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GIRLS NIGHT OUT

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"So, who are you going out with tonight?" Nick asked, leaning back on the sofa and casually draping an arm over the back.

"Uh, Aria from work," Sophie answered over her shoulder before focusing on the round mirror on the coffee table as she applied lipstick. "Oh, and I invited Winter too."

Nick raised an eyebrow. "That was fast."

Sophie shrugged. "I feel bad about us growing apart."

Nick shot her a knowing look. "Is that really why? Or are you inviting her to dig info on Kai?"

Sophie's brush froze mid-air, and she turned to face him. "Can't it be both?"

Nick rolled his eyes, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "Right."

Micah appeared from his room, dressed in his pajamas and ready for his movie night with his uncle.

"Hey, dude." Nick grabbed the remote, holding it out to him. "Why don't you pick a movie for us?"

Micah opened his mouth to respond, but before he could speak, both his mom and uncle cut him off in unison. "Not Inside Out ."

Micah's shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Sorry, buddy," Nick forced his lips into a tight line. "If I hear Joy's insufferable voice one more time, I might lose it."

"Same," Sophie chimed in, nodding in agreement.

Micah rolled his eyes dramatically. "You guys are no fun." He stomped over to snatch the remote from Nick's hand.

As Micah scrolled through the movie options, Sophie stood up and headed to the bathroom to check her reflection in the mirror. After a moment, she walked to her bedroom, grabbed a pair of heels, and returned to the living room to slip them on.

"Alright, guys, I'm heading out," she announced, making her way toward Micah. She bent down to place a gentle kiss on top of his head. "Love you. Be good, okay?"

"Love you," Micah mumbled, his eyes glued to the TV as he finally picked a movie.

"Bye," she waved, grabbing her purse from the table near the door.

Nick leaned back. "Don't do anything I would do!"

Sophie rolled her eyes, waving him off as she opened the door. "Yeah, yeah,"

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Sophie took a deep breath, tugging at the hem of her sleek black dress to smooth it out one last time before stepping into the bar. Her eyes scanned the crowd until she spotted Winter and Aria nestled by the bar, leaning close, caught up in animated conversation. Sophie couldn't help the grin spreading across her face as she made her way over.

As soon as Aria caught sight of her, she lit up, hopping off her barstool with a wide smile. "You made it!"

"Sorry I'm late," Sophie said, letting out a little sigh as she settled into the seat beside them. "I had to wait for Nick to get off work."

Winter turned to face Sophie. "How is Nicky?"

"He's good—actually, he's officially a paralegal now."

Aria leaned forward, grinning dreamily, her eyes a bit glassy from a few drinks. "I have the biggest crush on him,"

Sophie let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Honey, he is so gay," she replied, unable to keep the amusement out of her voice.

Winter's eyebrows shot up as she looked at Aria. "I thought I got a little gay vibe from you too."

Aria shrugged. "I go both ways."

Amused, Sophie muttered with a smirk, "I need a drink."

Winter lifted a hand to the bartender as Sophie started to get up. "Sit down—I got you."

"Thanks, Winnie,"

The bartender made his way over, giving Winter a nod. She turned to Sophie, tilting her head thoughtfully. "Vodka tonic?"

Sophie nodded with a grin. "Yep, you know me well." Within seconds, the bartender had mixed her drink and slid it across the bar. Sophie took a sip as she joined Winter and Aria in an easy, laughter-filled conversation.

Time slipped by, and Sophie was already feeling the cozy warmth of the vodka in her veins when she set her empty glass down. Just then, Aria's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned in. "Shots?" she proposed as she looked between Winter and Sophie.

Sophie, already feeling a buzz, raised her eyebrows at Winter. "Should we?"

Winter gave her a look of mock outrage, feigning disbelief that Sophie would even ask. "Of course."

Sophie turned back to Aria. "Alright, fuck it."

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An hour later, and three shots deep, Sophie and Winter found themselves at a small, cozy table, leaning close to each other as they laughed. At some point, Aria had wandered off, leaving them alone together, and now the space between them felt both comfortable and intimate.

