage. I should have been in the elevator by now. Something was wrong...

Sherry grabbed her keys and went outside. She found Evan’s number–she’d shamelessly asked for it at the ramen shop. He lived in the same complex; maybe he could help. After ten rings, he answered, his voice smooth and deep.“Hello.” Sherry cut to the chase.“Mr. Jones, please contact the building management. Olivia just entered the complex; our call dropped suddenly, and now she’s not answering.”