Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Truth

A flash of stray lightning streaks across the room, bathing Jude's face in stark white light.

Jude's face is frozen in shock. "What…was that?"

Grayson's blood runs cold. "Were you listening to my conversation?"

"I wasn't…trying to. It just happened. Who was that?" Jude's voice is quiet.

"Forget it. It was a prank call, that's it."

"It didn't sound like a prank call."

Jude steps towards Grayson hesitantly, his eyebrows knitting together in concern.

"Jude—" Grayson steps back instinctively, holding his phone behind his back.

"You're scared. What's going on?"

"Nothing. I don't want you to worry about it, okay?"

"I just…I want the truth. Are you in danger?"

Grayson rubs his eyes. How is this all falling apart so fast?

"No."

The air around them feels charged, rain pelting the roof above them rapidly.

"Then what was that? And why did it sound like you were talking about me?"

This was a first for Grayson. In a lot of ways.

"This isn't how I wanted to tell you."