Their laughter gradually faded, replaced by a warmth that lingered in Winter's gaze. "I really missed you,"

Sophie pouted, putting on a playful frown but feeling the depth of it too. "I really missed you too, Winnie,"

Winter's eyes stayed on her, unfiltered by any pretense, the alcohol loosening her usual restraint. "What the fuck happened between us?" Her tone was raw, a mixture of hurt and confusion seeping through.

Sophie's chest tightened; she'd known this was coming but had tried to avoid it anyway. She looked down, picking at the edge of a napkin, her fingers moving restlessly. "You left for school," she began, shrugging lightly as if to brush off the weight of what she was saying. "So, I did the same. I guess we just... moved on."

Winter let out a slow breath, her nod carrying the slightest trace of frustration. "Sure, we were apart, but you could've still called." Her gaze searched Sophie's face, as if looking for an answer she'd been wondering about for a long time.

"I know. I'm sorry... I was just going through a lot of shit," Sophie said, her voice trailing off.

Winter blinked, her voice turning serious. "You mean Micah."

Sophie froze, her gaze shifting slowly to meet Winter's. Even after seven years, Winter could still see right through her. They used to be inseparable—best friends, partners in crime. She regretted letting that connection drift.

Winter leaned in. "I'm not stupid, Sophie. You were fucking my brother back then, and Micah... he looks just like him."

Sophie opened her mouth, but no words came. She hadn't planned on either of them reappearing in her life. "Please don't tell him," she finally managed to whisper.

"He deserves to know."

"I..." Sophie shook her head, searching for the right words. "I want to, I do. But it's not just about me."

"I get that," Winter nodded. "But he has a whole family that didn't even know he existed."

Sophie closed her eyes, feeling the guilt heavily in her stomach. "I know."

Winter's voice softened. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Sophie scoffed, turning back to face her. "Because you would've run straight to him."

After a pause, Winter admitted, "Of course I would have."

"Exactly."

"Phi, this isn't just anything. That's his kid. My nephew. And you kept him from us."

Sophie's voice caught as her emotions spilled over. "I was nineteen, Winter. My heart was shattered, and not only did he leave—so did you. I don't blame either of you and if I could go back, I would change things in a heartbeat. But I can't."

Winter held her gaze for a long, silent moment, her eyes searching Sophie's face as if trying to piece together everything she'd missed. Gradually, the sharpness in her expression melted away. "I'm just... sorry you had to go through it alone,"

"I had my mom for a while, at least. And Nicky loves him to pieces, so I wasn't totally alone."

Winter's shoulders slumped. "What happened to Didi?"

Sophie's smile was tinged with sadness. "Cancer. That's why I moved home—to take care of her. She was already too far gone, and... she left me and Nicky the house, so here we are."

Winter listened with a look of empathy that said more than she could express. "I'm so sorry, Sophie."

Sophie waved it off. "It's okay." Her eyes drifted to the dance floor.

A silence filled the space between them before she looked to Winter again. "I'll tell him soon... I just need a little bit before I do."

Winter nodded. "Okay."

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The three women stepped out into the chilly parking lot. Winter, planning to give Aria a ride home, turned to Sophie. "Need a ride?"

Sophie's eyes flicked over to the guy she'd met earlier, waiting by his car, then back to Winter. "My, uh, 'plans' are that way."

Winter smirked, following Sophie's gaze. "Share your location with me so you don't get murdered."

Sophie rolled her eyes with a grin. "Yes, Mom," she teased but still pulled out her phone to send her location. She quickly hugged Aria, who was shivering in her little dress, then turned to Winter, pulling her in for a one too.

"Let me know when you both get home, okay?"

They nodded in unison.

"Have fun," Aria added with a playful wink, while Winter waved, already heading toward her car.

Sophie turned toward the tall figure waiting by his car, racking her brain for the name he'd given her earlier. Approaching him with a casual smile, she ventured, "Zach, right?"

He chuckled, tilting his head. "Already forgot?"

"It's been a long night," she replied with a shrug.

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk on his lips. "Your place or mine?"

"Yours," she answered, meeting his gaze.

