Total pages in book: 192
Estimated words: 189782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 949(@200wpm)___ 759(@250wpm)___ 633(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 189782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 949(@200wpm)___ 759(@250wpm)___ 633(@300wpm)
“As will my security team.”
“I don’t want to be a burden,” I mutter.
“Not at all. We’ll take care of everything,” Rhett says. “Just focus on getting back into the swing of things.”
As I make my way through the forms, Rhett and Monty step into the hall to discuss the logistics with the guards. They talk about shifts, security rotations, and the adjustments needed to ensure my safety without compromising patient care. It’s a lot to worry about, but I’m grateful for their thoroughness.
Finally, the paperwork is done.
“I think that’s everything.” Rhett stacks the documents into a folder. “I’ll add you into the rotation this week. Oh, and I’m heading to Seattle tomorrow.”
“Still traveling for the new cardiac program?” I ask. “How’s that coming along?”
“It’s going great.” His eyes sparkle. “But yeah, I’m out of town frequently to collaborate with other specialists and secure the necessary funding.”
“What kind of travel are we talking about?” Monty leans against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest.
“Mostly to major cities. I’ve been working closely with top hospitals in Seattle, San Francisco, and New York. They’re helping me develop protocols and training programs to bring our cardiac care to the next level.”
I nod, understanding the importance of his work. “I’m so happy for you, Rhett.”
“Thanks. I’m also considering partnerships with medical research institutions to conduct joint studies. That means more travel, but it’s necessary to ensure we provide the best care possible.”
“With all this travel, who manages things here in your absence?” Monty narrows his eyes.
“I put together a solid team and trust them completely. Plus, the travel is temporary. Once the program is fully implemented and the initial phase ends, I’ll spend more time here to oversee everything personally.”
“You need to communicate the security situation to the entire trauma team here.” Monty rubs his jaw, his expression pensive. “I want to be in daily contact with whoever is in charge while you’re gone.”
“I understand.” Rhett nods.
“Thank you, both of you,” I say, “for arranging the security measures.”
“If you ever feel unsafe, please let us know.” Rhett extends a hand. “Welcome back, Frankie.”
I shake it, smiling through my nerves. “It’s good to be back.”
After a round of goodbyes with the hospital staff, Monty and I leave the hum of the trauma unit behind and step outside. The shadows in the parking lot hover in my periphery, but with Monty’s hand on my back, I feel safe.
We return the hypercar to his garage and catch a ride with his chauffeur, Kai, back to the dock.
As Monty and I step onto the boardwalk leading to the yacht, an eerie silence blankets the night.
His hand remains firmly and reassuringly pressed to my lower back, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong.
My ears prick at every sound, my eyes darting in every direction. The feeling of being watched follows me all the way to the yacht.
The security guard stationed at the entrance stands at attention, his face impassive.
“All good, Stanley?” Monty asks as we board.
“Yes, Mr. Novak.”
Monty quickly pulls the lines from the dock cleats and prepares to depart. I kick off my heels and lean against the taffrail, watching him work.
“I’ll get the last one.” As I bend down to free the line, I glimpse something out of the corner of my eye. Something that shouldn’t be there.
A dark blob sits on the dock beside the cleat.
My heart lurches.
“Wait.” I spin toward Monty, grabbing his arm. “Do you see that?”
He follows my gaze, his eyes narrowing.
“What the—?” He motions for me to stay and takes off toward the gangway.
Fuck that.
I race after him, ignoring his glare as we approach the strange object.
A few feet away, my breath hitches.
The moonlight glints off something metallic.
A fillet knife.
Then the rest comes into view.
A severed human hand.
With the palm down and fingers splayed, a knife plunges through it, pinning it to the wooden dock.
Attached to the blade is a note, undoubtedly written to me.
Bile hits the back of my throat as my mind swims.
Whose fucking hand is that?
My first thought is Denver. The stalker already sent his heart. Maybe all the pieces of him will show up, bit by bloody bit.
Please let that be Denver’s hand.
I inch forward for a closer inspection.
“Stay back.” Monty’s face hardens, his jaw clenched in fury.
When I take another step forward, he pulls me back, shielding me from the gruesome sight.
“Stanley!” he shouts.
The security guard rushes over, his eyes widening in shock. “I was here the whole time, sir. I didn’t see or hear anything.”
The rest of the guards spread out around us, securing the perimeter.
“We need to alert the authorities,” Carl says, his voice steady.
Monty nods. “Do it. And get more men out here. Lock this place down.”
“I need to see it.” I push around him, crouching down. “I need to know.”
He lowers to his haunches beside me, grabbing my arm, ready to yank me back as if I’ll try to touch it.