Page 79 of The Stranger

I press the button to call the elevator. “If Delilah calls, can you let me know immediately?”

“Of course. I met her earlier.”

I turn to face her desk. “You did?”

“Yes, I went down to her floor … I had a question for her.”

“How did she seem to you?”

“She seemed fine. Very sweet.”

“She is,” I agree.

“I may have accidentally alluded to the fact that you offered me a bonus to come back early. I’m sorry if that was something you didn’t want disclosed.”

I tilt my head back and groan.

Fuck.

“Sandra,” I say in a panic as I slide into the back seat of the limousine. “Is Delilah there?”

“Yes, Mr Prescott. She’s in her room packing.”

“Packing?”

“She told me she’s moving out today.”

Jesus Christ, this is worse than I thought.

“Sandra, listen carefully, I need you to do me a favour.”

“Of course.”

“Make sure Delilah doesn’t leave until I get there. I’m ten minutes away.”

“Umm … okay. I’ll try my best.”

“Lock her in … restrain her if need be.” I’m talking like a man unhinged, but I feel like my entire future is on the line.

“Mr Prescott, I couldn’t do that.”

“Please, Sandra. She can’t leave until I get there.” If she does, I’m afraid I’ll never get to see her again.

Leaning back in my chair, I scrub my hands over my face in frustration. How am I going to weasel my way out of this one without confessing the truth?

Without going against everything I believe in.

I remove my seat belt and open the back door of the limousine as Damien rolls to a stop. “Do you want me to wait here, Mr Prescott?”

“Please.” I take a few steps towards my apartment building and then pause, turning to face him. “If Delilah comes down, take her anywhere she needs to go.”

“Okay,” he says, with a nod.

If it comes to that … if I’m unable to talk her into staying, I at least need the peace of mind of knowing she will get to her next destination safely. I can only pray that’s not the outcome.

When I reach my apartment, I find Sandra standing in the middle of the main room, wringing her cleaning cloth in her hands. The poor thing looks absolutely terrified.

“Oh, Mr Prescott, thank God you are here. She hasn’t come out of her bedroom yet.”