Page 37 of Caught By the Chief of Staff

My breath saws in and out of my lungs and not in a good way. It feels like I can’t get enough air as I read the warnings and look at the picture that followed.

UNKNOWN: [PICTURE]

It’s a photo of Rick and me on my sofa last night. We’re both naked except for my bralette I was wearing. My eyes are closed and my head is tipped back in ecstasy. You can see all of the tension on display in Rick’s honed muscles. The veins in his neck are exposed, and his teeth are clenched tight.

I quickly type out a reply before it’s too late.

ME: I did what you asked. I ended things.

It feels like my heart seizes in my lungs while I wait for a reply.

UNKNOWN: Not soon enough. You should have listened to my warning. Now it’s too late.

My fingers type furiously. I grab my bag and scoop up my things while I wait for a reply. I have to get to Rachel before it’s too late.

ME: NO! It’s not too late. I did listen. Rachel and I are leaving this afternoon. We’re getting out of town and will go far away.

I don’t even bother to shut down my computer or turn off the lights. I’ll send a message to security from the road. I don’t have time to waste on menial tasks. I’ll e-mail Grace from wherever we are tonight and say goodbye. Apologize.

UNKNOWN: It’s too late.

No, it can’t be. I’ll get to her before it’s too late. I have to.

And then the video comes through.

UNKNOWN: [VIDEO]

I press Play, even though I don’t want to. I have to. The thumbnail is a picture of my daughter looking scared and worried.

“Mom,” she says. “Mom. I’m scared. I need you.”

UNKNOWN: You should have done what I told you to.

And then my vision dims and my knees buckle. I hold on but barely. Everything I sacrificed was a waste. Without Rachel, I have nothing.

There’s only one thing left to do. Without knowing it, this monster just changed the rules of the game. I have nothing to hide now.

Checkmate, motherfucker.