Page 16 of Behind the Shadows

He pulled up a chair, his attention never leaving me.

“I think someone from my past has found me,” I said, my voice shaking. “I can’t say any more than that. I just needed you to know in case … in case anything happens to me.”

His mouth opened like he was about to speak—then the kitchen phone rang, slicing the air between us.

6

KIP

I pulled into the alley behind Velvet Vortex, the neon lights casting a pink glow on my car. Before I climbed out, I slid my contacts over my eyes again, blinking several times until they settled in. My scuffed boots clicked on the concrete as I made my way to the back entrance of the building. As I pushed open the employee door, a blast of loud music greeted me. When Sebastian had offered me a partnership in the club, I didn't hesitate to accept. It was my escape from my troubled past. Plus, I met a lot of hot women and got laid whenever I wanted. It was a good life, and much better than what I’d left behind.

Not too long ago, we’d sunk a shit ton of money into a remodel, but it had been worth every penny. We’d quadrupled business.

Upon entering, a warm and inviting ambiance greeted customers. With a mix of wood and industrial metal elements, we’d put our own stamp on the place. The bar area featured a long, polished wooden counter with a backdrop of exposed brick, lined with a curated selection of craft spirits and local brews. Edison bulbs hung from the ceiling and provided a soft, amber glow, creating an intimate atmosphere.

The restaurant seating included cozy booths upholstered in rich, dark leather, alongside reclaimed wood tables. The walls showcased artwork from local artists, and the few potted plants added a touch of the Portland outdoors we were known for.

I popped my knuckles and blew out a sigh. I’d worked hard to leave unwanted memories in the rearview mirror, but when they’d looked me straight in the goddamn face a few days earlier, I had no choice but to deal with them head-on. Her red hair, blue eyes, and perky nose were unmistakable as she drove like a hellion out of the hospital parking garage. Terror was etched on her expression, and I wondered what she was running from. Regardless, she’d be running from me soon.

“Hey, Kip,” Riley said from the bar over the music she was playing. “The Death of Peace of Mind” by Bad Omens quietly thumped through the speakers.

The restaurant and bar wouldn’t open for a few hours, but we had to set up and make sure the alcohol was properly stocked.

“Hey. Are you okay covering for me soon? I’m waiting to hear from Dope when the next run for the society will be.”

She folded her arms over her chest, staring at me. “You’ve gone the last several times. I want in on the action.”

Riley had joined the Horizon Society not too long ago, and she was always asking to go on more of the missions. Maybe it was time I let her go. It would free me up to do other things, like dig into the mysterious woman’s past.

“If you want to go, I’ll talk to Dope. I’m fine staying behind.”

Her features sparkled as she removed two of the alcohol bottles from the box and put them away on the shelf. She nodded, her long blonde ponytail swinging with her movement.

“That would be nice. I need a change of scenery anyway. Being behind the bar all the time gets old.” She flashed a warm smile at me. “Besides, our work is important and being a part of something bigger than myself keeps me sane.”

Riley had joined the Velvet Vortex team when she was seriously down on her luck. I watched her grow into a strong, young woman who I’d grown to respect as she pieced her life back together. Even though she never shared any details of how she’d landed on the streets, I suspected her shitty ex-boyfriend had something to do with it. Maybe he should be on our hit list. Riley was like a younger sister to me, and if he ever needed to be dealt with, I was game.

“I get it.” She had no idea how much I really did. Helping women and children escape monsters was the only shot I had at redemption. But I wasn’t blind to what I was—I carried the same darkness as the men we hunted. The difference was, I kept mine on a leash. I had lines I would never cross. Protecting kids was one of them. Maybe the only thing that kept me human.

I removed my phone from my back pocket and tapped out a quick text.

Me:

Riley and I are trading places on this one.

Black dots flickered as I waited for the response.

Dope:

I’ll let the boss know. Riley’s not been out in a while anyway. Can’t have her getting rusty.

Me:

Agreed. Send her the details when you have them.

Dope responded with a thumbs-up emoji, and I shoved my cell back into my pocket.

“You’re all set, Riley. Dope will reach out.”