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A man sitting across from her, his eyes fixed squarely on her.
Claire looked away, telling herself not to overthink it. Maybe he was lost in thought. Maybe he wasn’t even looking at her at all. But every time she dared another glance, his eyes were there, steady and unblinking.
The unease in her chest grew heavier with every passing minute.
When the announcement for the next stop came, she made a snap decision. Though it wasn’t her station, she would get off early. Something in her gut told her it was safer that way.
She gathered her belongings quickly, almost too quickly, as if the man would notice her sudden urgency. Rising to her feet, she moved toward the doors. Just before stepping off, instinct made her glance back.
Her pulse quickened as the doors closed behind her. The train pulled away, carrying him into the distance. She exhaled, a shaky breath of both relief and confusion. What had just happened? Was she imagining danger where none existed?
But fate had other plans.
“Yes,” Claire answered, startled by the intensity in his tone. “Why?”
Mark didn’t hesitate. “Go back to the station—right now! You need to go back!”
There was a pause, and when Mark spoke again, his voice was softer, but filled with certainty. “You’re safe now. But someone was watching you. Someone who’s been following you. Someone… familiar.”
Claire’s breath caught. Her mind replayed the man’s gaze, the way it had pinned her in place. “How do you know that?” she whispered. “How could you possibly know?”
Somehow, Mark had felt her fear from miles away. Somehow, he had known she wasn’t alone on that train.