Selena
I chuckled to myself as I left my boss’s office. The check with all that lovely overtime I’d endured the last two weeks felt awesome in my hands. So good that I wasn’t even bothered by the side-eye Joe had given me for having to cut a check. It was big enough to fund my first ever vacation, which I still wasn’t sure I’d take. I walked out to the restaurant area with a smile on my face and realized it was my first genuine smile in nearly a week.
Even if I didn’t go through with the vacation, I made a silent vow to enjoy at least two days off. As I neared the bar, I finger waved to Charlene. She held up a finger, gesturing for me to wait.
“Are you going to the beach?” she asked, but her eyes held too much concern for such a casual question.
I shrugged. This part of the East Coast had several little beach towns, including Ocean City and Atlantic City. And Charlene had suggested that Maryland’s and Delaware’s beaches were nicer than New Jersey’s.
“I’m still not sure. Honestly, I’ll probably just sleep in, eat junk food, and lounge around.”
Charlene nodded absentmindedly. I watched as she turned away to retrieve a bottle of pinot noir from the fridge. Her posture was rigid, and she kept shaking her head as she poured two glasses, then dropped off the drinks in front of a couple sitting at the bar. She walked back to me in a slow, measured gait, seemingly bracing herself. Whatever Char was about to tell me was going to truly suck. I took a deep breath, figuring I should be braced too.
“This guy came in looking for you earlier. He asked if you were coming in tonight. I asked him why, and he said he really enjoyed your company when he was here the other night, and he wanted to get your number.” She stepped closer and lowered her voice. “The thing is, his eyes were hard and a little angry. He didn’t look like a man vying for a date. And they were trying to be inconspicuous, but he had two other people with him. I don’t like judging people, but the burly man with him looked like a murderer.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him I wasn’t sure of your schedule. Tiff, they gave me odd vibes.”
I nodded and touched her hand. I wasn’t sure if it was meant to comfort her or me. “What did the one asking questions look like?”
“Cute, but mean looking.”
“Hazel eyes, scar on his chin, perfect teeth except for a chipped one on the bottom row?” She thought for a second, then nodded. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. “When were they here?”
“One…two hours ago.” Char straightened and nailed me with her no-nonsense stare. “I know we haven’t been friends long, Tiffany, but this doesn’t feel right. And I don’t know why, but I’m scared for you. You would tell me if you were in trouble, wouldn’t you?” she asked hopefully, eyes pleading and pained.
“I would if I could. But as far as I know, I’m not in trouble.”
That first part was true. The problem was I could not tell her or anyone else the sordid details of my life. And based on her description of the Hispanic man looking for me, I was most definitely in trouble.
Char’s jaw worked as if she was mulling over what to say next. “Be careful, hon.”
I nodded and squeezed Char’s hand before I headed to the door.
“See you soon,” she called at my back.
I waved but didn’t answer. She would not see me again.
Under the guise of checking my phone, I lingered at the door to survey my surroundings. The parking lot of the large open-air mall was massive and full. Seeing nothing suspicious, I casually walked out, internally cursing myself for passing up all those parking spots close to the bar, opting to park closest to the bookstore instead. Book Lovers Haven was seven stores down from my job. My car was parked at the opposite end of the lot from where I stood. I’d planned to start my vacation with a little self-care by spending an hour searching for a few books. At the time, I thought the walk would be relaxing.
Stupid. That crappy decision might be the final nail in my coffin.
I walked along the sidewalk, hoping the people going in and out of stores would provide cover. Standing at the crosswalk, I looked left, then right, and immediately spotted my pursuers in a loose huddle several yards away. Their backs were to me, but I recognized the dark blue fatigue uniforms. And, joy of all joys, a fourth person in plain clothes was with them. Now it was a party.
Luckily, they hadn’t seen me yet. The Hispanic man with the pretty eyes Charlene mentioned was a wolf shifter, and he would certainly remember me. I snapped my scent-cloaking spell into place and walked with my head held high, weaving through parking lot aisles as if I were looking for my car.
I was almost to the middle of the huge lot when I walked straight into a wall of…absolutely nothing. Nonchalantly, I switched directions, moving a little slower so I wouldn’t hit the next wall of magic my pursuers erected.
Running was off the table unless I wanted to knock myself out and assist in my own kidnapping. I kept walking, hoping to get to the end so I could—I didn’t know. Run like hell and try to get to my car? Scream for help? Seduce some man for a ride? Fight again?
Subconsciously, my hand went to my side. Maybe fighting wasn’t the best idea.
I could feel their eyes on me. I chanced a glance to find that someone had split away from the group, but I couldn’t tell who. My guess was they’d been tasked with retrieving the getaway car the team would use to whisk me away.
Another wall of magic dropped in front of me, forcing me to change direction again.
Well, shit. They were herding me.
Fight it is.