Rory couldn't shake off the feeling that Julian was hiding something from her. She had tried to brush it off as mere paranoia, but the more she thought about it, the more she became convinced that there was something more to Julian's story.
As she walked back to her apartment, Rory's mind was racing with questions. Who was Julian Blackwood, really? What did he know about the disappearances? And what was his connection to the mysterious message she had found?
Rory's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing. She answered it to find her best friend, Sarah, on the other end.
"Hey, girl!" Sarah exclaimed. "How's it going?"
Rory filled Sarah in on her encounter with Julian, leaving out no details. Sarah listened intently, asking questions and making supportive noises.
"I don't know what to make of him," Rory admitted. "He seems really nice, but I get the feeling that he's hiding something."
"Well, maybe he is," Sarah said. "But maybe he's not. Maybe he's just a really private person."
Rory sighed. "I don't know, Sarah. I just have a feeling about him."
Sarah laughed. "You and your feelings," she teased. "You're always getting these vibes about people. Sometimes they're right, and sometimes they're wrong."
Rory smiled. "Hey, my vibes are usually right," she protested.
Sarah chuckled. "Okay, okay. But seriously, Rory, be careful around Julian. If you're getting bad vibes from him, maybe it's best to steer clear."
Rory nodded, even though Sarah couldn't see her. "I will, Sarah. Thanks for looking out for me."
The two friends chatted for a few more minutes before saying their goodbyes. Rory hung up the phone and continued on her way home, her mind still racing with thoughts of Julian and the mysterious message.
As she walked, Rory noticed a figure following her. She quickened her pace, but the figure kept pace with her.
Rory's heart was racing as she turned down a side street. The figure followed her, its presence making Rory's skin crawl.
Suddenly, the figure stepped out of the shadows and revealed itself to be Julian.
"What are you doing?" Rory demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.
Julian smiled. "I was just making sure you got home safely," he said.
Rory raised an eyebrow. "You were following me?"
Julian nodded. "I was. I wanted to make sure you were okay."
Rory felt a shiver run down her spine as she looked at Julian. There was something about him that made her feel uneasy, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel drawn to him.
"Thanks," she said finally, trying to sound casual. "But I can take care of myself."
Julian smiled again. "I'm sure you can," he said. "But sometimes it's nice to have someone looking out for you."
Rory felt a flutter in her chest as she looked at Julian. She couldn't help but wonder what his motives were. Was he really just trying to help her, or was there something more to it?
As she stood there, trying to make sense of her feelings, Julian reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
Rory's heart skipped a beat as she felt his touch. It was like a jolt of electricity had run through her body.
"Thanks," she said again, trying to sound calm.
Julian smiled and dropped his hand. "Anytime," he said.
Rory watched as Julian turned and walked away, feeling a mix of emotions. She was confused, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel drawn to Julian.
As she stood there, trying to make sense of her feelings, Rory realized that she had more questions than answers. Who was Julian Blackwood, really? What did he want from her? And what was his connection to the mysterious message she had found?
Rory's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing. She answered it to find an unknown number on the screen.
"Hello?" she said, trying to sound cautious.
"Rory, it's Julian," the voice on the other end said. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Rory's heart skipped a beat as she heard Julian's voice. "No, you're not disturbing me," she said, trying to sound calm.
"Good," Julian said. "I was wondering if you'd like to meet up with me tomorrow. I have some information that might be helpful to your investigation."
Rory's curiosity was piqued. What information could Julian possibly have?
"Okay," she said finally. "I'd love to meet up with you."
"Great," Julian said.