Page 15 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Oh, go to Francine’s for clothing. Some new, some used, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.” She waved me toward the door before I could ask how she knew all that. Was she telepathic?

Not a hundred percent positive I should be taking clothing advice from my new boss, considering her style and mine were very different, but willing to at least give it a try, I pulled out my phone and typed in the address. It was within walking distance. Excellent.

The text reply button flashed at me, and I chewed at my lower lip as I hit the icon while I walked.

See you at four.

Well, that was a non-answer if I’d ever seen one. What did that mean?

My puppy brushed against my leg as if trying to reassure me while I shoved the unreasonable anxiety away.

Had I screwed up?

I pulled my glasses off and cleaned them on my shirt.

Backward pressure on the leash and a quick bark were all that saved me from plowing into someone on the street.

“Oh, sorry!” I shoved my glasses back on my face.

The man that stared back at me gave haughty a textbook definition.

“You should be.”

Every warning sense I’d developed over the last couple of years dealing with the trafficking ring went off, and I backed away, hating myself for retreating, but not at all interested in making myself memorable to this person. Besides that, there was something vaguely familiar about his voice and his profile, though I was certain I’d never seen him before now.

I pulled Nimbus into the nearest store, heart racing.

“We’re closed,” a familiar voice said.

I spun around, noticed I was in more of a dance club type setting than a store, and widened my eyes when I saw Jaz behind the bar.

“Jaz?”

“Hannah, you shouldn’t be here. It’s not at all safe.”

“This guy—” I pointed at the door just as the bell chimed and “this guy” followed me inside.

Jaz’s eyes narrowed. “She’s under Katsuro’s protection. Leave.”

The guy smirked. “She’s not in his territory, Jaz. She’s in ours. As are you. Best you remember that.” He sauntered past, his gaze lingering on me before flicking toward Nimbus. He widened his eyes in surprise.

Nimbus had his lips drawn back in an impressive display of teeth for a puppy his size.

“I’ll discuss this with you later, Jaz.” The man went deeper into the club.

Jaz turned toward me. “Leave, now.”

I figured I could get answers later, so I split. So much for not making myself memorable to whoever that was.

I hurried on to the clothing store, heart racing. Nimbus trotted along at my side, tail curled up over his back, but an alertness to his expression I’d not seen before.

I stared in the mirror and hoped that I’d dressed up enough for the evening, while still remaining casual. Davin had said this wasn’t a fancy date, after all. I was so not ready for this. What if I slipped up and said something I shouldn’t? While I’d been able to keep my face out of the news, the trial and aftermath had made the national news. There had been some big names involved.

This was a mistake. I went to pick up my phone and tell Davin I needed to reschedule, but Nimbus placed a paw on my phone and snuffled me with his adorable little snoot. I got the feeling he was telling me everything would be okay.

The cool draft I’d felt every day since I moved in swirled around me. I couldn’t pin it down and it never seemed to be tied to any one location.

Grumbling, I took the phone after Nimbus moved his paw, grabbed his leash and my bag, and headed out of my apartment.

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