Side Chick by Force

Felicity frowned. "I wanna catch them myself. Take that cheating pair down. But you're right—if one of us gets hurt, it's not worth it. So... we're heading home first?"

She actually listened. I finally exhaled. "Yeah. Let's go home."

On the way back, we hit up a PI to tail them and collect proof.

He took the cash and promised full audio and video.

The second we stepped inside, it felt like a weight lifted.

We were away from that cursed hotel. Nothing could go wrong now... right?

I grabbed two giant coffees on the way back and chugged both. Still wasn't enough.

I remembered something about oxygen helping with fatigue, so I ordered two canisters online.

As soon as they showed up, I took a few hits.

Instant clarity.

Felicity was off to the side, glued to her phone. No ranting about Jake or the side chick this time.

I walked over just as she snapped. "The photos came in. That jerk did all this behind my back. I actually felt bad for him—kept sending him money. Turns out he was using it to fund some other chick!"

I peeked at the screen. Just their backs.

I leaned in. "No face shots?"

Felicity tucked her phone away and wiped her eyes. "PI said the angle sucked while tailing them. But once I figure out who she is, she's done."

I frowned. Something still felt... off.

Time had dragged me back here again. Same night. Same beats.

No logic to it.

But I wasn't freaking out this time. The shock had worn off.

"Can you stop talking about killing people?" I muttered. "You're young. They're not worth it."

"You're right," she said. "But that doesn't mean they're getting off easy."

***

Night hit.

I hadn't slept in nearly two days. My brain was on the edge.

Still didn't dare close my eyes. I had to survive the night.

I pinched my thigh, hard.

Felicity scooted over, eyes lit up. "Lydia! The PI just sent more pics! They went into Room 009! Let's go!"

We'd made it this far—maybe this time, nothing would blow up.

And I needed to see who that girl was.

"Let's go."

I followed her out.

Cold wind hit me like a slap as we jumped into the app-booked ride.

Felicity kept replaying the PI's video, looping it nonstop.

The girl's silhouette... weirdly familiar. I leaned in.

Felicity whispered, "Lydia... that back kinda looks like you."

I stared. Yeah, it kinda did. But with how wild she got last time, I wasn't about to feed that fire.

"You're overthinking it. I'm literally right here. No way I'm in two places at once. We'll see who it is when we get there."

I kept her calm, even called the cops—just in case.

Then the driver froze.