Page 37 of Chalk Outline

I take deep breaths until the trees around me stop swaying. Birds chirp, and the forest buzzes. As my vision settles, my eyes roam down the length of Jason’s body, zooming in on his dark combat boots and the absurd way he ties his laces, threading them in the opposite direction.

“What are you supposed to be?” I peer up, unsure if he is another bodyguard my grandma sent or an annoying package I was given as part of this contract.

“Use your imagination.” He says playfully, and I can hear his smirk without seeing half his face.

“I shouldn’t.” I turn away from him to get a good look at this place.

Endless vegetation surrounds a gray concrete tower. Lofty trees spread from left to right—some are overgrown with moss.Gloomy skies peek between them. Further ahead, fiery red and gold leaves swirl down to the ground. Mist settles around the crisp forest. I focus on the sound of flowing water nearby. We seem to be on the edge of a cliff. And there’s a lookout tower perched on the opposite cliff, surrounded by the same forest.

“Is there a stream below?” I ask.

“Yeah. It’s calledThe Gap.”

“Sounds inviting.” I spin around to face him again, and he gives me a look. “You’re still Jason.”

He stretches his arms to the sides—every outline of muscle is visible through the black tactical gear he wears when he flexes like that. Without the gloves, I can see the prominent veins decorating his hands and tattoos.

“Funny enough, I’m not wearing a costume. That’s how I dress.”

I figured. “I’m still going to call you Jason, regardless.”

His blazing gaze pierces me before he scans the area. His eyes convey so much emotion, but do little. There’s a dangerous glint in them, yet they are equally tormented.

“This is your tower. It has three levels, so check them when you enter. You do not leave your tower for the next three hundred sixty-five days. It has everything listed in the contract. You can get down to the garden where we are now. But be careful and come with a rifle,” he quickly explains.

Isolation.

No reception.

Not a single soul to talk to.

If this is a test, it will surely determine if I can say goodbye to my husband and bury him far away once and for all.

“Got it,” I reply.

“This forest is dangerous, so don’t roam out there unless you want to get lost and die,” he shrugs, “or get ripped apart by a bear.”

“You’re so uplifting, it’s infectious.” I give him my unimpressed look and notice the immediate hint of amusement in his expression. “We can be best friends.”

“Who? You and me?”

“Sure, bestie, I meant me and the bear.”

He shakes his head. “You can leave your tower in case of an emergency. If you’re in danger, you can cross to the other side, where the second tower is. It contains the same supply and equipment.”

I glance over my shoulder at the second tower. A zipline stretches between their balconies, creating an escape route.

“The tower’s door automatically locks from the inside. I attached your key to a necklace, so always wear it. It’s inside your bag.” He points to the ground, where it rests beside me. “I was surprised.” His voice drips with sarcasm. “I assumed you brought the essentials, but sex toys and a book weren’t what I had in mind. The sketch book was a nice touch, though. Your drawing skills are unparalleled.”

“Did you go through my stuff?” I seethe. That fucker has no boundaries.

“I had to.” He shrugs. “That’s protocol.” He flips his hand in dismissiveness.

“Ah, what protocol? I have firearms for free inside,” I retort with a resentful tone.

“You’re not going to win this game, so you can drop the attitude.” He scratches his forehead, and I scowl at him. “One last thing. Once I’m gone, you’ll be all alone.”

A wide grin spreads across my face when I hear those words. “Copy,” I answer.