Page 13 of Web of Lies

Riley

I'm standing in front of a coffee shop, the straw trapped between my lips as I sip on my iced caramel latte.

I hide from the afternoon sun in the shadow of the shop's awning.

Heat shimmers just inches above the hot asphalt.

It's the hottest day of the week, and usually I'd prefer to hide in my apartment to avoid yet another sunburn, but here I am, layered in sunscreen.

My gaze sweeps across the street in front of me, scanning every pedestrian walking past me, looking for someone acting out of place. Someone whose eyes linger longer than they should, but so far, no one has displayed out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

I steal a glance at my phone, pulling up the messaging app I use to stay in touch with Jackson.

This morning, I woke up to a response from him.

I expected a threat, maybe even some instructions, but it was nothing like that.

All I received was a simple "okay." Something that gives me absolutely no clue what his next move is going to be.

How much time is he giving me? Is he giving me time at all?

Instead, I'm left with more question marks than from the original threat.

"Riley." At the sound of my name, I look up from my phone, and I spot Evelyn jogging toward me.

Her heels click against the sidewalk, as if running on high heels were a simple walk in the park.

Her red summer dress hugs her curves, a purse hangs from her shoulder, and her brown hair is pulled into a high ponytail.

"Eve," A smile spreads across my face. Before she reaches me, I drop my phone into my bag, lower my cup of coffee, step forward, and reach out to pull her into a tight hug.

"It's been too long," she says as she hugs me in return, squeezing me.

"Way too long." I pull back, lace the fingers of my free hand with one of hers. "You should move back here."

"Even though we're here once a month, it's a tempting suggestion." A melodic chuckle slips from her lips, and her smile widens. She lets go of my hand and steps closer, hooking her arm around mine as she guides me away from the coffee shop.

"Maybe once a month isn't enough." I flash her a cheeky smile.

"You're actually right about that. We already extended our monthly stay from three days to five, but it's never enough." She hugs my arm closer to her chest. "You know what? You should take time off and finally come visit me." Her lips purse into a pout.

The thought of visiting her triggers a wave of anxiety in the pit of my stomach.

Part of me would love to go, but visiting her would mean meeting Noah in person, something I’ve managed to avoid so far.

Until now, we have only communicated via email, when he provided me with information.

I know that meeting him is inevitable, considering that I'm attending their wedding. However, on that day, he’ll be too busy to pay much attention to me.

Still, the idea of facing him makes my stomach churn.

Over the years, I’ve heard all kinds of rumors about what happens to those who challenge him.

Those stories paint him as a monster. Yet, I know that fear is irrational and foolish.

Evelyn trusts him with her whole heart, and if there’s one person I trust, it’s her.

"Someday, I promise." I shoot her an apologetic smile.

"You've been saying this all summer."

"I know. I couldn't take time off yet." I pull her closer to me. "I'll make time when I can."

"You better."

After another turn, we arrive at the restaurant we used to frequent when Evelyn was living in New York City. The hostess greets us with a warm smile and seats us at an outdoor table, where we sit across from each other. Within minutes of ordering, the server brings us our drinks.

"Now," Evelyn says, sipping her drink. "How are you doing?"

"I'm good," I say, offering her a smile before taking a sip.

"Really?" Her brows furrow.

"What do you mean?"

"You don't look too well," she says, reaching across the table and gently nudging my cheek. "You have dark circles."

My eyes widen, and I reach for my bag, fishing for my mini hairbrush with a mirror, and pop it open.

She's right. Despite the layer of foundation and concealer, a subtle shadow shines through, and the swelling of my dark circles pokes out.

A groan ripples from my throat, and I flick the brush shut and drop it back into my bag.

"Life has just been a lot lately. Little sleep and lots of overtime." I say, trying to brush it off. "You know how stressful it can be."

"I do," she says, her gaze locked on mine. "Did something happen?"

"No, thank God, no. Everyone is well."

"Then what is so important that you're overworking yourself?"

"You realize you're asking for sensitive information?" I furrow my brows and lean back in my chair. I lift my drink, reach for the straw, and in a soothing gesture stir the sugar sitting at the bottom of the glass.

"I know, but come on. I worked there." She rolls her eyes. "It's not like I don't know what you're doing."

Well, she’s not wrong. She knows Hunt Corp.

inside and out better than anyone else. Even though she left three years ago, she hasn't forgotten what the company is doing.

Additionally, not much has changed since she left.

A few familiar names left after her, and we hired new employees to fill the gaps, but the roster has remained mostly the same.

Business is still business. She knows that, and so do I.

"Okay, okay," I say, bringing my drink up to my lips and taking a sip before setting it back down. "I'm currently researching someone, but finding information is harder than we expected." That's a half-truth, because technically, it's part of my job.

"Does it have to do with—" Her eyes leave me as she quickly glances around us, then leans closer. "The Butcher?" Her voice drops to a whisper.

