Methy Barrett...

I didn't think that I'd ever use Thomas's burner phone. He had plenty of them; I wonder why.

Thankfully, he left one behind, and I used it to call Dr Brooke. It's going to be difficult to buy a new phone this month, considering I am hardly left with any extra money.

Fuck you, Elijah Hawthorne!

Dr Brooke answered my call after three rings.

"Hello?"

I told her what happened.

"Ohh, Methy... That's so sad. I can't believe that Elijah really behaved like this."

"He did. He is not someone I can handle. I am sorry... I think you should look for someone else."

"Methy, I understand... I'll talk to his mother. I am sorry for whatever happened."

She sounded genuinely upset.

"I think it's not just about accusations. His wife's death has shaken him from the inside."

"I won't know if he doesn't let me consult him. But it's not going to happen. He was extremely rude when he was here. I am sorry."

I can't do this.

That day he broke my phone; tomorrow it will be my face.

"As you say."

She finished the call.

I should have been happy that I am finally free from the stress, but I lost a good opportunity to earn well.

This was a big client.

Damn, money really fucks up.

I think I need to go out and clear my mind.

For the last few days, I haven't consulted anyone; apparently, people are not comfortable travelling away from the city for sessions. I think after some time I would have to go to the hospital and work in those closed cabins. I hate it.

I really need to take my mind off it. Maybe this town has some good clubs. It should.

I grabbed my coat and slid it on over the halter top I was wearing. It's a little cold out tonight. I should grab some beer or maybe vodka. I'll decide when I get there.

I walked down two blocks, and Google Maps was right; there is a club here. Small, but still works for me.

I entered, and the red lights almost blinded my vision. It's Wednesday night, so it's not crowded. Thank god!

I sat on the stool at the bar and grabbed the menu. Well, I came here to release stress, but I guess it's going to fuel it because drinks are too expensive here. It's surprising considering the location and size of the club. Is this neighbourhood so rich? Have I done my research properly?

It looked like I was taking too much time to order because the bartender stood in front of me.

"Give me a minute."

I looked up to answer, but to my surprise, he placed a very fancy drink in front of me.

"Excuse me, I haven't ordered yet."

"This is on the gentleman sitting at the corner table."

He replied and went back to his work.

I turned my head, squinted, and narrowed my eyes to recognise the face that was hidden in dark, blood-coloured light.

He got up and stepped towards me, revealing his face.

My eyebrow rose when I saw Elijah Hawthorne.

How did he know that I was here? Was he following me?

I don't see any reason.

He took a chair beside me, and I turned to my drink.

"Reason for this generosity?"

"It's an apology for the other day..."

The music is too loud; I can't judge his tone properly.

"I acted impulsively..."

And crazy!

But I wasn't expecting him to apologise. He has no reason to.

Or maybe he does!

"It's too loud here; can we talk outside?"

He insisted.

"After you finish your drink, of course."

I wanted to slap the drink on his face and walk out, but I needed the drink, and I was curious to know what he had to say.

After drinks, we walked out, and I realised it was so stupid on my part to accept his drink. He could have spiked it. He could kill me tonight, and no one would know. Murder cases are too common in America.

"I hope you didn't spike my drink."

I blurted out when he opened the door for me to exist.

That charming smirk played on his lips.

"Isn't it too late to confirm that..."

I walked ahead of him.

"I didn't, because I don't think you have any reason to... I am of no use to you unless you are a serial killer."

"Serial killers don't meet their prey in open clubs."

He was quick to answer.

Right, but how does he know that?

"And you are wrong. You are very useful to me."

He led me towards the parking lot, and I followed, which I shouldn't have done.

I have no reason to trust this man.

"Should have thought about it before breaking my phone."

And acting like a jerk. I left that part for myself because it doesn't sound professional.

"Anyways, you apologised for that, so what's now?"

We stopped by the black Mercedes.

"I want you to help me."

"You don't!"

I placed my hands in my pockets, regretting that I skipped hand gloves.

"I do. I accept that I acted inappropriately that day, and I am sorry... This topic is really complicated for me."

He leaned against the car door. His jacket is missing. He is in black shirt with rolled-up sleeves and black pants. His raven-black hair is swinging in the wild wind.

Is he not feeling cold?

His face had an undefined sadness, and his amber eyes looked into my blue ones with something compelling. He looked broken. Almost!

I can understand that this topic is complicated for him. His wife died, and he was accused of it. Even with no proof against him, he is still suspicious in people's eyes. He can't even mourn freely.

But I shouldn't be so sure; I don't know the reality.

He opened the car door for me.

"I'll drop you home."

"Thanks, but I can walk; it's not far."

Why is he so different tonight? Opening doors for me, buying drinks and acting polite. That day he was opposite.

"You look cold... Please"

He is right; I am damn cold, and I want to slide into my bed as soon as possible.

I got into his car, and the warmth hit me; his car is so warm.

"Dr Brooke told me how important you are, and only you can help me."

He sat in the driver's seat.

"I want you to consult me... I will pay you double."

Wow, that's going to solve a lot of problems, and the offer is tempting, but it's still dangerous.

"You lose control when someone asks about your wife. In our sessions, we will talk mostly about her... Are you sure you want me to do it?"

"It means you are considering it!"

His eyes glowed.

He is excellent at reading between the lines.

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't say no either..."

He pulled out something from his pocket.

"I will cooperate with you..."

He handed me a brand-new phone.

Great! I don't have to buy a new one now. I took the phone without question because he owed me one.

"Why me?"

He can hire anyone from the world.

The car stopped, and I realised that we were in front of my house. Ohh! He is too smooth at driving, or maybe it's his Mercedes.

"Because Dr Brooke said."

"I won't lie in reports, Mr Elijah..."

I opened the door and got out.

"You won't lie."

His eyes held something mischievous.

"Thanks for not spiking my drink."

I closed the door and walked towards my house.

His car was still standing there, watching me go inside. Was he waiting for me to go inside safely?

I did and watched him from the window; he drove away. Very thoughtful of him.

My first impression was wrong about him. Does a man like him really kill anyone? His own wife?

I guess we will see!