Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Eight
Alicia's POV
I stared at my phone, reading Malachi's text over and over.
Travis knows. About us. He confronted me.
My hands were shaking. Part of me felt terrified that everything was out in the open now, that there would be consequences I couldn't control. But another part felt relieved. Maybe even happy. No more hiding. No more pretending. Just the truth, finally.
I was reaching for my bag, planning to leave work early and go to Malachi's place like he'd asked, when my phone vibrated again.
Not a text this time. A file. Multiple files actually. Voice recordings from an unknown number.
I frowned, staring at the screen. What were these? Who sent them?
I hesitated, then clicked on the first one. Put my phone to my ear.
At first, there was just static. Then sounds. Movement. Someone breathing hard.
Then screaming.
A man's voice, high-pitched with terror. "Please. Please, I'm begging you. I'll do anything. Just stop."