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The moment they stepped through his front door, they tangled together, hands and lips moving eagerly. Sophie was quietly grateful he lived close by—no need for an Uber when she was ready to leave. His hands roamed her body, pulling her dress up as their mouths met in a sloppy, drunken rhythm.

Zach's grip on her waist guided her backward until his knees hit the edge of the couch, and he fell back onto it with her hovering over him. She settled herself onto his lap, fingers threading through his hair as she ground against him.

His hands slid from her hips to her ass, exploring her curves until a chime broke through the haze, and she pulled back, reaching for her phone tucked inside her bra.

Zach raised an eyebrow, catching his breath. "Need to get that?"

She glanced down, checking in case it was her brother, but instead, she saw a message from an unknown number. The same unknown number. Her stomach dropped as she read it.

You fuck him, I kill him :)

Her eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of an open window and spotting several. Steeling herself, she quickly blocked the number and tossed her phone aside, then turned back to Zach, determined to brush it off as she pressed her lips to his.

She wasn't about to let some random stalker spoil her night—though, admittedly, that might've been the alcohol talking.

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When Zach was sound asleep, Sophie slipped quietly out from under the covers, scanning the floor until she spotted her dress. She pulled it on, then tiptoed into the living room to grab her phone and bag, putting on her shoes before easing open the door.

Outside, the sky was still dark, and a chilly breeze swept over her, making her wish she'd brought a jacket. She glanced at her phone—it was just past 4 a.m. Shivering, she wrapped her arms around herself and took in the street signs, mapping out the route home in her head.

Her heels clicked against the pavement as the occasional car passed by. With each step, a nagging feeling crept over her, as if someone were watching. She paused, glancing over her shoulder, but all she saw was the empty street. Shaking off the unease, she quickened her pace.

When she finally reached home, she fumbled for her keys, unlocked the door, and stepped inside before relocking it securely behind her. She tossed her keys and purse aside, kicking off her shoes before she peeked into Micah's room, finding him sprawled out and sound asleep in his bed. Turning toward her brother's old room, she saw Nick passed out as well.

A small smile crept onto Sophie's lips at the sight before she shuffled into her room, too tired to change, and slipped under the covers, grateful for the warmth that wrapped around her.

Sleep came quickly, but it didn't last long. What felt like only moments later, she sensed daylight creeping in through the curtains, brightening the room.

"Mom."

Tiny hands gently shook her awake, and her son's voice pulled her from the depths of sleep.

"Mm mm," she mumbled, clenching her eyes shut, too exhausted to respond fully.

"Mama, wake up!"

"Mm." Sophie considered it for a moment before playfully responding, "No."

"Fine. I'll get my uncle then." Micah countered, but before he could leave, she snatched him up, pulling him under the covers and snuggling him close.

Micah burst into laughter, wrapping his little arms around her.

"How was your boys' night?" Sophie asked through a yawn, savoring the warmth of her baby against her.

"We got McDonald's and watched movies until one a.m.," he recalled with a nod.

"One a.m., huh?" Sophie raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. "How do you have all this energy?"

Micah shrugged with a grin. "It comes naturally to me."

Sophie chuckled at his confidence just as her brother peeked his head into the room.

"Hey, Soph, I gotta go. There's breakfast and coffee made."

"I love you," she replied, silently thanking him for his help, especially with her hangover that never seemed to get any easier with age.

"There was a package at the door, so I put it on the table," Nick explained, blowing them both a kiss. "Love you guys, bye!"

"Bye," they both replied in unison.

Micah tossed off the covers, a cheeky grin on his face. "Come on, lazy bones. Up and at 'em!"

Sophie feigned shock, her mouth falling open in mock offense. "That's rude!"

"You say it all the time," he shot back sassily before strutting out of the room.

Sophie shook her head, a smile creeping onto her face as she climbed out of bed. She stepped into the walk-in closet to change out of her dress from the night before, slipping into fresh underwear and a tank top. Once dressed, she headed straight for the coffee pot, filling a mug to the brim.

"What'd you get?" Micah asked, his curiosity piqued from his spot on the couch. Sophie glanced over at the dining table, where a package sat.

