Part 2The Mind Reader's Trap

Run! Call the police!

This was the first thought flashed in my mind.

But I can't.

No surveillance at home, no substantial conflict between us, acting rashly, what to say when police come?

They will only think I'm mentally ill.

Startling the snake, this wolf Julian who looks simple but is actually vicious, will only hide deeper, use more covert means to deal with me and my family.

Must be calm.

I forced a smile, pointed to the jam he brought: "Julian, you are so thoughtful. Had dinner? How about eating here, I'll cook something for you."

Julian immediately put down the cup, eyes lit up, smile more "sincere".

"How can I accept that, too much trouble for you Sarah!"

[Eat, of course eat. Just right to add the stuff I brought. This is Death Cap Mushroom powder gathered from mountains in my village, ground into powder, colorless and tasteless, internal organs fail within three hours after eating, even gods can't save. Police will only identify as food poisoning, accidental death.]

My heart sank to the bottom.

He even brought the murder weapon!

I glanced at that bulging cloth bag, seemingly rustic local specialties, actually my death warrant.

"Not trouble, not trouble at all." I stood up, tried to make my voice sound normal, "What do you want to eat? Let me see what's in the fridge."

I need an excuse, an excuse to leave his sight and seek help from outside.

"Sister, I love whatever you make." Julian rubbed his hands, face full of expectation, "Right Sarah, the dried bamboo shoots I brought make the freshest soup, how about stewing a pork rib bamboo shoot soup tonight?"

The dagger is revealed.

My heart beat wildly, but face smiled: "Okay, good idea. But..."

I frowned pretending to be distressed: "Such a coincidence, I ate seafood two days ago and had some allergy, doctor said diet should be light these days, meat soup temporarily can't drink."

A trace of imperceptible disappointment flashed on Julian's face.

[Pity, originally a pot of soup could solve. But it doesn't matter, she always has to drink water.]

I pretended not to see, walking towards kitchen while saying: "It's okay, I make for you. I'm happy watching you eat. Let me wash rice first."

Kitchen and living room are semi-open, he can see my every move. Can't call, can't text, any abnormal move might arouse his suspicion.

Back to him, brain spinning fast.

I need a helper, a helper who can immediately understand my situation, and is tough enough, plays cards not according to common sense.

Police won't work, friends are mostly ordinary white-collars like me...

Suddenly, a name jumped out of my mind - my cousin, Vinny.

My cousin is a "tough guy", mixed in streets early years, now opened a Private Security Firm, keeping a bunch of brothers, specialized in handling some "hard to handle" troubles.

Although he looks unreliable, we grew up together, treats me better than real brother.

Only he can use unconventional means to deal with this unconventional demon in front of me.