I have to make it all stop before I’m driven mad. I’m determined to fit the pieces back to together.

So, in an attempt to correct the damage and get my life back, I decide to return to work. I make a hair appointment with Lyric to get my roots touched up, buy a whole new wardrobe, then place a call to Lenora.

“I thought you were dead,” she says, voice laced with bitterness. Which completely contradicts her statement, in my opinion.

I internally scold myself for caring what a client thinks, and clear my throat. “Lenora, listen to me. There were extenuating circumstances, I assure you, but I never not complete a job. I’m on this.”

“I don’t know, Lucy. I’m wondering if it’s been postponed for a reason. Maybe I should handle my husband some other way.”

She can’t back out. I need to finish this job. Desperate, I reach for how Blakely Vaughn would handle this conversation. “I absolutely understand, Lenora. Since there are no refunds, then this will conclude our business together.”

“Wait—”

Money always gets the proper attention and respect. I rummage through my bag and dig out my black notebook and pen. As Lenora stresses her new concerns, I reassure her there will be no mistakes. I ask about Ericson’s recent activities and take notes.

“It’s happening this week,” I say, and end the call.

A sense of calm settles over me like a warm blanket, that comfort of familiarity.

I need my normal back. I need to find myself again. And if the only way I can see that through is by punishing Ericson Daverns, then so be it.

After the job is done, the past month will start to blur from my memory, and Alex Chambers will only exist in a dark pocket of my mind.

* * *

Staging the scheme has put me back in my element, like sliding into a favorite little black dress. The fit is perfect. The single-minded focus on my target has been the distraction my mind has needed.

For the most part, I kept the plan simple. Any busy establishment is always in search of employees. So I started with the temp hiring services. After confirming Ericson’s firm was seeking a few different positions, I created an email from my very own temp agency and sent over several resumés.

Avery Laurence was hired two days ago as an office assistant. She has all the right skills, and works on the thirteenth floor. Not in the same department as Ericson, but close enough to his offices to observe.

Day one: I scoped out Ericson’s routine. Made any adjustments to his schedule, then followed him to his newest watering hole. According to Lenora, recent credit card charges show Ericson attends happy hour at The Sage House, a swank cocktail lounge tucked into a corner of trendy Tribeca, and Ericson confirmed this.