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CONNOR

A llie and I didn’t find Peyton, but I know I saw her.

And Daltyn still hasn’t answered my texts.

I sent a message to the hockey group chat. Everyone seemed to think Daltyn went home to Boston. But if that’s true, why hasn’t he replied? That’s not like him to ignore me.

The feeling that something’s off is growing.

It simmers beneath my skin, behind my ribs, thrumming like a warning bell in my blood.

We’re walking back to the bungalow. Allie’s beside me, rambling about something Gram said earlier involving glitter glue, a hammock, and an accidental Brazilian wax.

She’s laughing. Relaxed. Totally unaware I’m seconds from spiraling.

The hair rises on the back of my neck.

My eyes sweep the area.

Someone’s watching us.

There’s a shift in the air. A prickle of unease crawling up my spine. My body stills, keyed up like I’m about to drop gloves on the ice.

And then I see him.

He’s across the street. Hoodie pulled low. Odd choice for Key West humidity.

He’s half in shadow, just beside the smoothie shack. Not even pretending to blend in.

Just… watching her.

When I turn to face him, he ducks behind a sign.

But it’s too late. I already clocked him.

The stance. The stillness. That kind of focused stillness only means one thing. Intent.

My grip on Allie’s hand tightens.

She glances at me, sensing the shift. “What’s wrong?”

My voice is flat. Sharp. Controlled. “Just thought I saw someone.”

“Who? Peyton?”

I scan the street again.

Nothing. Just tourists, sun hats, and a guy yelling about two-for-one margaritas.

I shrug, keeping it casual. “Maybe.”

But my gut stays twisted.

Allie bumps my shoulder, teasing. “Are you mad someone looked at your flamingo cooler?”

I give her a grin and fake a chuckle. “Of course.”

She doesn’t realize I’m already mapping out exit routes while thinking about Peyton running like she was scared and Daltyn’s silence.

About the hooded man in the shadows… and how fast I could break a jaw if anyone got too close to my wife.

We turn the corner.

I glance back.

The hooded guy is still there, half a block behind us.

He’s following us.

I stop walking.

Allie stumbles slightly beside me. “Connor?”

I force a smile. “Thought I forgot something.”

I don’t move for three full seconds. Just stare down the street like I’m daring the guy to try it again.

He vanishes behind a group of tourists.

But I know he’s there.

“Allie,” I say quietly, “stay close to me.”

She blinks. “You’re scaring me.”

“Good.” I slide my hand to the small of her back, guiding her forward. “Because I’ve got a bad feeling. And if I’m right?—”

I don’t finish the sentence.

I just pull out my phone and send a text to Daltyn.

Do you know where Peyton is?

Because someone’s watching us.

And I don’t think he’s a tourist.