Page 106 of Chalk Outline

I snap back to reality and take a deep breath into my lungs.

I remember that call like it was yesterday. It was my breaking point, and after that, I quit my job.

A while later, authorities found a truck filled with kids on an abandoned property. All of them, including Mattie, were rescued and returned home safely.

I remember her interview from a few months later. She said a guy showed up and promised they would return home. She described him asThe Dark Knight. It made me smile for the first time in months.

And for some reason, that’s how I knew he was still alive.

He had to be Reeve.

But he didn’t come back.

Chapter nineteen

Winona Bishop

My Curse — Killswitch Engage

I’m unable to tear my gaze from Jason as I stand next to the railings. He’s after a strenuous workout. His forehead glitters with perspiration. Sweat cascades down his bare chest and abdomen.

No.

No.

Absolutely not.

His thick arms are firmly planted on the floor as he slowly lifts his feet off the ground. His shoulder wound is fully healed. A scar decorates it. Every muscle works to keep him balanced. He shifts and curves his body in an entrancing rhythm. Such control. Power. He moves from one hand to the other. His corded muscles are taut with tension.

Reeve used to do it all the time.

But he is not…so he says.

He drops his legs to the ground, shooting a loaded look my way once he’s up.

“Close your mouth, you’re drooling,” he playfully says to the radio, grabbing the water bottle from the table. He pours it on his head before chugging the rest.

A short chuckle escapes my lips as I shake my head and set the binoculars on the top rail.

“How long have you been doing calisthenics?” I ask, watching him throw a hat over his wet locks to get them out of his face.

“For twenty years.” He clears his throat. I feel like every time the circus comes up, it brings unpleasant memories for him that are hard to swallow. “Surprisingly enough, the circus was quite dull, besides Mute. He lived without family or children, devoting himself entirely to this place. I watched him from afar and imitated his exercises. He wasn’t very friendly, but he did warm up to me at some point.”

He walks up to the railing.

“Do you think the universe sends the right people your way?” I ask, observing Jason’s subtle movements. We hadn’t spoken for a month after I accused him of lying, again. I guess we needed some space. He still watched over me silently. Every time he played the guitar, I went to my balcony to listen, and when he was pacing back and forth, lost in thought, I stayed without saying a word. So he wouldn’t be alone.

“Yeah, sure, it also clears them out of your way.” His tantalizing gaze gleams from afar, drawing me into another vortex.

“I’m sorry for being a jerk to you over a key.”

“Don’t be. I’m not. You’re trying to figure everything out in a foreign land with a stranger who’s a professional killer and has no idea what you’re doing here. I would’ve done the same if I were in your place.”

“Thank you for acknowledging that. I appreciate that you’re not being vindictive about it,” I say with a hint of a smirk.

“Oh, I didn’t say I wouldn’t get you for it. You just have to wait for my revenge,” playfulness colors his voice. “I’ll come when you least expect me.”

Rule number two: Never be predictable.