'UNFINISHED BUSINESS'
A year had passed since Vince and Keisha's arrest. Gabby had thrown herself into her studies, determined to graduate early and leave the painful memories behind. But fate had other plans.
It was a crisp autumn evening when Gabby's phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number:
"We need to talk. Clock tower. Midnight."
Her blood ran cold. Only one person would choose that meeting spot. Against every instinct, Gabby found herself climbing the worn stone steps as the campus bells tolled midnight.
Vince stood at the top, silhouetted against the moonlight. He looked different - thinner, harder somehow. Prison had left its mark.
"Didn't think you'd come," he said, his voice rough.
Gabby kept her distance, adrenaline thrumming through her veins. "What do you want, Vince?"
He stepped closer, hands raised. "To warn you. Keisha's out too. And she's gunning for you."
Gabby's mind raced. "Why should I believe you?"
"Because despite everything, I never wanted you hurt." Vince's eyes met hers, filled with a desperation she'd never seen before. "I was in deep, G. Deeper than you know. But I'm out now, and I want to make things right."
Part of Gabby wanted to believe him, to fall back into the comfort of their old friendship. But the scar on her abdomen pulsed, a constant reminder of his betrayal.
"If you want to make things right, tell me everything," she demanded.
Vince nodded, pulling out his phone. "I've got proof. Names, dates, the whole operation. It's all here."
As he handed her the phone, their fingers brushed. For a moment, the air crackled with unresolved tension. Then Gabby stepped back, all business.
"I'll need time to verify this," she said, pocketing the device.
Vince nodded. "Be careful, G. Keisha's got eyes everywhere."
As if on cue, a twig snapped in the darkness below. They both froze, eyes scanning the shadows.
"Go," Vince whispered urgently. "I'll distract them."
Gabby hesitated for a split second, then turned and ran. As she descended the tower, she heard Vince's voice raised in argument, followed by the sound of a scuffle.
Heart pounding, she sprinted across campus, not stopping until she reached her dorm. Once inside, she locked the door and sank to the floor, clutching Vince's phone.
With shaking hands, she powered it on. The screen lit up, revealing a home screen she knew all too well - it was her own custom layout. The phone was a replica of the one she'd lost the night she was shot.
A chill ran down Gabby's spine as realization dawned. This wasn't just Vince reaching out. It was a message. A challenge. The game was still on, and the stakes were higher than ever.
As she scrolled through the phone's contents, Gabby's mind raced. Was Vince really trying to help, or was this another elaborate trap? And if Keisha was truly out for revenge, how far would she go to finish what she started?
One thing was clear - the past wasn't done with her yet. Gabby took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She'd survived their first attempt, and she'd grown stronger, smarter. This time, she'd be ready.
The clock on her wall ticked steadily, a reminder that time was running out. Gabby had decisions to make, and fast. Trust Vince and use his information? Go to the police? Or take matters into her own hands once again?
As dawn broke over the campus, Gabby made her choice. She'd play their game, but on her own terms. And this time, she'd make damn sure she came out on top.
