Insane - Who Are You To Judge? (Gripping Psychological Thriller)

Chapter 70 - Avery

I haven't been able to get hold of Him all day, but I don't worry about it too much. I may have fallen into a relationship, but I refuse to become the overbearing girlfriend.

I get home at eleven minutes past five and I have a present waiting for me. When I was first receiving these letters, my heart would skip a beat every time I saw them. However, now they have become a normality for me. When they finally stop, I think I might miss them.

Hickory dickory dock
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck one
The mouse never came down
Hickory dickory dock

Remember?

I frown as I stare down at the piece of paper. I know that rhyme. I mean, of course I know it – every child who grew up in England knows that rhyme. But there's something about it that is eating away at my mind. It wasn't just a nursery rhyme. There was more to it.

"But what the hell is it?" I mutter to myself.

I shriek as my heart leaps from my chest at the bang on my window. I spin myself into its direction to find Julian with his hands slammed against the glass, pressing a document up against it. There is a fire alight in his eyes. One I haven't seen in a very long time. Not since I sent that email.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, you stupid bitch?" he spits at the window.

I don't reply and I don't come any closer. Squinting my eyes, I just about make out the words in bold writing at the top of the document reading restraining order.

Curling up his lips and baring his teeth, he bellows, "Is this some kind of a joke to you? You think this is funny? You really must be more stupid that I thought you were." As the time goes by and I am still frozen in place, I see the fire roar louder. "I've been out of jail for less than six months. You know that means if I have any run-ins with the police I'm reassessed and might have to fucking go back. Saying I'm stalking you? What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

After taking in all the oxygen my lungs will allow, I hold my head high and say in the most confident tone I can muster, "I did warn you. I told you if you came in again I would report you."

I think that my speaking will calm him down. It doesn't.

He sucks in air and his nostrils flare. "Oh you're going down, you little bitch. I'm done playing games, I'm taking you down. You see this face?" He presses his nose up to the glass and his breath fogs it up. His eyes are wide, he's panting like a beast. I fear the glass between us won't protect me. "This is the face of the man who puts you behind bars. And I'd watch out for your little boyfriend. I'll take pleasure in seeing him pay for your crimes as well."

Julian stares at me through the window for a few more seconds. I don't want to look at him, but I can't tear my eyes away from his. The look in his eye doesn't seem angry – it seems monstrous.

After banging both fists on the glass again, making me jump out of my skin, he slowly backs away from the window, not taking his twitching eyes off me until he is out of sight. Even though he is gone, I still feel him here.

I gasp for air. I only just realise that I was holding my breath.

I knew that was coming – I knew that was how he'd react. I was prepared. Still, it's made my hands shake uncontrollably, it takes all my strength to force them to stop. My legs won't remove.

Now I have to protect Him from two people. I've put Him in so much danger, I can't do it anymore. He deserves to know.