Page 82 of Chalk Outline

“Ma’am, are you okay?”

I tip my head back and lean against the wall as the incessant sound of sirens rings in my ears. The shadows on the ceiling merge with the police lights before I lower my head. The faces around me sharpen as I move past their moving lips.

“Ma’am, wait,” says a voice from behind as I start running down the street and pass the neighborhood gate.

The fire trucks and first responders move from left to right, barricading the scene. I sprint through as a burnt vehicle comes into view around the corner in the open parking lot we have nearby.

“Hey! You can’t go there.” A firefighter stops me as I try to get closer to the flames.

“What happened? Please tell me. That’s my husband’s bike.” Tears fill my eyes, blurring everything. Fire licks its way up higher, and I cough as smoke begins to fill my lungs.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. The police will determine if it was an accident or a homicide. But I can’t let you go there.”

He said goodbye to me before going on a mission.

“Winona!” His raw voice snaps me out of the confusion.

I thrash against her.

“He screams, can’t you hear? He needs help. Please help him!” I scream.

She holds my quivering body in place and spins me around. The sounds around me fade away.

Night falls around the tower as a misty, cold wind sweeps through the tiny crack I left open. A shiver runs down my spine, and goosebumps rise even though I’m wrapped in a fluffy blanket. The raindrops begin knocking on the glass. I rush over to it and slide the door until the lock clicks.

Wait…

How did I end up here? Is this a dream?

“Winona, wake up.” Reeve’s voice echoes again, urgent and tense. “Save yourself.”

I jerk upright from sleep as the dream bubble bursts, gasping in my attempt to slow my heartbeat down.

It was in the past.I repeat in my head.

I pant, grab the glass of water I left on the nightstand, and take a few sips. The winter wind howls, sending haunting sounds that swirl around the tower.

I’m not there anymore. It’s okay.

I’m okay.

Chapter fifteen

Winona Bishop

Creature In The Black Night — Dayseeker

There’s a voice in my head—a menacing voice that urges me to slip off the edge again. It shuts me up every time I try to scream.

I stare at the shower faucet on the wall as warm water pricks my skin like needles, but there isn’t enough water to wash me clean.

A lump forms in my throat. The sound of the drain swallowing water and gurgling, like the man I killed, turns my stomach upside down.

I squeeze my eyes shut and there he is… right before me.

I jump out of bed at the loud rev of Reeve’s motorcycle. A huge smile spreads across my face. He’s finally home. I haven’t seen him all day.

Jogging downstairs, I yank the door open and wait.