Page 101 of The Illusion
It was very obvious this just made his day. He can't wait to get rid of me. I don't think I've ever hated anyone as much as I hate him right now. I am so done with this asshole. I’m going to make him pay for this.
I amdonebeing his victim.
Karma is coming for Asher Stevens. I’m going to give her directions.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-EIGHT
JULIE
The shop isquiet after the morning rush. The familiar rhythm of work is soothing. Weighing shea butter, adding essential oils, checking temperatures. Things I can control. Jamie's phone buzzes on the counter. Ryan's name appears on the screen.
I glance toward the front of the shop. No customers, just two staff members and Jamie. I walk to the doorway and catch Jamie's eye. She sees her phone and nods, following me into the back room. I close the door and put the call on speaker.
"Hey," I say.
"Hey." Ryan's voice is careful. Measured. "Are you somewhere you can talk?"
"We're at the shop in the stock room. Jamie's here. You're on speaker."
"Good. I've been thinking about logistics."
Jamie leans against the worktable, arms crossed. I stay standing, my hand resting on the counter beside the phone.
"Okay," I say.
"We need to be smart about this," Ryan says. "Really smart. Which means we need to establish some ground rules."
"Like what?"
"I can’t be seen near either of you at all and my number can't appear in your call or text log on your phone, which is why I called Jamie’s phone.”
The weight of what he's saying settles over me. He's thinking like someone who understands surveillance. Like someone who knows Asher might be watching. "You think he's watching that closely?” I ask.
"I think we can't assume he's not," Ryan says. "What he's done isn't normal. He's a fucking psycho and he's not wrapped too tight at this point. I expect he's going to be watching to see if I reach out to you. And I further think he's going to want to check that you go away. So we operate like he's watching everything."
Jamie straightens. “How does that work when he checks San Juan and we're not there?"
“I’ve got it covered. He won’t know because my parents are going to take the trip for you."
My eyes go wide. “What?"
"They'll drive your Audi onto the ferry tomorrow morning. They'll have your phone, your credit cards, everything. Any GPS Asher checks will show you exactly where you're supposed to be.”
“They'll check into the inn Jamie booked, use your card for some souvenirs, post a couple photos to your Instagram if you want. My parents love the islands. They'll have a great time."
Jamie's eyes snap up to mine in surprise. "Your parents are in on this?" she asks him.
"They are. I told them everything last night," Ryan says. "My mom wanted to drive to your house immediately and drag you out. My dad had to talk her down. They're both furious and they want to help."
My throat tightens. Ryan's parents have always been kind to me. But this would be above and beyond. "Ryan, I can't ask them to do that."
"You're not asking. They're offering. And honestly, my mom is all in on this. She's all about female empowerment and bringing down men who suck. Cheaters are her pet peeve. And my dad doesn’t fuck with any man who makes a woman cry.”
Despite everything, I almost smile. Ryan’s parents are incredible. It’s no surprise they raised someone like him.
"Where will we actually be?" Jamie asks.
