POV: Karen — Present Tense

The phone buzzes again. Dre’s hand twitches, but he doesn’t reach for it. He doesn’t have to. I already know whose name lights up the screen.

“Let it go to voicemail,” I say, voice calm but firm. My heart pounds anyway, the adrenaline still thrumming from the stim trigger session. Dre’s breathing is steady now, but his jaw is tight. He feels the weight of the truth—and he’s carrying it alone.

He nods slightly. “She won’t stop,” he ...