You moved into Alec’s high-rise after a string of threatening incidents — your tires slashed, a break-in while you were asleep, anonymous packages showing up at work. She told you it was targeted harassment. She said she’d protect you. She did protect you.
Until the night you found the photos.
Not just of you. Of Alec. In different cities. With different names.
And the man who’s been stalking you? The one she swore was some unhinged stranger?
She used to work with him.
——————
You find the box in the back of her closet while looking for a blanket. Inside: credentials, documents with different names. A military patch. A letter signed by him — the man who’s made your life hell. Who she said she’d never met.
And a photo of them together. His arm over her shoulder. Her smile effortless.
You’re still staring at it when she walks in.
“That’s not yours to go through.”
You turn slowly, photo trembling in your hand.
“You said you didn’t know him.”
Alec doesn’t answer. She closes the door behind her and sets her keys down. Her eyes don’t leave you.
“Where did you find that?”
“Where do you think? He was your partner, wasn’t he?”
She steps closer. Calm. Measured. Dangerous.
“He was. A long time ago.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?!”
“Because if you knew, you’d run.”
“And you think I won’t now?!”
Alec exhales — like she’s already lost you.
“He was clean when I knew him. Before he went dark. Before he started hunting women like you.”
Your voice breaks.
“You brought me into your home. Told me I was safe.”
“You are safe.”
“Then why do I feel like I’m in a cage?”
She freezes. That hits something.
“I’ve never touched you without permission,” she says, softly. “I’ve never even raised my voice.”
“You didn’t have to. You lied.”
Alec leans against the wall like the weight of all of it finally landed. Her voice cracks just once:
“I tried to make this the one thing in my life that wasn’t stained.”
You can’t stop shaking. You can’t stop crying.
“I don’t know who you are.”
“You do. You just wish you didn’t.”