The moment I heard that voice, my body reacted on instinct. I almost turned around.
Almost.
Then realization hit me, sharp and cold, and I kept walking as if I hadn't heard a thing. My steps stayed steady. My face stayed calm.
I already knew who it was.
That so-called kind, middle-aged woman.
She wore warmth like a second skin, soft words hiding something rotten underneath. A hunter pretending to be harmless, waiting for someone careless enough to lower their guard.
Lewis was already waiting in the car.
Theo stood by the door, alert as always. The instant I saw them, a tight knot in my chest loosened. Relief rushed through me so fast my legs almost felt weak.
It felt like escaping something ancient and cruel in the dark and they were the only safe ground left.
I slid into the car.
Just as Theo reached to close the door, her voice changed.
"Mrs. Hale."
I turned my head slowly and looked at her through the window, confusion carefully painted on my face.
