Chapter 13: Countdown

Jason slammed his wine glass down, making the table shake.

"Screw that. If he threatens me, I’ll handle it."

He snatched his phone, thumbs flying as he started typing. Suddenly, he froze, glancing from his phone to me, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

"What’s wrong?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

His stare made my skin crawl. Had he figured something out? Had our mystery man told him too much?

Before he could answer, I reached for his phone, trying to play it cool.

Jason dodged, stepping back. In a flash, he grabbed my wrist, knuckles tight, breath ragged.

"Caleb, you hiding something from me?"

My heart pounded, panic spiking. Was the plan falling apart?

But it didn’t matter—the drug would take effect soon. He’d be dead soon enough.

I clenched my fists, ready for anything.

But then Jason said, voice slurred but determined:

"Caleb, you planning to let me kill that guy myself? I’m telling you, we have to do this together. Don’t think you can get away clean."

I let out a shaky breath. Should’ve known—his head was too full of booze and paranoia to put it together.

"What are you talking about? Of course we’ll do it together."

"Fine!"

He stomped over, shoved his phone at me. "This okay?"

I glanced at the screen, barely reading it, and nodded.

"I’m gonna take a leak. Wait for his reply."

I grabbed the wine bottle, took a big swig as I walked down the hall, nerves jangling.

Ten minutes later, Jason staggered down the stairs, face flushed, words slurring.

"Man, I’m hammered. That guy says to meet him tomorrow afternoon."

Right then, my phone buzzed. Same blocked number:

[Before tomorrow afternoon, make your own decision:]

My phone buzzed again. One more message: [Tick tock, Caleb. Only one of you gets out alive.]

The night outside pressed in, thick as guilt.