Page 58 of He Sees You

I reach for my coffee and feel something in my pocket that wasn't there before.

A folded piece of paper.

My hands shake as I unfold it, recognizing Cain's handwriting:

The old Lockwood estate. Midnight. Come alone, or don't come at all. I have something to show you about your father. —C

I look around the café, but he's not here.

When did he slip this into my pocket?

This morning when I left the house?

I didn't see him, didn't feel anything.

But then, I never do until he wants me to.

My phone rings. Juliette.

"Hey," I answer, trying to sound normal.

"Okay, what the hell did you write? Richard just called an emergency meeting. He wants to fast-track your publication. Move it up three months."

"What?"

"These new pages, Celeste. They're extraordinary. Dark and raw and real in a way your work hasn't been in years. Whatever you're doing up there, keep doing it."

"I'm just... finding inspiration."

"Well, find more. Richard wants the full manuscript by the end of January now. Can you do it?"

End of January.

Six weeks to finish a book about a woman falling for her stalker while my own stalker is killing people who threaten me.

"I can do it."

"Good. Oh, also—weird question, but have you noticed anything strange about Cain? He called me last night. Actually called, not texted. Wanted to know if you were okay."

"Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"That's what I said. But he seemed... concerned. Said the mountains can be dangerous for people who aren't prepared. Which is weird because he's never cared about my other authors who visited."

"Maybe he's just being protective. Small town, your brother looking out for your friend."

"Maybe." She pauses. "Celeste, I know this is none of my business, but... be careful with him."

"You said he was harmless."

"He is. To most people. But Cain doesn't do anything halfway. If he's interested in you—and asking about you suggests he is—just know that his interest can be... intense."

"How intense?"

"He had a girlfriend once. In high school, before our parents died. Rebecca. She broke up with him after three months. Said he was too much. Too focused. Too possessive. She moved away the next year, wouldn't say why."

"What happened to her?"

"Nothing. She's fine. Married with kids in Vermont now. But she still won't talk about Cain. Won't come back here. It's like whatever happened between them scared her off permanently."