"No," I lie and shake my head. "It's someone else, and we're on a tight schedule."

"I see." She nods. "But since we're already on the topic..." She rummages through her purse until she pulls out a small, folded piece of paper. "Here are the restaurants." She holds it out to me, and I take it, stealing a glance at the names and addresses.

"Thank you." I offer her a smile before slipping the paper into my bag.

"With pleasure." She hums and leans back, playing with her straw. "You've helped me so much in the past. If I can ever help you with anything, please don't hesitate to ask. This includes work-related stuff. Maybe Noah also has information about your current project."

My gaze stays on her. She's already done more than enough.

Getting her to ask her fiancé about the Butcher was risky and put me right on his radar.

If he wanted to, Noah could start digging into what I'm doing.

Even though he's not on my level when it comes to computers, hacking, or getting into places he shouldn't, I'd be stupid to underestimate him.

Over the years, he's shown he knows what he's doing.

Until I had his legal name, I couldn't find a single scrap of information about the Dove Killer online, no matter how hard I tried.

I don't need any more information from them. More than anything, I want a day off with my friend—a day without worries, work, or depressing conversations.

"You can help me by simply enjoying my day off with me," I say with a smile.

"Nothing is easier than that." She winks. "You know what? Next time we're back in the city and you're done with the job, we should go out and celebrate. It's been forever since I've gone out dancing."

"That sounds perfect, but will Noah let you?" I arch an eyebrow.

"He should try to stop me," she says, rolling her eyes. "It’s his choice. He can either stay home and mope or come along and keep an eye on me and our drinks."

"Having someone watch over our drinks is always welcome." I snort, forcing back a laugh as a puff of air slips out. "It's been a while since I've gone to the club with just girls."

She raises an eyebrow and scoots closer to the table. "But haven't you been to the club lately?"

Oh, crap. Heat spreads across my cheeks, and I raise a hand to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

Of course, Evelyn can see the pictures I post on my status, and I've shared more than a few photos from nights out with Kyle.

Even though I always cropped him out, what if I missed something?

What if she caught a glimpse of him in the background?

"It’s… someone."

"Something serious?" She plants her elbows on the table and rests her chin in the palm of her hands, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"No, we're just hooking up. Nothing serious." I smile, but Evelyn's lips purse into a pout.

"I hope whoever it is gives you all the fun and pleasure you deserve," she says, her pout shifting into a smirk.

"He does. It's the best sex I've had in a long time.

" I pause, my lips quirking into a half-smile. Actually, that's an understatement. Because it’s the best sex I’ve ever had.

With Kyle, it's not just about getting off like it is with other guys. He pushes me past my comfort zones in ways I never thought I’d enjoy.

"Good. Otherwise, I'd have to tell you to get rid of him," she says with a chuckle as she sips her drink. "Life is too short for bad sex."

I really appreciate Evelyn. She’s one of the few people who never made me feel different for choosing hookups over commitment.

Not once did she tell me I’d be happier if I settled down or found " the one" .

Loving someone means having something to lose, and Evelyn knows that better than anyone.

She almost lost " the one " to the world we’re part of.

She held him while he bled and nursed him back when his body was more broken than whole.

Relationships in our line of work aren't easy.

They require effort, trust, and a kind of hope that's difficult to hold on to when you don't know what tomorrow will bring. And I don’t have that hope in me.

Not with so many lies and secrets looming over me.

I can't afford to drag anyone else into the mess I've made. It's too risky. Too dangerous.

"Life's too short in general," I say.

"So true," Evelyn sighs as she leans back in her chair with a soft smile on her lips. "Luckily, we found each other early in life."

"That's true. I don’t know what I’d be doing without you."

"You'd probably have a more peaceful time." She scoffs. "Without having to listen to the drama about my plans for the wedding."

"It's pretty entertaining, though."

"Is it?" The pitch of her voice rises with confusion.

"Yes, because I look forward to seeing you bring your criminal past and your "normal" life together for one day."

"It's not funny! It’s a real problem!" She throws her hands up and falls back into her chair.

"Why not have two different ceremonies?" My shoulders lift in a shrug.

"Because it wouldn't be the same, and then I'd have to decide who gets to see the "real" first one." Her lips purse into a pout. "I want all of my friends there. I mean, I trust you to sit beside some of my girlfriends, but some of the other guests?"

"They all know there will be outsiders, and we all know how to keep our mouths shut. It'll be fine."

"God, I hope you're right. I want it to be a perfect day." She says with a sigh.

"Is any wedding ever perfect?"

"Probably not." A small laugh slips out of her. "But as long as the ceremony goes well and I get my cake, I can deal with a couple of hiccups during the reception."

The sudden, thunderous roar of an engine interrupts our conversation, and Evelyn and I both turn toward the sound, ruining our otherwise peaceful noon. My gaze lands on two guys in full gear sitting on their motorcycles across the street.

"Idiots," I mutter.

"I totally agree," Evelyn adds.