I washed the paint from my arms and hands as my phone buzzed in my back pocket. My heart thudded as I hurried to dry my fingers to answer the phone. “Hello?”

Fletcher sighed on the other end. “You’re safe?”

It was more of a question than a statement. “I’m safe. What’s the matter? Why wouldn't I be safe?"

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and cringed. I looked terrible. The day had been long and exhausting. Though I attempted to distract myself with ...