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I took some cash from my wallet and a fake driver’s license with the name Nikki Lau and shoved them into an old, tattered wallet. I had paid a lot of money for the ID years ago when I needed a fake identity while searching for ways to get my mom out of prison. After using it only once and almost getting caught, I realized it wasn’t the safest approach.

So why are you using it now?

Intuition and the Chill and Chat with the girls gave me the courage. I supposed this was my way of being a Smart A.S.S. This was a rare opportunity to see what Dr. Messina could offer. I shoved the wallet into the inside pocket of my backpack, pulled on my paint-splattered sneakers, and glanced at myself in the mirror. Poor art student, indeed. I slid my phone into the back pocket of my jeans.

Leaving everything in my office, I went to the front desk and told Willow I was heading out and would return before closing time. I took the bus to the Canal Walk, near Brown University. When I got off, I walked toward the ten-floor brick building with the colorful flags at the front entrance, which faced the Providence River. The Canal Walk was a wonderful route for walkers or joggers. I’d come here often to paint when I was home visiting during the summer. It was a lively area, booming with business and college students from around the world.

I glanced at the metal nameplates to see that Modern Research Group was on the first floor. My phone showed I was still twenty minutes early. I found a bench nearby, sat down,and waited, hoping I’d encounter Joshua and Ana before they entered.

A boat sailed by and caught my attention. I hadn’t seen boats along the Canal Walk except during special events like the WaterFire arts performance that occurred on the weekends. As the boat moved past my sight, I saw the city logo. Maybe these were maintenance people ensuring the water was clear of trash.

A few minutes later, I saw Joshua, Ana, and two other students walking toward the building.

I approached. “Hi! Are you here for the part-time gig?”

Ana looked at me. “Yeah. You?”

“I heard about it, and I’m interested in making some extra money. Art supplies are expensive!” I smiled at Joshua, the redheaded girl, and the athletic boy with brown hair. “Is it too late for me to sign up?”

“How did you hear about it?” Joshua looked at me.

“My friend said she had a meeting with Dr. Messina at Loretta’s Café the other day. She’s traveling so she couldn’t participate. I forgot about it until hours ago.” I frowned. “Don’t tell me I’m too late to sign up.”

Nodding, Joshua flicked a look at Ana. “You can add her to your list. I don’t mind.”

“Thanks!” Ana beamed as she looked at me. “You can be my referral.” She took out her list and added my name.

“Thank you so much!” I said as I entered the building with them.

“Welcome to the team. I’m Stacy.” The redhead smiled. “And this is my friend, Eric.”

“I’m Nikki. So happy to meet all of you. Let’s hope for a fun job that pays well!”

CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

ATTIKUS

I’d never experiencedan orgasm from texting until today. Never knew it could happen, but my wife had revealed an extraordinary hobby I planned on repeating often. I missed her so damn much.

It’s only been a day, idiot.

As I walked into the conference, my phone buzzed. Hoping it was Vanessa, I glanced at the screen.

Though it wasn’t Vanessa, I smiled at the excellent news. My team notified me that Vanessa’s mom would be rescued sooner rather than later. I’d been watching The Women’s Facility closely. This was more than a prison for women. Leo Rossi had been using the prison’s basement to create illegal drugs for The Trogyn. He had paid off the warden and the chief of security. He wasn’t lying to Vanessa when he said he had contacts in the facility.

The facility had scheduled a street cleanup later today, and my team and the boys were all set for the rescue.

Vanessa would be reunited with her mom soon.

CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

VANESSA

After signing in,we entered a room decorated with fancy chairs, couches, tables filled with appetizers, a juice bar, and a dessert display with a frozen yogurt stand. A DJ played music at the far end of the room. This party vibe would entice any college student.

At a glance, the crowd consisted of college students and young professionals. A pretty hostess wearing an elegant black dress approached our group with a tray of fancy glasses. Her name tag read Tiffany.

“Would you like some apple or pineapplejuice?”