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17

MADISON

M y chin is propped on my hand as I stare with unseeing eyes out the window of the bookstore. I probably shouldn’t be here, but right now, I have nowhere else to go. I really don’t want to stay at my mom’s house. I should feel safe there, but I don’t. Jagger has been inside. If he’s the killer … I shiver, unable to continue the thought.

The bells ding and a customer walks through the door. I’m relieved when I see Ashlynn standing there, a beaming smile on her face. It falters when she takes in my morose expression.

“Maddie. What the hell?” She hurries over, her brows creased from worry.

Focusing my attention on her, I heave out a sigh, straightening. “Hey, Ashlynn.”

Her brows shoot into her hairline. “Hey, Ashlynn. Why do you sound like you’re getting ready to have a colonoscopy?”

A burst of laughter comes out of me, and she smiles. “I knew I could put a smile on your pretty face.” She leans across the counter, her hands clasping together. “What’s up, buttercup? Why the long face?”

I heave out a long sigh. “I… It’s just a horrible day.”

“Well, tell me about it. I have all day.”

I grin, taking in her sparkling blue eyes and her pearly white smile. “I’m not sure I want to go into everything here.” My gaze moves around the bookstore. The tinkling of the bell draws my attention to the door. A mother leads her little girl by the hand, both smiling at me. Forcing cheer into my voice, I greet them, then nod my head in their direction once they start heading toward the children’s books.

Ashlynn holds up a hand. “Say no more. How about I browse for some books, then wait here until you get off? We can go for coffee and talk.”

My face pales as memories of being there with Jagger last night assault my senses.

Ashlynn notices. “Or we can go get ice cream.”

A slight shiver goes through me as I think of that picture Ben showed me, but memories of all the times my dad took me there through the years rush through. “Ice cream sounds better.”

“You got it. How about we gorge ourselves on that ice cream concoction you like so much?”

I grin. “It’s called an Avalanche. And that sounds perfect.”

S pooning a bite of ice cream into my mouth, anxiousness courses through me. I unloaded everything on Ashlynn. Including everything that’s happened with Jagger, which I didn’t intend to do. I’d only planned on telling her about the fight with Ben and all the weirdness, yet Ashlynn’s sympathetic face and nods of encouragement were enough to get me to confess to everything that’s been happening.

“There’s a lot going on here. I’m trying to be logical with this, but my emotions are going haywire at the thought of you being in danger.” She shivers. “You know I knew Katie.”

I nod solemnly.

“But I know you a lot better. We’ve been friends since you started working at the bookstore. So the thought—” Averting her eyes, she focuses intensely on her ice cream. Remorse flows through me when I see her bottom lip and chin quivering.

I cover her hand with mine. “It’s scary, to say the least.”

She heaves out a deep breath, tears in her eyes when she looks up at me. “We need to be rational. The killer hasn’t contacted you directly?”

My breath catches. “I guess that depends on whether Jagger is the serial killer or not,” I say slowly, trying not to wince.

Ashlynn stares at me. “It seems hard to believe.” Her words are measured. Careful. As though she’s trying not to give me false hope yet impart her logic into this conversation.

“I mean, he hasn’t hurt you. Sure, he’s stalked you and made cryptic remarks. But short of sitting across from you in the coffee shop and bantering with you, and then saving you from some weirdo who got handsy with you…” She shrugs. “I know it’s creepy, but if he’s the serial killer, why wouldn’t he have sent those pictures to you and not Ben?”

She takes a bite of her ice cream, her face thoughtful. “Did you ask Jagger if he put those flowers on your mom’s porch or your windshield?”

“Maybe he wants Ben out of the picture because it will be easier. Ben has been protective lately. Suffocating at times with his texts and phone calls, inquiring about my whereabouts.” I take a bite of my ice cream, brows furrowing. “And no, I didn’t. I was too distracted by him.”

Ashlynn shrugs. “Could be. But most serial killers can still get to someone, even if they have large families, spouses, or significant others. They just stalk them and wait until they’re alone.” Then she smiles. “He’s really hot, huh?”

I give her a sharp look. “You’re not exactly helping.”

She grins. “You’ve been alone, Maddie. You’ve felt eyes on you during runs in the woods. Someone left flowers, luring you out of your mom’s house. If it was him, why didn’t he grab you either of those times?”

Good question.

“Here’s what I suggest. Why don’t you stay with me instead of going to your mom’s house? For one thing, it’s safer, considering the notes and roses. Plus, you haven’t been to my apartment in a long time.”

My eyes widen, horror filling me. “Oh, Ashlynn. I don’t want to put you in danger, leading a serial killer or stalker right to your door.”

Ashlynn waves her hand. “I’m not the killer’s type. I’m a brunette with blue eyes.” She flips her hair, long chestnut locks falling over her shoulder. “Also, I’m surrounded by people since I live in a busy apartment complex. It’s risky for a stalker or serial killer to try anything without being seen.”

I nod, her logic making sense to me.

“And it will get you away from Ben and Chloe.”

Ashlynn’s making a lot of valid points.

“I’m with you about the Ben and Chloe thing. They seem to be spending a lot of time together, and if you’re getting that nagging feeling in your gut, I wouldn’t discount it.”

My muscles loosen, tension draining from me. Talking to Ashlynn has been so therapeutic. “Can I hug you? You have no idea how much I needed your logic and support.”

She’s up and out of her seat, arms outstretched. Giggling, I stand, wrapping my arms around her. “Thank you. For everything.”

She pulls back slightly, squeezing my arms. “Of course, Maddie. That’s what friends are for.” She shakes her head. “I feel bad that I’ve been so busy with classes and my internship that I haven’t been in contact as much.”

I shake my head. “Not your fault. After my dad died, well… I’ve pulled away from a lot of people. Not intentionally, but…”

Releasing me, she holds up a hand. “I get it. Grief changes you. It affected me when my grandma died. And it was you who was there for me.” Her face is chagrined. “Now it’s time for me to return the favor.”

I scoff. “We aren’t keeping score.”

She laughs. “I didn’t mean to imply that. I just meant that we’re friends, and friends are there for one another.”

Hugging her again, my shoulders feel like a weight has been lifted. I can breathe a little easier.

“Let’s go home.” Grinning at me, she links my arm with hers, and we head out to our cars.