She laughs, the sound a welcome one after not hearing from her in so long.
“I know. You went on vacation and left me to my own devices. So I went on my own little vacation, but I thought it was time to check in on you. How are you feeling?”
“Much better than the last time you saw me.”
“That’s awesome. I’m glad to hear it. I’m actually in Seattle for a few days and thought it would be fun to have dinner.”
“What? When did you get here? Why don’t I know this?”
“Calm down, woman. I just got here this morning. So, we’re on for dinner then?”
“Absolutely. Does six work?”
“Six is perfect. Just text me where to meet you. I’m excited to see you.”
“Me, too. Yay! Okay, see you later.”
“Bye.”
Today is a really good day. I was beginning to worry about Rachel. It’s not unusual for her to go off and do her own thing when we’re between tours or if I don’t need her. But I start to miss her because we spend so much time together when we are traveling and working. She’s my right hand. I don’t know what I would do without her.
Traffic is light for this time of day, which is a miracle in itself. The rain that pounded down just a few hours ago has cleared, and it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful evening.
The clear skies also mean I can take a quick swim in the pool.
Once I’m at the house, I make sure to set the alarm and then run upstairs to grab a bikini. I would swim naked, but it’s the middle of the afternoon, and I don’t know . . . Something tells me to wear a suit.
I have to deactivate the alarm to get to the backyard. It’s not a big deal. I’ll only be in the pool for twenty minutes, tops.
I quickly braid my hair and then jump in, easily moving with long, slow strokes, gliding through the water.
It’s colder now that fall has settled into the Pacific Northwest. The pool isn’t heated, but it still feels good against my skin.
I enjoyed Montana so much. Every minute of it was relaxing and exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries. But I missed this pool.
When my hand touches the wall, I tuck under in a somersault, then push off and swim to the other side.
The swim is invigorating. When I stand and push the water from my face, I’m panting hard from the exercise.
Whoever said swimming is an excellent workout wasn’t lying.
I blink my eyes open and screech, covering my chest in surprise.
“Holy crap, you scared me!”
“Sorry.” Rachel is sitting in one of the lounge chairs, one leg crossed over the other, watching me with calm eyes. She’s not jumping up to hug me. She’s not smiling.
She’s not excited to see me.
Something feels wrong.
“What are you doing here?” I walk out of the pool and reach for a towel, trying to stay calm. “I don’t think I gave you this address.”
“You didn’t.” Her smile is brittle and cold. “I’ve known where you were for a while. Donald tells me anything I want to know.”
“Of course.” I wrap the towel around myself and start to walk toward her, then see the gun in her hand and stop short. “What the hell, Rach?”
“I have to tell you, it’s been seriously annoying that you’ve had cops all over the place these past weeks. How’s a girl supposed to get close to you when you’re guarded better than Fort Knox?”
I tilt my head to the side. “You can always get to me, you just have to call.”
“You’re pretty stupid, aren’t you? You can sing, I’ll give you that. And you’re a pretty little thing. But you’re dumb as a box of rocks.”
Rachel is my stalker?
“I can’t call ahead when I plan to kill you. That would be stupid.”
“K-k-kill me?”
“Well, I’m not holding this gun for my own health.” She laughs and stomps her feet on the concrete. “Oh, come on. That was funny.”
Since when is Rachel fucking crazy?
And why did I leave my phone inside?
Where are you, Levi?
“So, you’ve been in Seattle for a while then.”
“For as long as you have been. Oh, and the dizziness? The headaches? That wasn’t from stress, princess.”
“You were poisoning me?”
“Yeah, and it would have all gone to plan, but you went to that fucking doctor and fled to Seattle in the blink of an eye. Must be nice to be rich and able to go anywhere, anytime you want.”
“So, what did I do to you exactly?”
“You have what’s mine.”
I narrow my eyes, completely confused as to what she’s talking about.
“Your entire fucking career was supposed to be mine. Donald was supposed to give me the big break. He’d already taken me on, and then he found you slumming it in a hotel, and you probably fucked him so he’d work for you.”