Page 30 of Brutal Reign

The worst part is that time is running out. If I wait too long, the decision will be made for me.

I spend the shift pulling pints with my nose plugged, avoiding the kitchen where the smell of fried food makes my stomach revolt. When the night finally winds down and the pub empties, I’m so tired I’m nearly delirious.

Chloe locks up while I wipe down the last table, neither of us saying much. Outside, the air is damp and cool. It’s the kind of London night that’s become so familiar to me.

Two cabs idle by the curb, waiting for us.

A little over a month ago, a car service just started showing up. No explanation. Just like that, safe rides home after every shift. Now they appear like clockwork, no matter how late we close.

We both assume it’s Darren’s doing, though he’s never said as much.

It’s not the only stroke of luck I’ve had recently. I won free groceries for a year at the local shop. Apparently, they do a loyalty draw annually, but I don’t remember entering. Still, I’m not going to question good fortune when it comes my way.

Maybe the universe is trying to balance itself out after all the shit it’s dealt me.

Chloe gives me a quick wave as she climbs into her cab. “Promise me you’ll call your parents tonight.”

I can’t bring myself to lie to her again, so instead I deflect. “Get home safe,” I call out, then shut the door before she can argue.

The driver drops me off in front of my building. I thank him and climb the steps to my flat, each one feeling like a challenge. As I slip the key into the lock, all I can think about is sinking into a hot bath and then losing myself to sleep.

My Ring camera has been glitching lately. It’s one more thing I need to spend money on that I don’t have. It’ll have to wait until my next paycheck. For now, I rely on the locks alone.

When I flick on the light in my flat, everything looks normal, but my skin prickles with a sixth sense. Something feels off. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end.

I turn, ready to flee?—

“Hello, Hope.”

My breath catches. I spin back toward the voice, heart thudding in my chest. It couldn’t be… My mind must be playing tricks on me.

A figure steps out of the shadows, with the same calculating calm as always.

Simon Lau

CHAPTER

TWELVE

HOPE

For a second,all I can do is stare.

Simon is alive?

It seems impossible, but he’s here in the flesh, standing in my living room.

My hand finds the wall for support. “Simon? I-I thought you died in the attack.”

“I’m very much alive,” he says, stepping forward. “Like you, Hope. We’re both harder to kill than the Syndicate thought.”

“How?” The word comes out strangled. When I was making my escape, I caught a glimpse of what looked like a small army of Syndicate soldiers. My father only had his most senior men and maybe a dozen guards hiding with him, so I didn’t think there was any chance of their survival. But maybe…

“My father?” I ask hopefully.

“I’m sorry. Just me. Sit down. I’ll get you a glass of water,” he says, with familiar authority. “There’s a lot to explain.”

My legs shake as I sink onto the couch while he goes to the kitchen. It’s a shock to see someone I never thought I’dsee again. There was no way to confirm that everyone died that night, but I couldn’t imagine another outcome.