Page 2 of Lord of Ruin

Jenna

Mine. Mine. All mine!

The hard work had finally paid off. To a point.

Only if you get clients coming in through that thick steel door.

My inner voice had been calming over the years, always managing to bring me down to reality. But right now, I wish I had a bottle of champagne to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. I was now a business owner in New York City.

Far, far away from home.

Much to the chagrin of my parents, who hated the fact I’d wanted to remain in New York. They were fearful of the bums and violence, the criminal activity and rude people. I loved them dearly, but they were way too overprotective.

The dazzling city was where I’d wanted to be for as long as I could remember, coming on college breaks and holidays, enjoying the eclectic people and the exciting atmosphere. Now I could call a piece of it my own.

For a hefty monthly price of course.

Laughing, I felt happier than I had in a long time. I’d even found an amazing employee. So far, only one but I had to start somewhere. Right?

I couldn’t help spinning around in a circle for the third time. After all the years of education, working two jobs to try to be able to live off more than just ramen noodles, and putting everything including every dime I had to my name into my dream clinic, my baby had come to fruition.

I was ecstatic.

Eager for the future.

And terrified.

I’d spent all day cleaning and setting the space, adding all my favorite furry baby touches including pictures of doggies and kitties on the walls. I’d been lucky enough to be able to invest in the best equipment, although I’d be paying for it for more than ten years. I had paint under my fingernails, covering my sweatshirt and sweatpants, and my tennis shoes.

Even both cheeks.

I looked like some homeless chick on the streets of New York. But what did I care? I was now the proud owner of Furry Tails Veterinary clinic. My last deed of the day had been to hang my diploma, something I’d worked so hard to achieve, sacrificing almost everything, including parts of my sanity.

I’d had a reason to stay late, a lovely older woman noticing my newly built Facebook page, begging me to stay until she could bring her poodle in. I’d explained I wasn’t quite set up yet, but her sobs had worn down my resolve and I’d agreed. Then she’d been a no show.

A no show.

That wasn’t the best way to start my new business, but I refused to take it as a sign. Plus, it had driven a fire under my butt, and I’d chosen a paint color and worked my little fingers off. I was thrilled with my efforts and the results.

“Yes!” I pumped my fist, blowing silly kisses to the four corners. I was exhausted but happy, eager for a tall glass of wine and some sleep in my fabulous bed inside my cramped Brooklyn apartment. Tomorrow was a new day and I already had three clients on the books. Oh, yeah, baby. I was rocking it already.

Laughing, I realized there was nothing that could deter my good mood. Nothing! I grabbed my purse, suddenly noticing the time. Ugh. It was after eleven. That meant I’d need to walk to the second subway stop, the closest one shutting down promptly at ten. I had no idea why, other than the building where I leased my clinic wasn’t in the best part of town. However, it was all I could afford, even if my landlord was a grade-A jerk.

Still, a working girl had to start somewhere. Right?

I’d celebrate with a glass of cheap wine and the block of cheese I’d been saving for the occasion.

I slung my purse over my shoulder, grabbing the office keys and taking one last look before turning off the lights. When I walked out in the small courtyard, other small businesses surrounding mine, the light breeze sent an instant chill into my bones. After locking the door and shoving the massive set of keys into my purse, I held the leather strap against my body and hurried away from the building.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

While gunfire was typical on any given day in the dark streets of New York, the fact the sound echoed in my ears meant whoever was engaged in a gunfight or partaking in a horrific crime was close. I scanned the street, my heart racing. But I couldn’t see anything even though there were several streetlights on both sides.

I tentatively took several steps further away from the building, debating if I should head back inside, calling the police. Sadly, this neighborhood wasn’t tops on their agenda for patrolling. The seconds I took thinking about my best move were detrimental, a dark figure appearing out of the shadows, grabbing me from behind.

The perpetrator was strong, yanking me off my feet instantly. “No!”

“Shut the fuck up. Be a good girl and play your part.”

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