After Shane’s warning and that haunting photograph, my pulse had finally begun to settle.

But in this game I was playing—being scared wasn’t a luxury I could afford. Being strategic was.

Right when I sat in my car on my way back home from Shane's house.

I pulled out my phone and texted the one man who never asked questions as long as I asked nicely—Ezekiel.

“Can I see you tonight? I don’t feel safe. I think someone’s watching me.” I texted.

I waited exactly two ...