"I don't remember ordering anything," she admitted, setting her coffee cup down and walking toward it. She examined the box, noting the lack of a return address. With a quick motion, she ripped off the tape and pulled it open.

She was initially confused, unsure of what she was looking at, but then she noticed the dried blood and what appeared to be a severed penis. Sophie yelped, her hand flying to her mouth as she quickly turned away. "Jesus fucking Christ,"

"What is it?" Micah asked, climbing off the couch.

"No." Sophie raised her hand, signaling him to stay put. "Don't look. Just go to your room for a second, okay?"

"Okay..." Micah replied, his brow furrowing in confusion, but he obeyed and retreated to his room.

Once he was out of sight, Sophie turned her attention back to the box, slowly leaning over it to peek inside again. She definitely wasn't imagining things; it was very, very real.

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One phone call to the police later, they arrived at her door, taking the box as evidence. Sophie informed them about the unsettling texts she had been receiving, but they advised her to wait for the detective to arrive since the case was outside their jurisdiction.

Sophie rose from her seat on the porch as a young man with bleach-blonde hair approached her.

"Sophie Campbell?" he asked as he stepped onto the porch.

"That's me," she replied, nodding.

"Detective Jack Samuels," he introduced, extending his hand.

"Hi, Detective." Sophie took his hand, surprised at how incredibly attractive he was for his job and he couldn't have been much older than her.

"So, you received a disturbing package in the mail that you believe is related to the stalker who's been texting you?" Jack asked, his expression serious.

"Yeah, pretty much," Sophie confirmed, her nerves flaring again.

Jack glanced around the area before focusing on her. "Do you know a Zach Sutton?"

Sophie blinked, trying to recall. "I was with a Zach last night."

"He live a couple blocks from here?"

"Yes."

"Well, we believe he's the owner of the missing... package. We received a call this morning; they found him dead at the scene."

Sophie gasped, her heart sinking. "Are you saying that... that was his?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Jesus fucking Christ." Sophie gaped, feeling like this was some kind of sick joke. "It had to be him, right?"

"Him?" Jack prompted, his brow furrowing.

"The stalker," Sophie clarified, gesturing to her face. "The one with the clown mask."

Jack raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to elaborate.

"In one of the texts, he said he would kill him if I slept with him."

"And you went ahead and did it anyway?" Jack asked, his tone incredulous.

Sophie felt a bit taken aback. "I thought it was just some random loser trying to scare me—not an actual killer."

"Serial killer," Jack corrected her, his expression serious.

"I'm sorry?" Sophie's confusion deepened.

"You haven't been watching the news?"

"I've been avoiding it, yeah," Sophie admitted with a shrug.

Jack's expression turned serious as he continued, "Councilman Chang and his wife were murdered not too long ago, and we believe their deaths, along with your boyfriend's, might be connected."

A pit of dread settled in Sophie's gut. "I just met him," she replied, rolling her eyes. "That doesn't matter. What matters is whether my son and I are safe."

"No need to worry," Jack reassured her, glancing at his watch. "I'll have some officers survey the house, just in case." He backed away, turning toward his car.

"Thanks, I guess,"

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Sophie hadn't slept a wink last night, the persistent thoughts of her killer clown stalker keeping her awake in constant dread. The kind of fear that felt like it was eating her from the inside out. The idea of looking up anything about the recent killings was too much to bear, so she avoided it, knowing it would only fan the flames of her anxiety. Instead, she kept herself busy.

At the sink, Sophie rinsed off dishes, the repetitive motion of loading them into the dishwasher grounding her—one dish, then another, then another. Micah was in his room, absorbed in his video games.

As music played, Sophie couldn't help but hum along, swaying her hips slightly as she worked, singing off-key but with a smile.

Then, the doorbell rang.

The sudden sound jolted Sophie out of her peaceful trance. Her heart slammed against her ribcage, and the dish in her hand nearly slipped from her grasp. She wiped her hands on a dish towel, trying to steady herself, her breath coming faster than normal.

Cautiously, she stepped toward the door, her feet making soft pads against the floor as she moved. She glanced at the peephole, standing on her tiptoes to get a better view. Her breath hitched when she saw who was standing on the other side.

Kai.

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