Page 64 of Vain

Marcus: And here I thought you’d forgotten about us little people.

I roll my eyes at the asshole. I spoke to him a few fucking days ago.

Me: Sorry, Mom, I didn’t realize how much you’d miss me.

Felix: Ignore him; he’s just feeling antsy. You know he doesn’t feel like Superman if he doesn’t have a damsel to save.

Marcus: Fuck you. I don’t give a shit about being the hero; I’m just sick of feeling like something is coming.

Felix: You get one of your feelings again, bro?”

I snort. I can just picture Felix doing the finger quotes as he says that.

Marcus: I don’t know why I bother with these assholes.

Banner: What did I miss? Why does Marcus have his panties in a twist?”

I grin, sliding my phone away before I get so engrossed I lose sight of what I’m supposed to be doing.

By the time Tilly calls for a lunch break, I feel like my stomach is going to try eating itself.

“Are you still up for a nap?” Tilly turns to me. My stomach growls in reply. “I guess that means you need feeding first.”

“We both do. You’re burning off a lot of energy running around like a crazy woman.”

“I suppose I could go for a sandwich.”

“Anything in particular you fancy?”

“Surprise me.” she tips her head back so I can kiss her before snagging her bag from the back of her chair and heading toward her trailer.

Everyone has the same idea about grabbing food, so it takes me a little longer than usual to grab something. I pick up a couple of turkey sandwiches, some chips, and two Cokes, figuring Tilly could use the sugar boost.

I walk over to the trailer, nodding at the people who greet me. It isn’t until I reach the steps that I notice the door wide open. A dark feeling unfurls in my gut and I jog up the remaining steps. I pause in the doorway and take a relieved breath when I see Tilly standing there alone.

It isn’t until I’ve checked her over that I realize she’s frozen on the spot, her body completely rigid.

I drop the food on the table as I walk slowly toward her. “Tilly?”

She whimpers as I reach her and pull her back to my chest. I spot the dead flowers in a vase on top of the TV stand—the ones she tossed in the trash last night. I lift my head and frown, and that’s when I see the bedroom. It was easy to miss at first because of the angle and because I was solely focused on Tilly. I pull her behind me and take a step closer, angry curse words spilling from my mouth as I take it all in.

The bedroom walls are entirely covered with Post-notes. On each one is a crudely drawn stick figure lying in a circle of blood with a knife sticking out of each of their chests. I pull out my cell phone and take pictures that I send to Kellen.

I turn to Tilly, who looks like she’s going to be sick.

“We need to call the cops, baby,” I tell her gently.

She lets out a frustrated sigh before glancing at her watch. “I’m so tired of this motherfucker messing with my life. I’m thisclose to wrapping everything up here. I really can’t afford any more delays.” Her anger is palpable, chasing away her fear.

I rub my hands up and down her arms. “We’ve still gotta call them.”

She tips her head back and stares at the ceiling. For a minute, I think she’s going to scream. Instead, she swallows and focuses back on me. “Fine, call them. Tell them what’s happened, but you can also let them know it’s not an emergency. We can lock the trailer behind us so nobody else will have access. We’ll be on set for the rest of the day, so we’ll be available for questioning.”

I grind my teeth at her flippancy, but I know it is not because she isn’t taking this seriously. It’s because so far, the police have done next to nothing. If the pattern holds, all they’ll do is come here, cause a stir, delay shit, and then tell her they have nothing to go on.

I run my hand through my hair as my phone chimes. A message from Kellen appears on the screen.

Kellen:I’m about to head into a meeting with Blake. No phones allowed. Marcus and Felix are at the hospital with Callie. Everyone else but Arlo and Banner are on a job, so I’ve sent the pictures to Banner. Are you guys okay?