Chapter 11

While waiting for any updates, Dexter sat at the desk, his knuckles unconsciously tapping against the surface. The ashtray beside him was already full of half-smoked cigarettes, the stench of tobacco clinging to the air. Suddenly, his phone rang. The name "Regina" lit up on the screen. "What do you want?" he answered, his voice cold as steel. A velvety voice came through the line. "Dexter, my stitches are hurting again… I really wish I could see you." "See a doctor if you're in pain. Don't call me again. My patience is running thin." Without waiting for a reply, Dexter hung up. The chill from the metal phone lingered in his palm, leaving behind a shallow indentation. Only then did it hit him. A spike of panic jolted through his chest. With hands trembling, he pulled up Laura's contact and hit the call button. However, a robotic voice cut through the silence. "The number you have dialed is currently unavailable." He called again and again—seven, maybe eight times but the screen