Demolition Before the Bloom

A photograph.
Me.
Leaving the grocery store that afternoon.
Underneath was a message.

YOU SHOULD HAVE LET HIM DIE.

Five minutes later, another message arrived.

This one contained an address.

An abandoned warehouse near the river.

And a promise.

COME ALONE IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO GABRIEL.

Julian stared at the screen.

Then at me.

Neither of us continue reading …