Page 74 of Slashes in the Snow
“It was delivered to Ky yesterday morning,” Hawk explains.
“I got it just a few minutes before you called.”
“Someone sent you my hair? What kind of sick maniac are we dealing with here?” I brush my thumb over the stolen strands.
“Not sure. But ‘maniac’ seems to be an accurate description,” Ky considers. “Open it.” He nods to Hawk.
Hawk removes the white envelope and hands it to Ky. He slips out the cardstock and reads the note:
Slashes are so prettyin the Snow.
Every hair follicleon my body stands at attention. “Same note.” Ky crushes it in his hand. Those familiar feelings of isolation and fear begin to creep in on me. They know where I am. They know who I’m with. I’m suddenly so cold I shiver.
Ky draws me under his arm protectively as Hawk opens the box.
I’m actually terrified to see what’s inside.
Hawk inspects the contents first before he pulls each of them out. First, he places a pink silk dress on the table, which I recognize immediately.
“That’s mine. I wore it to our parents’ wedding.” I hold it up and display the huge gash right down the center of the neckline.Why?
“There’s more,” Hawk continues, pulling out the beaded headband and sparkly shoes that complete the outfit. The thought of someone in my house, in my room, fills me with absolute dread. How many times has he been there? While I was gone? While I was sleeping? I feel sick.
“I need to sit down.” I reach for a chair.
“Get her some water,” Ky snaps as he kneels down beside me. “Kira, just breathe.”
“They know where I am. They’ve been in my house. In my room. Mutilating my things. Who knows how many times?” I glance over at the dress. “What does it mean? What do they want?” Panic ensues.
“Calm down.” Ky rubs my leg as Agent Orange hands me a bottle of water.
“We need to go to the police, Ky. It’s time. My mother and Gerard will be home eventually. I don't want to put them in danger. They have to know what’s going on.”
“They aren’t coming back anytime soon, so there’s no need to alarm them right now.” Ky looks up at Hawk, who nods conspiratorially. “But maybe you’re right and we should get the police involved. Hawk will take care of that. He’s got the connections. I would just rather have it be low-key. I don’t want to spook whoever it is. Is that fair?” He compromises with me.
I nod. “Yes, as long we’re taking precautions.” I open the water bottle and chug it. I’m so fucking stressed out.
“I will take every precaution possible when it comes to you.” He pledges.
I breathe shallowly, believing him.
“Can we go? I just want to go,” I plead with Ky.
“Of course.” He stands, and I pull my legs up onto the chair, tightening into a ball.
“Hawk, do what you gotta do. Check in with Tempest about our delivery man friend, too. Keep me posted on everything. I’ll be home with Kira until this shit blows over.”
“You got it, man.” I hear them clasp hands and snap, but I don’t look up.
“C’mon, Snow, we can go out the back.” Ky helps lift me to my feet. I’m like a feather in his grasp, barely any weight at all.
“Which one is Tempest?” I ask as he leads me out a back door.
“Plugs in his ears.”
“Ah, him. One of these days you’re going to have to formally introduce me to all your friends.”
“Sure, I’ll throw a barbecue when this is all over.” He’s blatantly sarcastic.
