Page 38 of Hidden Monsters

Chapter 19

Orly woke to the sound of voices downstairs. She knew Luke had to work today, so she assumed he’d left the television on or something. As the events of the night slowly came back to her, she tensed, fear skittering up her spine. Nothing like that had ever happened to her before. How had the murderer managed to do that? With her energy reserves still low, she hadn’t guarded her thoughts and the next thing she knew, Luke’s voice was in her mind, a reassuring and soft presence that instantly calmed her. You’re awake. Don’t move. I’ll come to you.

Orly stretched out on the bed, feeling the tightness in her muscles loosen. I’m okay, Luke. I need to shower. Are you at work?

No, I took a personal day. A few of the guys are here, too. I can ask them to leave if you’re not feeling up to seeing anyone.

Orly sighed. She needed a shower, but after that she didn’t think she would mind seeing Luke’s friends. No, it’s okay. I’ll come down in a little while once I’ve showered and dressed.

Okay. They brought food.

Sounds good. I’m starving.

She felt more than heard Luke’s sigh. Are you sure you don’t want me to come up and help you?

I’m sure. The truth was Orly didn’t feel quite like herself yet, and she didn’t want Luke to pick up on that. He’d already seen her at her worst today, and now he’d probably stayed home from work because of her. That was more than enough, especially since he was likely busy with a big case. His friends didn’t usually come over on a weekday, so this must be something really important. I’m okay. Promise. I’m gonna shower now.

After taking a hot shower, pulling her hair back in a clip, and dressing in a pair of jeans and a cute floral tank top, she put her sheets and dirty clothes in the washing machine. She was still tired from her ordeal and her limbs kind of felt like they were made of gelatin and noodles, but she hadn’t lied to Luke when she’d told him she was hungry.

Luke spotted her the instant she came downstairs and was on his feet, closing the distance between them. “How are you feeling?” He asked, pulling her into him and wrapping an arm around her.

“I’m okay. I’m really sorry about earlier -” She started to say, but he stroked his thumb down her cheek and the sensation was so soothing that she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch.

“You have nothing to apologize for.” He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “Caden and Garrett brought food. Blake was here too, but he had to leave a few minutes ago.”

Orly turned to look back at the dining room table, where Caden and Garrett were doing their best to make it look like they weren’t watching her. She smiled, and started toward the table. “Thanks, I’m starving,” she said, reassuringly. Luke handed her a plate and she helped herself to some orange chicken, pad Thai noodles, and steamed vegetables. “So, what happened?” She asked, no one in particular.

“What do you mean?” Caden asked, setting his fork down.

Orly shrugged. “I mean you guys don’t usually come over for lunch on weekdays. Are you working on a big case or something?” She looked up at them from the food, wondering if this had something to do with her. “Is it about Russell?”

“No,” Garrett said, tentatively.

“We were just worried,” Caden said.

When the room went quiet, Orly turned to Luke for further explanation. He looked slightly uncomfortable, which made no sense to Orly. “Worried about what?” She asked.

“You,” Caden said. “You scared the hell out of him.” He nodded at Luke.

Orly’s eyes went wide. Luke reached for her hand and took it in his. “I told Caden about what happened.”

Although Luke's friends knew about her ability, Orly wasn’t sure how she felt about them knowing her mind had basically been hijacked by a psychic stalker and murderer. She didn’t like sharing this part of her life with anyone, mostly out of fear they would reject her. But as she glanced at Caden and Garrett, they didn’t seem to be judging her. If anything, their expressions were of true concern and empathy.

“Oh. Okay,” Orly said, unable to hide how uncomfortable it made her that these men knew how vulnerable she’d been just a few hours ago. Luke obviously trusted them and logically, she knew they weren’t Russell. But there was no way she could be sure one of them wouldn’t turn on her the way Russell had. She quietly dug into her food, not sure what else to say. While they hadn’t said anything mean, the energy in the room definitely shifted after she’d walked in and Orly wasn’t sure what to say or do about it.

“We need to stop this guy,” Caden said. “He’s obviously getting more creative, and if he’s able to hurt you like that, there’s no telling what he’ll do next.”

Orly didn’t know what to say to that either. If she could’ve stopped him, she would’ve. The guy was a psycho, but she knew absolutely nothing about him. “I wish there was a way,” she said. “But I don't know his name, age, appearance - nothing. All I know is that he’s a guy who takes pleasure in killing people.”

“How does he find them? Or rather, how does he decide who he’s going to kill?” Garrett asked.

Orly shrugged. “I have no idea.” She felt even worse now for not telling them the whole story. “There’s something I kind of left out when I told you about him.” She picked at her food and kept her gaze on her plate as she spoke.

“What?” Luke asked. The other two men also waited for her to continue.

Orly kept her gaze on her plate, anticipating a flurry of anger and confusion. ”He tracked me to Roanoke.”

“What?!” Luke bellowed, then let out a loud breath as if to steady himself.