A man sitting across from her, his eyes fixed squarely on her.
There was nothing outwardly menacing about his face. His expression was calm, almost unreadable. Yet his gaze never shifted, never softened. It was the kind of stare that made your skin prickle, the kind that sets off an instinct deep inside—a quiet voice whispering, Something isn’t right.
The unease in her chest grew heavier with every passing minute.
A Sudden Decision
As the train rattled on, Claire tried to calm her thoughts. Don’t be paranoid, she told herself. But the feeling wouldn’t leave. Her hands gripped her bag tighter.
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.
The man was still watching her.
